Raleigh, NC, USA to Columbia, SC, USA from $8: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Raleigh to Columbia: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$8 by trainBest price
296 kmDistance
3h 46m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Raleigh to Columbia with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Raleigh - Columbia operators
Explore transport companies operating between Raleigh and Columbia, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Raleigh Union Station to Columbia Amtrak Station
Average Duration
4h 31mEstimated price
$8-110Contact phone
646-630-7186Website
https://www.wandacoach.gotobus.com/cgi-bin/ivyu.cgi?gid=657605&d=wanda-travel/
Bus from Saunders St, Raleigh, NC to Columbia, SC
Average Duration
4h 15mEstimated price
$80-80Contact phone
+1 404-591-2750Website
https://southeasternstages.com
Bus from Raleigh to Columbia
Average Duration
5h 5mEstimated price
$80-85Website
aa.com
Plane from Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Columbia (CAE)
Average Duration
3h 55mEstimated price
$82-83Plane from Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Columbia (CAE)
Average Duration
3h 52mEstimated price
$82-83Plane from Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Columbia (CAE)
Average Duration
6h 6mEstimated price
$82-83Plane from Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Columbia (CAE)
Average Duration
6h 19mEstimated price
$82-83Website
delta.com
Plane from Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Columbia (CAE)
Average Duration
4h 18mEstimated price
$84-800Plane from Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Columbia (CAE)
Average Duration
5h 9mEstimated price
$85-800Website
united.com
Plane from Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Columbia (CAE)
Average Duration
4h 5mEstimated price
$82-86Raleigh to Columbia: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Raleigh and Columbia offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip spanning 227 miles from Raleigh to Columbia promising a smooth journey of approximately 3 hours and 46 minutes behind the wheel.
💸 Experience budget-friendly travel options with prices ranging from $40 to $60 for the car ride between Raleigh and Columbia, offering an economical way to explore the picturesque landscapes along the route.
Average price
$40 - $60
🚆 Depart from Raleigh Union Station and enjoy a scenic train journey to Columbia Amtrak Station in South Carolina. The direct train service operates once daily, with a travel time of approximately 4 hours and 31 minutes.
💰 Ticket prices for the Raleigh to Columbia train range from $8 to $110, making it an affordable and hassle-free transportation option for those looking to explore the cultural delights of South Carolina's capital city.
Departure Point
Raleigh Union Station
Arrival Point
Columbia Amtrak Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• The Amtrak Crescent is the primary operator for the Raleigh to Columbia route. Onboard, you can expect a cafe car offering a selection of snacks and beverages, including sandwiches, salads, and alcoholic drinks. The cafe typically accepts both cash and credit cards, making it convenient for grab-and-go dining.
• Amtrak provides different seating options on this route: Coach Class, Business Class, and First Class. Coach Class is the most economical choice, while Business Class offers wider seats and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. First Class is usually not available on this route, but opt for Business Class if you seek a more spacious and premium experience.
• Upon your arrival in Columbia, you’ll disembark at the Columbia Amtrak Station. There are restroom facilities available on-site, and luggage storage services may vary, so it's best to check in advance. To navigate easily, familiarize yourself with the local transport options like the COMET bus service, which connects the train station to downtown. For the fastest route to the city center, you can take the COMET bus route 1 or 2 directly from the station.
🛫 The trip from Raleigh to Columbia by plane involves a journey with one stopover, typically lasting around 3 hours and 6 minutes.
💰 Depending on the specific flight and timing, the prices for traveling between Raleigh and Columbia by air can range from $162 to $394.
Departure Point
Raleigh/Durham Airport
Arrival Point
Columbia Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 6m and has one stopover
🛤️ The bus journey from Raleigh to Columbia takes approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes, including transfers.
💰 Ticket prices for the bus ride between these two cities range from $59 to $79, making it a convenient and affordable travel option.
Departure Point
Saunders St, Raleigh, NC station
Arrival Point
Columbia, SC station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Raleigh to Columbia.
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The cheapest way to travel from Raleigh to Columbia is by taking a train. Amtrak operates several daily trains between the two cities, offering affordable ticket prices ranging from $8 to $110. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 31 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views of North and South Carolina along the way.
The fastest way to travel from Raleigh to Columbia is by driving. The drive takes approximately 3 hours and 46 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost of gas for the trip is around $40-$60.
The distance between Raleigh and Columbia is approximately 296 km. If you prefer to travel by road, the total distance is about 365 km. This driving distance typically takes around 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic conditions.
The easiest way to travel from Raleigh to Columbia without a car is by taking a train. Amtrak offers several daily departures from Raleigh to Columbia, with a travel time of approximately 4 hours and 31 minutes. The cost of a one-way ticket ranges from $8 to $110, depending on the time of booking and class of service. Be sure to check the Amtrak website for the most up-to-date schedules and fares.
The train journey from Raleigh to Columbia takes approximately 4 hours and 31 minutes.
The cheapest option for traveling from Raleigh to Columbia is by train, with tickets ranging from $8 to $110. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 31 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus that costs between $55 and $80 and has a slightly longer travel time of 4 hours and 56 minutes. Another option is flying, which typically costs between $160 and $400, but the travel time is longer at around 6 hours and 3 minutes, including flight and airport procedures.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Columbia. With over 211 hotels to choose from, you can easily find a place that suits your preferences and budget. Prices for hotels start at $51 per night, offering a range of options for different budgets and needs.
Yes, you can drive from Raleigh to Columbia. The driving distance is approximately 365 km, and it typically takes around 3 hours and 46 minutes to complete the journey.
Yes, there is no direct bus between Raleigh and Columbia. However, there are bus services available that require transfers. The journey starts from Saunders St in Raleigh and ends at Laurel Sumter EB in Columbia. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes.
To catch the bus from Raleigh to Columbia you will need to go to the Saunders St station. This is where the bus services, operated by Wanda Coach, depart from.
The Raleigh to Columbia bus arrives at the Columbia station. The bus service is operated by Wanda Coach.
United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines all offer flights from Raleigh/Durham Airport to Columbia Airport.
The fastest way to get from Raleigh to Columbia by plane is to take a flight with one stopover. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between Raleigh/Durham Airport and Columbia Airport. The quickest flight option takes approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes. Airlines such as United Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines offer flights between these two airports. The flight duration is around 6 hours and 3 minutes, including the layover. The prices for a flight range from $162 to $394, depending on the airline and time of booking.
The flight from Raleigh to Columbia typically takes around 3 hours and 5 minutes, but please note that there are no direct flights between these two airports.
Trains from Raleigh to Columbia arrive at Columbia Amtrak Station. This station is located at 850 Pulaski Street, Columbia 29201.
Yes, there is a direct train between Raleigh and Columbia. The train departs from Raleigh Union Station and arrives at Columbia Amtrak Station. The service operates once daily and runs every day. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 31 minutes.
To catch the train from Raleigh to Columbia you will need to go to Raleigh Union Station. This is where Amtrak operates their train services for this route.
The cost of a flight from Raleigh to Columbia can range from $162 to $394.
The cost of a train ticket from Raleigh to Columbia can range from $8 to $110, depending on factors such as the type of ticket and how far in advance it is purchased.
The cost of a bus ticket from Raleigh to Columbia ranges from $59 to $79.
The cost of driving from Raleigh to Columbia can vary depending on factors such as fuel prices and the type of vehicle you are driving. On average, you can expect to spend around $40 to $60 on gas for the round trip.