Cheap train tickets from Richmond to Raleigh

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Richmond to Raleigh. Travelling by train from Richmond to Raleigh usually takes 4 hours and 10 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 3 hours and 34 minutes.

Distance
139 mi (223 km)
Fastest train
3h 34m
Lowest price
US$39.00
Trains per day
2
Most frequent service
Amtrak Carolinian
Train lines
3

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Richmond to Raleigh Train Timetable

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Richmond to Raleigh?

There are usually 13 daily coach trips from Richmond to Raleigh.

Train
Coach
Avg. PriceUS$53.39Avg. PriceUS$48.99Cheaper
Daily Trips2Daily Trips13
Duration4h 10mDuration2h 57mFaster
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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Richmond to Raleigh (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.3

4.0

Helen

1 November 2025 - Holiday

Amtrak Carolinian
Pros: Our first leg of a very long international trip, so we were nervous all would go well.. It did!!.. a relaxing way to start our journey.. the beautiful rural scenery from Virginia to North Carolina was an added bonuS Cons: Cleanliness of the cars and especially the toilets in business class. Not sure if much can be done about cleaning the windows.. Tips: The price was right. Amtrak staff were very helpful with disabled husband.

5.0

Jean

25 September 2023 - Solo travel

Amtrak Carolinian
Pros: Very professional and friendly staff Cons: Very noisy children on board made the ride seem longer than it was Tips: Consider taking earplugs

4.0

Stephen

21 April 2023 - Visiting friends

Amtrak Carolinian
Pros: Wonderful crew working the cars. Cons: The time factor is frustrating. I have taken 6 trains this year and not one of them has arrived on time. In fact only two left on time

What is the price of a train ticket from Richmond to Raleigh?

In the last month, train tickets from Richmond to Raleigh cost about US$39 when booked at the cheapest time. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 22 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$30.60 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Richmond to Raleigh by travel date

US$90US$60US$30NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Richmond to Raleigh will cost between US$35 and US$86. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Richmond to Raleigh by month

US$100US$80US$60US$40US$20JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Richmond to Raleigh 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 US$48. If you're thinking of travelling from Richmond to Raleigh during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$92 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

US$75US$60US$45US$30US$1501020

By booking your train trip from Richmond to Raleigh on Wanderu at least 22 days ahead of time, you can save about US$30.60 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Richmond to Raleigh?

There are 3 train lines with service from Richmond to Raleigh. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak15h 57mUS$80.24
Amtrak Carolinian13h 43mUS$51.20
Amtrak Floridian13h 34mUS$40.14
  • 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 Richmond to Raleigh every day, as well as 1 trip at the weekends, with prices starting from US$41.

    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 Richmond and Raleigh, 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 US$51.20, and the trip usually lasts around 3 hours and 43 minutes.

  • Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Richmond to Raleigh start from US$39, and on average cost US$40.14. Daily, Amtrak Floridian runs one schedule to Raleigh. Amtrak Floridian in Richmond leaves from 7519 Staples Mill Rd. And in Raleigh trains arrive at Union Station.

    From Richmond to Raleigh train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 3 hours and 34 minutes.

    If you are looking to travel to Raleigh on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost US$39 for a one-way weekend reservation from Richmond.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Richmond to Raleigh

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Richmond to Raleigh. 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 Richmond twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Richmond. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Richmond to Raleigh for US$26.

Trains per day

2

Direct trains

2

The distance between Richmond and Raleigh is approximately 139 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 10 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 34 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)

139

Distance (km)

223

The earliest train departs Richmond at 11:30 while the last train of the day leaves at 16:07. 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

11:30am

Last train

4:07pm

Trains from Richmond to Raleigh 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

Richmond

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As one of the most historically significant cities in the U.S., Richmond is a top-tier destination for not just fans of history but also culturally-inclined travellers. The premier tourist attraction of the city is the Virginia State Capitol, which features a unique architecture partially designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. For those who want to enjoy a cultural experience, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is worth checking out, as it houses five exquisitely beautiful Fabergé eggs, along with works by Degas, Cézanne, and Renoir. If you wish to retreat from the concrete jungle, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a great alternative.

Richmond’s diverse community has had a huge influence on its food scene. Croaker's Spot is a famous restaurant that serves some of the best seafood around. Richmond is also the home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, and there are as many as 30 brands in the city. Some of the local favourites include Hardywood, The Veil Brewing Co., and The Answer Brewpub.

Richmond is a major hub for coach travel, and visitors can catch coaches that go to cities like Washington, D.C., New York and Raleigh on a daily basis. The city boasts two Amtrak train stations that provide regular service to Washington, D.C., New York City and beyond. The principal one is the Main Street Station, which is located right in the heart of downtown Richmond. The main airport is the Richmond International Airport, 7 miles southeast of the city.

Raleigh

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As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travellers. One of the most famous destinations in the city is the Neuse River Trail, which boasts 28 miles of a scenic path running through Wake Forest. It goes through not only forests but also wetlands, allowing walkers and cyclists to take a breather from the concrete jungle and be one with nature. Raleigh is also a famous research city, so it makes sense to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. With a permanent collection that attracts all ages, including whale skeletons and seahorse diorama, the museum is a great spot that you should not miss out on. If you wish to go shopping the old-fashioned way, the Raleigh City Market, which opened more than a century ago, allows you to meander through various small boutiques.

Raleigh’s reputation as a foodie haven is on a steady rise, and it currently houses five different establishments by chef Ashley Christensen, of which Poole’s Diner is particularly noteworthy. If you are looking for authentic North Carolina-style barbecues, Clyde Cooper’s stands among the most popular choices.

Raleigh’s main coach station is located outside of the city centre at 2210 Capital Blvd. The city’s Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the country, and there are daily trains running from Raleigh to New York City, Charlotte and Miami, among other places. The principal airport in the region is the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, which is northwest of Downtown.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Richmond?

Main departure station: 7519 Staples Mill Rd

7519 Staples Mill Rd  - RICAMT1-07519 Staples Mill Rd  - RICAMT1-1

Located around 5 miles north of Richmond’s city centre, the Amtrak Station on Staples Mill Road is Amtrak’s busiest transport hub in the Southeast Region. The station was built in 1975 to replace the downtown Main Street Station. It now serves as an important stop for routes travelling up and down the American East. Passengers can venture north onboard the Northeast Regional service—Amtrak’s busiest route—to Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. Richmond’s Amtrak Station also offers several southward connections to holiday destinations along the East Coast in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. In addition, the GRTC local bus service is available from the station for transport into downtown Richmond.

All train stations in Richmond:

  • 7519 Staples Mill Rd
  • Main Street Station

Where is the train station in Raleigh?

Main arrival station: Union Station

Union Station  - RGHAMT3-0Union Station  - RGHAMT3-1

The new multi-million dollar facility of Raleigh’s Union Station has quickly become one of the busiest train stations in North Carolina. Since opening in 2018, the station has expanded to serve over 150,000 passengers every year. Raleigh Union Station is an Amtrak station with routes connecting to major cities along the East Coast, including trips to New York City on the Carolinian or as far as Miami on Amtrak’s Silver Service. In addition, Amtrak’s Piedmont service from Charlotte ends its route in Raleigh. The station is a multi-level facility with tracks on the lower platform and retail shops on the main levels. It’s located in the heart of downtown, within a short walk of Nash Square, the CAM Raleigh art museum, and various restaurant options.

Train stations in Raleigh:

  • Union Station

Need a return trip from Raleigh to Richmond?

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