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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Cary and Wilmington. The average train journey from Cary to Wilmington takes 8 hours and 50 minutes, but some Amtrak Carolinian train trips are as short as 8 hours and 49 minutes.
| Distance | 325 mi (523 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 49m |
| Lowest price | $85.58 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Carolinian |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Cary to Wilmington?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Cary to Wilmington was $111.28. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Wilmington if you book your train tickets at least 29 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $128.47.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Cary to Wilmington often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $121,
If you're thinking of traveling from Cary to Wilmington during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $164 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Cary to Wilmington, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $128.47 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Cary to Wilmington?
2 train services operate from Cary to Wilmington. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 8h 49m | $126.91 |
| Amtrak Silver Service | 1 | 8h 51m | $153.10 |
The Amtrak Carolinian is a passenger train service which connects New York City and Washington, DC to some of the most charming destinations in North Carolina. The Carolinian runs an average of 1 trips per day between Cary and Wilmington, all of which include seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available in the Café car. The average Amtrak Carolinian ticket price for this route is , and the trip usually lasts around 8 hours and 49 minutes.
The Silver Service is an Amtrak train line that runs from New York City to Miami, connecting the largest cities in the Mid-Atlantic region with key destinations in the South and many places across the Sunshine State. Two trains, the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, collectively comprise the Silver Service. The trains come equipped with a variety of sleeper cars that travelers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from Cary to Wilmington start from $127 and the average train journey lasts about 8 hours and 51 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Cary and Wilmington is approximately 325 miles, or 523 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 49 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Cary to Wilmington. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Cary at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Cary twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Wilmington with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Wilmington to Cary.
City Information
Cary
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Cary is a town in North Carolina's Research Triangle and a fast-growing suburb of Raleigh. Known for its robust dining scene and the sports teams it hosts, Cary is a top destination in the Raleigh-Durham area. North Carolina FC and North Carolina Courage share the WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, and the city also hosts the USA Baseball National Training Complex, where you can attend many amateur and pre-professional baseball events throughout the year.
Outdoor enthusiasts can check out hiking and running trails on the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and American Tobacco Trail, a 22-mile rail-trail from Durham to Wake County.
The city of Cary also features a bustling craft beer scene, best experienced at one of its taverns, pubs, ale houses, or breweries. Fortnight Brewing Company and Bond Brothers Beer Company are two of many to check out. Downtown Cary is a charming neighborhood teeming with cafes, art centers, neighborhood bars, boutique hotels, and outdoor green spaces. Of course, the highlight of any visit to Cary is its dining scene: lick the barbecue sauce from your fingers at Brew N Que or savor a pastry at La Farm Bakery.
Three Amtrak trains, the Carolinian, Piedmont, and Silver Service, stop in Cary on their north-south routes. Train service makes it easy to reach Charlotte, New York, and Miami from Cary. Access intercity bus service in nearby Raleigh, where Greyhound, Tornado Bus, Wanda Coach, and more provide service to destinations throughout the South and the country at large.
Wilmington
Wilmington is a major city in Delaware, established at the site of the first Swedish settlement in North America. The charming city, at the confluence of the Brandywine River and Christina River, offers easy connections to the lush countryside of Brandywine Valley. Thanks to the venerable du Pont family, who established the DuPont Company in Wilmington in 1802, the city is filled with grand estates and magnificent gardens for visitors to enjoy. The Hagley Museum & Library is the ultimate example. The expansive complex includes the first home of the du Pont family, powder yards from the company's initial gunpowder mill, and a Renaissance-style garden complete with terraces.
To dive deeper into the city's history, check out the Fort Christina State Park, the site of Wilmington's original Swedish settlement over 400 years ago. Other popular attractions include the Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo.
Wilmington is easy to access from most of the mid-Atlantic region and is located between Philadelphia and Washington. In 2011, the city's Amtrak train station was renamed the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station in honor of rail enthusiast Joe Biden, who often commuted via Amtrak from Wilmington to Washington during his time as a Senator. Buses from Wilmington also connect to cities like New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Since the regional Wilmington Airport does not offer civilian flights, travelers can easily take a bus to the airport in Philadelphia for any air travel out of the area.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Cary?
Main departure station: 211 N Academy St
There is one train station in Cary.
All train stations in Cary:
211 N Academy St
Where is the train station in Wilmington?
Main arrival station: Amtrak/SEPTA Station
Wilmington has one train station.
Train stations in Wilmington:
Amtrak/SEPTA Station
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