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Trains from Raleigh to Charlotte

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Raleigh - Charlotte Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

There are 5 daily trains from Raleigh to Charlotte. Traveling by train from Raleigh to Charlotte usually takes around 3 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance130 mi (209 km)
Fastest train3h 10m
Lowest price€26.24
Trains per day4
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Piedmont
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Raleigh to Charlotte

(Based on 12 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Tina

27 July 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: The room in my seat and quiet country ride. Cons: The getting to destination on time.

Pros: The room in my seat and quiet country ride. Cons: The getting to destination on time.

5.0

Destiny

2 July 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Piedmont

Pros: My trip over exceeded my expectations. Will be returning. Cons: n/a. Tips: n/a.

Pros: My trip over exceeded my expectations. Will be returning. Cons: n/a. Tips: n/a.

5.0

Thomas

11 March 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Piedmont

Pros: Staff went out of their way to assist my wife who walks with cane. They drove us via golf cart to platform and assisted her on board. On board They suggested seats closer to restrooms. Very dedicated to customer comfort. Cons: Nothing that I could recommend, anno...

Pros: Staff went out of their way to assist my wife who walks with cane. They drove us via golf cart to platform and assisted her on board. On board They suggested seats closer to restrooms. Very dedicated to customer comfort. Cons: Nothing that I could recommend, announcements were clear prior to each approaching station. Tips: Sit back and relax. The ride was smooth and comfortable. In addition coffee and water was complimentary.

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5.0

Kiara

12 February 2022- Couples trip

Amtrak Piedmont

Pros: It was me and my husband’s first train ride so it was very exciting. Cons: N/A. Tips: N/A.

Pros: It was me and my husband’s first train ride so it was very exciting. Cons: N/A. Tips: N/A.

5.0

CARLOS RAMON

30 December 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Piedmont

Pros: Everything. Cons: Charlotte Station. Tips: Use the service.

Pros: Everything. Cons: Charlotte Station. Tips: Use the service.

Train service from Raleigh to Charlotte

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

In the last month, €26.24 was the average price of a train ticket from Raleigh to Charlotte. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 10 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €7.00 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

€29€19€10AugAug

Over the next four weeks, the average daily price of train tickets to Charlotte from Raleigh is expected to remain pretty much the same. As a result, a one-way train trip will cost about €26 regardless of the day you pick to travel.

Monthly average prices

€49€39€29€19€10SONDJFMAMJJA

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Raleigh to Charlotte by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for April. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just €26 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Raleigh to Charlotte in June, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to €33 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

€49€39€29€19€103020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 10 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Charlotte from Raleigh will be about €7.00 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Raleigh to Charlotte?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak24h 44m€27.55
Amtrak Carolinian13h 26m€26.24
Amtrak Piedmont23h 11m€26.24
  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from Raleigh to Charlotte every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €26.

  • 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 Raleigh 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 3 hours and 26 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 Raleigh to Charlotte 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.

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.

Can you take a train all the way from Raleigh to Charlotte?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Raleigh to Charlotte. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus 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.

How long is the train journey from Raleigh to Charlotte?

The distance between Raleigh and Charlotte is approximately 130 miles, or 209 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 10 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Raleigh to Charlotte are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Raleigh at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 17:00. 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 Raleigh to Charlotte?

There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. 4 of these are direct connections to Charlotte. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

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

City Information

Raleigh

As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travelers. 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 bus station is located outside of the city center 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.

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 Raleigh?

Union Station - RGHAMT3-0

Image credit: NCDOTcommunications

Link to image attribution
Union Station - RGHAMT3-1

Image credit: NCDOTcommunications

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Union Station

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.

All train stations in Raleigh:

  • Union Station

  • 900 Kings Hwy

Where is the train station in Charlotte?

1914 N Tryon St - CLTAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main 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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