Columbia is comprised of 32.2 square miles, which includes 31.9 square miles of land and .3 square miles of water.

Columbia is served by six Howard Transit bus routes that connect it with neighboring areas such as Ellicott City, while several Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) routes provide access to and from both Washington and Baltimore. MTA weekday commuter bus service connects Columbia to the Washington Metro system. There are no rail stations within Columbia, although the Dorsey MARC Train station is served by Howard Transit buses.

Columbia has a number of major roadways that provide drivers with quick access to Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Annapolis: U.S. Route 29, Interstate 95, MD 32, MD 108, MD 100, and MD 175.

Local/Regional Bus Service:

Columbia is served by the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA). RTA provides extensive bus service in and around Howard County with 15 routes, seven of which connect at the Mall in Columbia. General operations are 6am-10pm Monday through Friday, and 8am-6pm on weekends and holidays. For more information on how to get to your destination, please visit www.transitRTA.com. Click here for information for ticket purchase locations.

Columbia is also served by commuter buses with direct connections to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. View schedule to help plan your trip to work and purchase tickets.

Neighbor Ride

An affordable, volunteer-based supplemental transportation system for Howard County seniors. Neighbor Ride helps connect seniors to people, services and activities that add meaning and value to their lives. To request a ride, please call 410-884-RIDE.

Active Transportation

Columbia’s 95-mile pathway system provides off-road connections between neighborhoods, schools, village centers, and recreation and employment areas.