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 4 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
C$ 140
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
C$ 140
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 Canada departs from Toronto and takes around 4h.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Columbia. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 28m and costs around C$ 7 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about C$ 14 for a 1h 57m trip.

Car

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

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Megabus, Bus and CoachRun. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 282 km and will cost you around C$ 16. From New York, the ticket costs about C$ 16 for a journey of 443 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the downtown.

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 Canada departs from Toronto and takes around 4h.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Columbia. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 28m and costs around C$ 7 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about C$ 14 for a 1h 57m trip.

Car

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

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Megabus, Bus and CoachRun. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 282 km and will cost you around C$ 16. From New York, the ticket costs about C$ 16 for a journey of 443 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the downtown.

Airports near Columbia

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (847 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,460 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,601 reviews)
Air France
Good (973 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,549 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,936 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,482 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,741 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (833 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,161 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (915 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (834 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,520 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (708 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (490 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,606 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (180 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

Live! Casino And Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
C$ 294+
DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
C$ 218+
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
C$ 163+
Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
C$ 217+
Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore, An IHG Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
C$ 167+
Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore at BWI Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
C$ 223+

Renting a car in Columbia

Expect to pay C$ 1.43 per litre in Columbia (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between C$ 17.06 and C$ 22.75. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Intermediate (Chevrolet Bolt EUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 52% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Expect to pay C$ 1.43 per litre in Columbia (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between C$ 17.06 and C$ 22.75. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Intermediate (Chevrolet Bolt EUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 52% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.