Columbia, SC, USA to Bethesda, MD, USA from $23: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Columbia to Bethesda: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$23 by trainBest price

660 kmDistance

3h 49m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Columbia to Bethesda 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.

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Columbia - Bethesda operators

Explore transport companies operating between Columbia and Bethesda, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane

Website

aa.com

Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Reagan Washington (DCA)

Average Duration

1h 36m

Estimated price

$504-505

Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Washington Dulles (IAD)

Average Duration

1h 36m

Estimated price

$504-3200

Plane from Augusta (AGS) to Reagan Washington (DCA)

Average Duration

1h 42m

Estimated price

$504-506

Website

delta.com

Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Reagan Washington (DCA)

Average Duration

3h 53m

Estimated price

$502-507

Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Washington Dulles (IAD)

Average Duration

3h 56m

Estimated price

$508-507

Website

united.com

Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Washington Dulles (IAD)

Average Duration

1h 36m

Estimated price

$504-3200

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Columbia Amtrak Station to Washington Union Station

Average Duration

10h 55m

Estimated price

$503-501

Contact phone

+1 202-637-7000

Website

wmata.com

Train from Metro Center, Red Line Track 2 Platform to Bethesda, Red Line Center Platform

Average Duration

19m

Estimated price

$3201-3202

Train from Washington Dulles International Airport, Silver Line Center Platform to Metro Center, Blue/Orange/Silver Line Center Platform

Average Duration

54m

Estimated price

$3201-3204

Bus

Contact phone

646-630-7186

Website

wandacoach.com

Bus from Columbia, SC to Raleigh, NC

Average Duration

Estimated price

$3208-3209

Bus from Raleigh, NC - Buck Jones Rd to Washington, DC

Average Duration

Estimated price

$3208-0

Contact phone

+1 646-630-7186

Website

gotobus.com

Bus from Raleigh, NC - Buck Jones Rd to Washington, DC

Average Duration

Estimated price

$0-0

Columbia to Bethesda: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Columbia and Bethesda 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 from Columbia to Bethesda covering a distance of 492 miles. Enjoy the journey through picturesque landscapes and charming towns along the route. 💰 Plan your budget accordingly as the prices for a drive from Columbia to Bethesda range from $85 to $130. Factor in costs for fuel, tolls, meals, and any potential stops or detours along the way. 🌆 Arrive in Bethesda after approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes of driving, ready to explore this vibrant city with its rich history, cultural attractions, and diverse culinary scene.

Average price

$85 - $130

🚆 Traveling by train from Columbia to Bethesda involves a journey with one transfer at Washington Union Station. The total duration of the trip, including transfers, is approximately 11 hours and 23 minutes. 🚆 The prices for a train ticket between Columbia and Bethesda can range from $23 to $179, offering travelers different options based on their budget and preferences. Enjoy the scenic ride and relax as you make your way to this vibrant city in Maryland.

Departure Point

Columbia Amtrak Station

Arrival Point

Washington Union Station

🛫 Travel from Columbia to Bethesda via plane is convenient and efficient. The quickest direct flight from Columbia Airport to Reagan Washington Airport takes just 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Departure Point

Columbia Airport

Arrival Point

Reagan Washington Airport

🚏 Traveling by bus from Columbia to Bethesda takes approximately 13 hours and 13 minutes, including transfers in cities like Raleigh, NC and Washington, DC.

Departure Point

Columbia, SC station

Arrival Point

Washington, DC station

Frequently asked questions

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The distance between Columbia and Bethesda is 410 miles or 492 miles by road. Travel times by different modes of transportation vary - it takes 11 hours and 23 minutes by train, 3 hours and 49 minutes by flying to Reagan Washington and then taking the subway, 8 hours and 10 minutes by car, and 13 hours and 13 minutes by bus. When choosing how to travel between the two cities, consider factors such as time constraints, budget, and personal preference for convenience and comfort.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Columbia to Bethesda is by train, with tickets ranging from $23 to $180 and a travel time of 11 hours and 23 minutes. However, the most time-efficient method is to fly from Columbia to Reagan Washington Airport and then take the subway to Bethesda, which takes only 3 hours and 49 minutes at a cost of $45 to $320. Depending on your priorities in terms of cost and time, you can choose between these two transportation options for your journey.

The prices for a train ticket from Columbia to Bethesda range from $23 to $179, depending on factors such as the class of service and how far in advance the ticket is purchased. Additionally, flying from Columbia to Reagan Washington and then taking a subway to Bethesda may cost anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the airline and time of booking. It is advisable to compare prices and book tickets early to secure the best deals for your trip between Columbia and Bethesda.

To travel from Columbia to Bethesda without using public transportation, you can drive the approximately 492-mile distance. With an estimated driving time of 8 hours and 10 minutes, taking your own vehicle or renting a car allows for flexibility in stops and sightseeing along the way. The cost for a one-way trip by car typically ranges from $85 to $130 depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls. This option provides convenience and the freedom to create your own itinerary during the journey.

The best way to travel from Columbia to Bethesda without a car is by taking a train, which takes approximately 11 hours and 23 minutes. You can expect the cost of the train ticket to range from $23 to $180. This option provides a convenient and relatively comfortable mode of transportation between the two cities without the need for a personal vehicle.

There is no direct train or bus link between Columbia and Bethesda. For train travel, passengers would need to take an Amtrak service from Columbia to Washington Union Station and then transfer to the Red Line Center Platform to reach Bethesda, taking approximately 11 hours and 23 minutes. Alternatively, for bus travel, individuals would need to take a series of services with transfers at different locations, such as Raleigh, NC and Washington, DC, making the journey last around 13 hours and 13 minutes. Despite the lack of direct connections, it is still possible to travel between Columbia and Bethesda using a combination of train and bus services.

The quickest direct flight from Columbia Airport to Reagan Washington Airport typically takes 1 hour and 35 minutes. The average cost of this flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors, but it is generally around $200 to $300 for a one-way ticket. It's always a good idea to compare prices and book in advance to get the best deals on flights between Columbia and Bethesda.

There are over 1218 hotels available in Bethesda offering a range of accommodation options. Prices for these hotels start at $68 per night, catering to different budget preferences. Visitors can choose from a variety of hotels located conveniently near Bethesda's attractions, dining options, and public transportation for easy access to explore the area. It is advisable to book in advance to secure the best rates and availability for your stay in Bethesda.