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Trains from Charlotte to Durham

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Charlotte - Durham Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

There are 4 daily trains from Charlotte to Durham. Traveling by train from Charlotte to Durham usually takes around 2 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 31 minutes.

Distance121 mi (195 km)
Fastest train2h 31m
Lowest price£20.43
Trains per day4
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Piedmont
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Charlotte to Durham

(Based on 14 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Carol

9 March 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Piedmont

Pros: People are quiet on the train. On my first trip there was a doctor who talked loudly for over an hour on her cell. Obnoxious and rude. But, only one awful person! Cons: Tell people to be courteous and not talk loudly on their phone. Tips: Remember you aren’t at ...

Pros: People are quiet on the train. On my first trip there was a doctor who talked loudly for over an hour on her cell. Obnoxious and rude. But, only one awful person! Cons: Tell people to be courteous and not talk loudly on their phone. Tips: Remember you aren’t at home!

More

5.0

Phyllis

23 November 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Piedmont

I love the train. I wish Charlotte's station reflected how the city has flourished

I love the train. I wish Charlotte's station reflected how the city has flourished

5.0

David

12 September 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Piedmont

First time using Amtrak and every part of the process was extremely easy

First time using Amtrak and every part of the process was extremely easy

5.0

Samuel

21 August 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: On time and spacious was the most important to me and this trip accomplished this. Cons: Nothing at this time. Tips: Get your ticket online.

Pros: On time and spacious was the most important to me and this trip accomplished this. Cons: Nothing at this time. Tips: Get your ticket online.

4.0

Katie

29 July 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: Quick. Cons: Seats would have been uncomfortable on a longer trip.

Pros: Quick. Cons: Seats would have been uncomfortable on a longer trip.

Train service from Charlotte to Durham

See more details

Price trends for trains from Charlotte to Durham

Average prices by travel date

£25£16£8MayMay

Monthly average prices

£41£33£25£16£8JJASONDJFMAM

Prices as travel date approaches

£41£33£25£16£83020100

Which train should you take from Charlotte to Durham?

There are 3 train lines with service from Charlotte to Durham. Amtrak Piedmont is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak12h 32m£20.43
Amtrak Carolinian12h 39m£20.43
Amtrak Piedmont22h 32m£20.43
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad 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 restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Charlotte to Durham every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £20.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak Carolinian

    Amtrak Carolinian

    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 Charlotte and Durham, 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 2 hours and 39 minutes.

  • Amtrak Piedmont

    Amtrak Piedmont

    To accommodate a growing demand for additional train services in North Carolina, the Amtrak Piedmont was established in 1995, offering connections between Charlotte and Raleigh. The route consists of nine stops, with a complete end-to-end trip taking around three hours. The Amtrak Piedmont runs three times daily in either direction. Each train offers WiFi, lavatories, business and coach class seating, and a cafe car to ensure passengers never have to go hungry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Charlotte to Durham during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the train journey from Charlotte to Durham?

The distance between Charlotte and Durham is approximately 121 miles, or 195 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 31 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

When are trains the most crowded?

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Charlotte to Durham on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Charlotte at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 19:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Charlotte to Durham?

There are 4 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Charlotte to Durham.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Durham to Charlotte.

City Information

Charlotte

A mecca for fans of speed in general and for NASCAR in particular, Charlotte is a burgeoning urban center 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 museum 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 center, 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 bus station is at W 4th St in the heart of the city, offering bus 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. Travelers 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 center.

Durham

Durham is a little treasure cove for all fans of history and the United States’ heritage. The first and foremost thing you should try out is go on a hike on one of the city’s iconic trails. For a more traditional hiking experience, try the Eno River Trail. If you wish to enjoy a more unique experience, the American Tobacco Trail will be a better choice, as it follows the old CSX railroad. For those who want to explore the city’s rich history, check out the Stagville Plantation, which is now a museum dedicated to the city’s antebellum history, offering a unique historical perspective.

Durham’s food scene is vibrant and exciting. Fans of seafood will definitely be amazed at how fresh and delicious the seafood at Mateo Bar de Tapas is. If you wish to try out Italian eats with a twist, check out Devil’s Pizzeria & Restaurant.

The main bus station is the Transportation Center located at 515 W Pettigrew St in Downtown Durham. From there, you can take a bus to New York, Richmond, Washington D.C., and dozens of other destinations across the country. The main Amtrak train station in Durham is located around the corner from the bus stop at 601 W Main St. Durham is served by Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont lines. The city’s air services are handled by the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, 12 miles southeast of the city.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Charlotte?

1914 N Tryon St - CLTAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Departure stations

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 Durham?

601 W Main St - DNCAMT-0

Image credit: John Buie

Link to image attribution

Arrival stations

In Durham, Amtrak’s train station is at 601 W Main St, in a historic brick warehouse originally constructed in 1897. The Carolinian line from Charlotte to New York and the Piedmont line from Charlotte to Raleigh both stop at this station in Durham. Inside the station, passengers are greeted by high ceilings (this was once a warehouse, after all!) and can find restrooms, long benches for seating, and Amtrak staff. The same building also hosts an Italian restaurant and pool hall around the corner, and several more restaurants are within a one-block walk. You can even check out the Museum of Durham History on Main St, too. The Durham Amtrak station is located in the city center, close to Duke University and Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Train stations in Durham:

  • 601 W Main St

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