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Cheap train tickets from Charlotte to Washington DC

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Charlotte to Washington DC. Travelling by train from Charlotte to Washington DC usually takes 9 hours and 7 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Crescent train can make the trip in 8 hours and 16 minutes.

Distance
330 mi (530 km)
Fastest train
8h 16m
Lowest price
RON 377.79
Trains per day
2
Most frequent service
Amtrak Carolinian
Train lines
3

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4.8 Rating

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Chiku

Charlotte to Washington DC Train Timetable

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Charlotte to Washington DC?

There are usually 19 daily coach trips from Charlotte to Washington DC.

Train
Coach
Avg. PriceRON 733.25Avg. PriceRON 422.51Cheaper
Daily Trips2Daily Trips19
Duration9h 7mDuration8h 57mFaster
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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Charlotte to Washington DC (Based on 7 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

Stacy

29 July 2023 - Visiting family

Amtrak Crescent
Pros: Spacious seating, staff was very present, the Cafe, and no delays Cons: The bathrooms need some attention. Sanitized wipes available

4.0

Ulme

27 April 2023 - Solo travel

Amtrak Carolinian
Pros: Amtrak is great. The view, the price. Cons: The cleanliness of the toilets. I would be willing to pay an attendant extra for reasonably clean toilets. Tips: Don’t drink, cuts down on toilet usage.

5.0

Adriana

25 January 2023 - Visiting family

Amtrak Carolinian
Pros: Friendly staff, comfortable seat, good food selections!

4.0

Venita

30 December 2021 - Solo travel

Amtrak Carolinian
Pros: Leg room wasn't bad. Cons: Getting on and off the train is a real chore. Too much space from ground to step and if you have a carry on it is really difficult. No one helps at all. I also feel with a pandemic going on the train was overly crowded.

There are several train options that can take you from Charlotte to Washington DC:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Charlotte to Washington DC?

In the last month, train tickets from Charlotte to Washington DC cost about RON 517 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 18 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 666.35 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Charlotte to Washington DC by travel date

RON 1,500RON 1,000RON 500NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Charlotte to Washington DC will cost between RON 473 and RON 1,492. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Charlotte to Washington DC by month

RON 950RON 760RON 570RON 380RON 190JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Charlotte to Washington DC often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only RON 550. If you're thinking of travelling from Charlotte to Washington DC during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 942 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

RON 1,200RON 960RON 720RON 480RON 24001020

By booking your train trip from Charlotte to Washington DC on Wanderu at least 18 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 666.35 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Charlotte to Washington DC?

There are 3 train lines with service from Charlotte to Washington DC. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak111h 32mRON 509.01
Amtrak Carolinian19h 48mRON 592.33
Amtrak Crescent18h 16mRON 892.44

  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railway service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there is 1 Amtrak train from Charlotte to Washington DC every day, as well as 1 trip at the weekends, with prices starting from RON 425.62.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

  • 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 trip per day between Charlotte and Washington DC, all of which include seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power sockets, and snacks available in the Café car. The average Amtrak Carolinian ticket price for this route is RON 592.33, and the trip usually lasts around 9 hours and 48 minutes.

  • The Crescent is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs from New York to New Orleans by way of Atlanta. As an overnight service, the Crescent offers a variety of amenities and accommodation options. There’s also a café car where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals and a variety of soft and alcoholic beverages. Like all Amtrak trains, the Crescent offers free WiFi, power sockets and extra legroom. Train trips from Charlotte to Washington DC take about 8 hours and 16 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from RON 559.52.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Charlotte to Washington DC

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Charlotte to Washington DC. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a coach or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

Trains leave the station in Charlotte twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Charlotte. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Charlotte to Washington DC for RON 215.

Trains per day

2

Direct trains

2

The distance between Charlotte and Washington DC is approximately 330 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 16 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

330

Distance (km)

530

The earliest train departs Charlotte at 5:31 while the last train of the day leaves at 6:45. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

5:31am

Last train

6:45am

Trains from Charlotte to Washington DC are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Charlotte

CLT-0CLT-1CLT-2

A mecca for fans of speed in general and for NASCAR in particular, Charlotte is a burgeoning urban centre that still retains its southern charm. Even if you are not a hardcore fan of NASCAR, it is still worth taking the time to check it out. Housing more than just plaques dedicated to legendary drivers, the NASCAR Hall of Fame also features high-tech exhibits, as well as racing simulators to keep you enthralled. If cars are not your thing, the bustling Uptown area, which houses the city’s top museums such as Discovery Place or Mint Museum Uptown, will offer a day’s worth of interesting facts to enjoy. When you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of Uptown, Freedom Park, located about three miles north of the city centre, provides a natural refuge where you can recover.

Charlotte’s food scene is brimming with life, as modernized Southern staples take the city by storm. Perhaps the best place to enjoy the tastiest Southern dishes in town is at Price’s Chicken Coop. If you are looking to enjoy some fine barbecues, Midwood Smokehouse or Noble Smoke might have what you need.

Charlotte’s busiest coach station is at W 4th St in the heart of the city, offering coach trips by several carriers like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines to other cities such as Richmond or New York. The city is served by three Amtrak lines: the Crescent, the Carolinian, and the Piedmont. Travellers can catch these trains at the station on Tryon St in Lockwood. The main airport of the city is the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is the sixth-busiest airport in the country. It is located 6 miles from the city centre.

Washington DC

DCA-0DCA-1DCA-2

Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.

D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighbourhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.

Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transport hub with three nearby airports and several coach and train stations.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Charlotte?

Main departure station: 1914 N Tryon St

1914 N Tryon St - CLTAMT-0

The busiest train station in North Carolina is located at 1914 N Tryon St, slightly northeast of downtown Charlotte. This station is the origin point for the Amtrak Carolinian to New York City and the Amtrak Piedmont to Raleigh. The Amtrak Crescent also stops in Charlotte on its route from New York City to New Orleans. The station has free parking and vending machines onsite, and is close to several stations for the local LYNX light rail.

All train stations in Charlotte:

  • 1914 N Tryon St

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Main arrival station: Union Station

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transport hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travellers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity coach travel, serving as the main coach station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, local bus and tram services, as well as commuter rail for travellers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.

Train stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

Need a return trip from Washington DC to Charlotte?

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