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. Consider staying at least one whole day in Columbia to see all of its attractions.

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
AED 377
1 night at 3-star hotel
Columbia in December
Estimated hotel price
AED 377
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 the United Arab Emirates departs from Dubai and takes around 14h 20m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Columbia. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 28m and costs around AED 18 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about AED 37 for a 1h 56m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Columbia is to pick up a car hire from New York, which is about 298 km from Columbia. You’ll find branches of Budget and Dollar, 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 AED 44. From New York, the ticket costs about AED 44 for a journey of 443 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the city centre.

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 the United Arab Emirates departs from Dubai and takes around 14h 20m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Columbia. The train journey from Columbia to Baltimore takes 0h 28m and costs around AED 18 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Philadelphia, expect to pay about AED 37 for a 1h 56m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Columbia is to pick up a car hire from New York, which is about 298 km from Columbia. You’ll find branches of Budget and Dollar, 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 AED 44. From New York, the ticket costs about AED 44 for a journey of 443 km. Columbia’s bus station is located 4 km from the city centre.

Airports near Columbia

Airlines serving Columbia

KLM
Good (848 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,452 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,599 reviews)
Air France
Good (973 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,549 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,929 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,478 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,729 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
TAP Portugal
Good (1,160 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,516 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (708 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (487 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,607 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

Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
AED 582+
Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore at BWI Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
AED 600+
DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel Baltimore - BWI Airport
4 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
AED 460+
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Baltimore Air
3 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
AED 404+
Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Bwi Airport Baltimore
2 stars
Good (6, Good reviews)
AED 272+

Hiring a car in Columbia

Expect to pay AED 3.79 per litre in Columbia (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between AED 45.40 and AED 60.53. 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 car hire (Ford Fiesta or similar) is, on average, 52% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Expect to pay AED 3.79 per litre in Columbia (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between AED 45.40 and AED 60.53. 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 car hire (Ford Fiesta or similar) is, on average, 52% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.