Columbia travel guide

Columbia Tourism | Columbia Guide

You're Going to Love Columbia

With a population of 99.615, Columbia is a must-see destination in Maryland, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Columbia has to offer.

Where to Eat in Columbia

If you’re looking for affordable options, Maggiano's - Columbia (10300 Little Patuxent Parkway) and Uncle Julio's - Columbia (10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Ste 2530) are great picks.

When to visit Columbia

Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$168
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
$168
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Columbia

Plane

When flying to Columbia, you’ll arrive at Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI), which is located 17 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Columbia from New Zealand departs from Auckland and takes around 26h 59m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 28m and costs around $10 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $29 for a 1h 53m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Columbia is to pick up a car hire from New York, which is about 298 km from Columbia. You’ll find branches of Dollar and Thrifty, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Megabus, Bus and Greyhound. From Baltimore, the bus ride to Columbia takes 56 km and will cost you around $10. From Philadelphia, the ticket costs about $20 for a journey of 282 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the city centre.

Plane

When flying to Columbia, you’ll arrive at Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI), which is located 17 km from the city centre. The shortest flight to Columbia from New Zealand departs from Auckland and takes around 26h 59m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 28m and costs around $10 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Richmond, expect to pay about $29 for a 1h 53m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Columbia is to pick up a car hire from New York, which is about 298 km from Columbia. You’ll find branches of Dollar and Thrifty, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Megabus, Bus and Greyhound. From Baltimore, the bus ride to Columbia takes 56 km and will cost you around $10. From Philadelphia, the ticket costs about $20 for a journey of 282 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the city centre.

Airports near Columbia

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (848 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,590 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,594 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,601 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,116 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,963 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,435 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,947 reviews)
Finnair
Good (862 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,168 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,726 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (518 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,586 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (726 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (1,357 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (186 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Columbia

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South and Extended Stay America Select Suites - Columbia - Gateway Drive.

Where to stay in popular areas of Columbia

Most booked hotels in Columbia

Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$236+
Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore at BWI Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
$245+
DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel Baltimore - BWI Airport
4 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
$205+
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Baltimore Air
3 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
$185+
Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Bwi Airport Baltimore
2 stars
Good (6, Good reviews)
$102+

Hiring a car in Columbia

Expect to pay $1.69 per litre in Columbia (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $20.23 and $26.97. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Luxury (Tesla Model Y or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Chevrolet Spark or similar) is, on average, 57% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Expect to pay $1.69 per litre in Columbia (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $20.23 and $26.97. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Luxury (Tesla Model Y or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy car hire (Chevrolet Spark or similar) is, on average, 57% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.