Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

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.

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Where to Eat in Columbia

If you’re looking for affordable options, Glenwood's - Stanford Grill: Columbia (8900 Stanford Boulevard) and The Food Market - Columbia (10480 Little Patuxent Pkwy) are great picks.

When to visit Columbia

Columbia in January
Estimated hotel price
C$ 155
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in January
Estimated hotel price
C$ 155
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 29m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 33m and costs around C$ 8 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about C$ 15 for a 1h 51m 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 Ace and Thrifty, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, Washington Deluxe and OurBus. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 225 km and will cost you around C$ 34. From New York, the ticket costs about C$ 78 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 29m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Columbia, followed by Acela. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 33m and costs around C$ 8 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about C$ 15 for a 1h 51m 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 Ace and Thrifty, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Columbia, including Peter Pan Bus Lines, Washington Deluxe and OurBus. From Philadelphia, the bus ride to Columbia takes 225 km and will cost you around C$ 34. From New York, the ticket costs about C$ 78 for a journey of 314 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the downtown.

Airports near Columbia

FDKFrederick
FMEFort Meade Tipton

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (1,443 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,695 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,112 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,207 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,098 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,193 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,728 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,523 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,487 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,652 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,662 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,374 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,143 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,356 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,173 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,787 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,127 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,895 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (290 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (191 reviews)
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Where to stay in Columbia

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Extended Stay America Select Suites - Columbia - Gateway Drive and Extended Stay America Suites - Columbia - Columbia Corporate Park.

Where to stay in popular areas of Columbia

Most booked hotels in Columbia

See all
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
C$ 142+
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SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbia Fort Meade Area
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
C$ 150+
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Staybridge Suites Columbia - Baltimore By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
C$ 143+
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Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia South
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
C$ 143+
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Hampton Inn Columbia
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
C$ 136+
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore at BWI Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
C$ 146+
View

Renting a car in Columbia

Expect to pay C$ 1.15 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$ 13.71 and C$ 18.27. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Full-size (Nissan Pathfinder or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Standard rental cars (Class Commercial Truck or similar) are, on average, 70% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Expect to pay C$ 1.15 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$ 13.71 and C$ 18.27. The most frequently booked car type in Columbia is Full-size (Nissan Pathfinder or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Standard rental cars (Class Commercial Truck or similar) are, on average, 70% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.