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, Uncle Julio's - Columbia (10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Ste 2530) and Corner Stable - Columbia (8630 Guilford Road) are great picks. For delicious green meals, Cazbar - Columbia (9400 Snowden River Pkwy Ste 122) and Homeslyce - Columbia (9400 Snowden River Pkwy) are recommended spots to get vegetarian or vegan food in Columbia.

When to visit Columbia

Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
C$ 139
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
C$ 139
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 1h 27m.

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 C$ 15 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about C$ 15 for a 1h 53m 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 Avis, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, Washington Deluxe and Bus. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 177 km and will cost you around C$ 33. From New York, the ticket costs about C$ 79 for a journey of 314 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 1h 27m.

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 C$ 15 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about C$ 15 for a 1h 53m 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 Avis, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, Washington Deluxe and Bus. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 177 km and will cost you around C$ 33. From New York, the ticket costs about C$ 79 for a journey of 314 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the downtown.

Airports near Columbia

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (1,359 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,837 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,972 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,678 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,558 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,561 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,943 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,373 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (7,871 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,325 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,309 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,236 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,338 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,236 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,394 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,914 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (892 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (877 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,600 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (314 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$ 324+
DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
C$ 154+
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
C$ 150+
Hampton Inn Columbia
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
C$ 135+
Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
C$ 209+
Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
C$ 169+

Renting a car in Columbia

Expect to pay C$ 1.28 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$ 15.34 and C$ 20.46. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Intermediate (Jeep Cherokee or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Hyundai Accent or similar) are, on average, 54% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Expect to pay C$ 1.28 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$ 15.34 and C$ 20.46. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Intermediate (Jeep Cherokee or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Hyundai Accent or similar) are, on average, 54% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.