Next train departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Train | Chicago (Union Station), IL | Columbia, SC | CheapestFastest |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 2:42 AM CST.
Get from Chicago to Columbia
The journey takes about 1 day, 4 hours 45 minutes and with fares starting at just $206, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Train Companies
Based on 5676 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $206
Frequently asked questions about traveling from Chicago to Columbia, SC by train
Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.
How much is the train ticket from Chicago to Columbia?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Columbia start from $206. The average price for this train route is around $361. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Chicago to Columbia?
The average train ride duration from Chicago to Columbia is 1d 4h, covering a distance of 651 miles (1050 km). The quickest train can get you there in 1d 4h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the Chicago to Columbia route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 1 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Chicago to Columbia?
The earliest train departs from Chicago to Columbia at 6:40pm. And the latest train departs at 6:40pm.
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Chicago to Columbia, SC was searched and found on Dec 24, 2025 with a price of $197To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Chicago to Columbia, SC, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $197 to $1,334 for a train ticket from Chicago to Columbia, SC based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $237 which is on 2025-12-26.
