The cheapest and fastest trains from Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC
Cheapest price
$118
Average price
$134
Fastest journey
8 h 18 m
Average duration
8 h 18 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
510 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC will cost around $134 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $118.
Of the 2 trains that leave Richmond, VA for Columbia, SC on Thu, Aug 27, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 27 the direct trains cover the 510 km distance in an average of 8 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 18 m .
On Thu, Aug 27 the slowest trains will take 8 h 18 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
9:07 PM8h18Richmond, VA5:25 AMColumbia, SC$1181One-way0 transfers
8:07 PM8h18Richmond, VA4:25 AMColumbia, SC$1491One-way0 transfers
9:07 PM8h18Richmond, VA5:25 AMColumbia, SC$1181One-way0 transfers
8:07 PM8h18Richmond, VA4:25 AMColumbia, SC$1491One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $64, and a flight costs an average of $291.
Distance: 316 miles (510 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$112 Average price | $64 Average price Cheapest | $402 Average price | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 48m Average total duration 8h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 55m Average total duration 7h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 8m Average total duration Fastest 5h 8m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC:
A bus is $49 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC costing on average $112.
A bus is $338 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC costing on average $402.
Other travel options to Columbia, SC take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 25m.
Train takes on average 8h 18m.
Tickets start at around $112 compared to roughly $78 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-34.92. The journey takes 8h 18m versus 5h 24m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC train times
The table below shows live departures for Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC trains for today, Wednesday, August 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:07 PM Richmond, VA | 8h18 | 5:25 AM Columbia, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, August 27 | |||||
![]() | 8:07 PM Richmond, VA | 8h18 | 4:25 AM Columbia, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Aug 27
Aug 28
Aug 29
Aug 30
Aug 31
Sep 01
Sep 02
Journey information
Overview: Train from Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC
Trains from Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $83 but you can travel from only $64 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:13, the last at 17:07. The fastest train covers the 316 miles (510 km) distance in 8h 18m.
Distance 316 miles (510 km) |
Average train duration 8h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $83 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 8h 18m |
First train 4:13 AM |
Last train 5:07 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Richmond, VA and Columbia, SC from $64. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Columbia, SC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC
Most Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC trains use the Staples Mill Road Station to Columbia Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Richmond, VA and Columbia, SC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Richmond, VA station do trains to Columbia, SC leave from?
Getting to Staples Mill Road Station from Richmond city centre
Staples Mill Road Station is 7 km from Richmond city centre. Public transport options include:
Staples Mill Road Station train station facilities and services
Staples Mill Road Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Staples Mill Road Station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Staples Mill Road Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Staples Mill Road Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Staples Mill Road Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Staples Mill Road Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Staples Mill Road Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Getting to Main Street Station from Richmond city centre
Main Street Station is 3 km from Richmond city centre. Public transport options include:
Main Street Station train station facilities and services
Main Street Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Roosevelt, Lemaire Restaurant
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Main Street Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Main Street Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Main Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Main Street Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Main Street Station: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Berkeley Hotel, Omni Richmond Hotel, The Commonwealth.
Which Columbia, SC station do trains from Richmond, VA arrive at?
Getting to Columbia Station from Columbia city centre
Columbia Station train station facilities and services
Columbia Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Columbia Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Columbia Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Columbia Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Columbia Station: Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbia Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Most popular train connections from Richmond, VA
More options for your journey from Richmond, VA to Columbia, SC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
