5.0
Pros: Comfortable. Cons: Restrooms. Tips: Great experience.
5.0
Pros: The train announcements were excellent. Rested well knowing that staff was alert. Cons: Bathroom checks for restock and cleaning would be appreciated.
Washington DC to Charlotte train
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Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Washington DC to Charlotte. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Charlotte usually takes around 8 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Crescent train can make the trip in 8 hours,
| Distance | 330 mi (530 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 0m |
| Lowest price | €69.17 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Carolinian |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Washington to Charlotte
(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Train service from Washington DC to Charlotte
- Amtrak tickets: €307 one-way
- Amtrak Carolinian tickets: €69 one-way
- Amtrak Crescent tickets: €69 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Charlotte?
In the last month, €84.28 was the average price of a train ticket from Washington to Charlotte. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €40.10 more than that for a same-day booking.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Charlotte will vary between €74 and €113. Planning a train trip to Charlotte within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Washington over the next 7 days is €80. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Charlotte often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only €85,
If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Charlotte during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €175 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Charlotte from Washington will be about €40.10 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Washington DC to Charlotte?
There are 3 train lines with service from Washington to Charlotte. There is only one daily train on each service.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 11h 55m | €306.59 |
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 9h 48m | €83.92 |
| Amtrak Crescent | 1 | 8h 0m | €105.62 |
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 Washington to Charlotte every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €307.
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 Washington and Charlotte, 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 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 outlets and extra legroom. Train trips from Washington to Charlotte take about 8 hours and 0 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from €69.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
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.
The distance between Washington DC and Charlotte is approximately 330 miles, or 530 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 55 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours,
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.
Trains from Washington DC to Charlotte are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 09:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 18:00. 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 Washington DC twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Charlotte 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 Charlotte to Washington DC.
City Information
Washington DC
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 neighborhood 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 transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Washington DC?
Main departure station: Union Station
Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers 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 bus travel, serving as the main bus 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, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers 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.
All train stations in Washington DC:
Union Station
Aldershot Station - 1199 Waterdown Rd
Where is the train station in Charlotte?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 1914 N Tryon St
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.
Train stations in Charlotte:
1914 N Tryon St
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