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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Birmingham to Roanoke. The train trip from Birmingham to Roanoke is usually about 27 hours and 41 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 27 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 465 mi (748 km) |
| Fastest train | 27h 35m |
| Lowest price | $147.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Birmingham to Roanoke?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Birmingham to Roanoke. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 3h 41m | $159.60 |
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 Birmingham to Roanoke every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $147.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Birmingham and Roanoke is approximately 465 miles, or 748 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 27 hours and 41 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 27 hours and 35 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.
Trains from Birmingham to Roanoke are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Birmingham at 5:00pm and arrives in Roanoke around 27 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Roanoke to Birmingham.
City Information
Birmingham
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Birmingham may not be the capital of Alabama, but it does hold the crown as both the cultural and entertainment capital of the Cotton State. The second-most populous city, Birmingham was founded during the Reconstruction Period, which followed the American Civil War.
Quietly going about its business as an industrial powerhouse, producing much of America's iron and steel, Birmingham didn't enter the world's consciousness until the Civil Rights Movement one hundred years later. It’s one of the 8 iconic cities on our Martin Luther King, Jr. road trip, as it’s the city where Dr. King wrote his famous “Letter From a Birmingham Jail.” When visiting, be sure to stop at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to learn more about the city’s civil rights history.
Today known as America's 'Magic City,' new life has been blown into downtown Birmingham in recent years. Its streets have been cleaned up, allowing the city's historical gems such as the Alabama Theater to shine once more both by day and by night.
The Birmingham Museum of Art contains the most extensive collection of artworks in the southeastern United States. It's connected to the nightlife districts of Five Points South, Lakeview, and Uptown by a series of charming tree-lined public squares. Close by Five Points South also lies Red Mountain's Vulcan Park, home to the world's largest cast-iron statue. It was made for the St. Louis World Fair of 1904.
Birmingham is an important regional hub linking the Deep South, the Appalachian Mountains, and Piedmont. Travelers can easily reach other noteworthy destinations in the U.S., including Dallas, Phoenix, and Montgomery, thanks to the hundreds of bus and train routes to and from Birmingham.
Roanoke
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
The idyllic city of Roanoke sits against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's the site of the famous Appalachian Trail, George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, and Smith Mountain Lake. Fun and adventure are indeed the best things that Roanoke has to offer, especially if you start your visit at the iconic Roanoke Star, the largest man-made neon light that gets illuminated every night.
The Blue Ridge is one of Roanoke's major tourist attractions. Experience the Blue Ridge Day tour package to fully explore the area's history, heritage, culture, and entertainment. Make sure that your adventure includes The Crooked Road, Virginia Museum of Transportation, and Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, among others.
To enjoy Roanoke's nightlife, try doing the Downtown Roanoke Bar Crawl. That's how you get to enjoy exquisite craft beers from the city's finest breweries. If you want to shop, there's a wide selection of antiques and farmer's produce for sale in the Blue Ridge area.
Getting around Roanoke is easy with the Valley Metro bus line. This bus service covers not just the City of Roanoke but Vinton and Salem as well. There's also the Star Line Trolley that connects Downtown Roanoke and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. To travel to other exciting destinations, Amtrak trains and Jefferson Lines, OurBus, and Wanda Coach buses provide service to cities including Richmond, Atlanta, and New York.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Birmingham?
Image credit: Birmingham Photographer J.g.
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Intermodal Facility
Birmingham's Intermodal Facility is a modern station right in the heart of downtown. It is near the McWane Science Center and only a 10-minute walk to the University of Alabama. The Intermodal Facility is a hub for Amtrak trains, intercity buses, and MAX transit throughout Birmingham, so it's easy to transfer between travel modes all within the same station. Birmingham is a stop on Amtrak's Crescent Line, which runs from New York to New Orleans. The station has an onsite cafe, plus amenities like restrooms, seating, and vending machines.
All train stations in Birmingham:
Intermodal Facility
Where is the train station in Roanoke?
Image credit: Joe Ross
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 55 Norfolk Ave SW
The Roanoke Greyhound Station is right in the heart of the city- not too far from the Amtrak station. The bus stop itself is basically just a waiting room, but it does offer indoor seating and has a few vending machines if you want to stock up on snacks. For a more substantial meal, several restaurants and fast-food classics like McDonald's are within easy walking distance.
All train stations in Roanoke:
55 Norfolk Ave SW
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Need a return trip from Roanoke to Birmingham?
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