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Washington DC to Charlotte train

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Washington DC - Charlotte Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

2 trains operate daily from Washington DC to Charlotte. The train trip from Washington DC to Charlotte is usually about 9 hours long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Crescent train can get you there in as little as 8 hours.

Distance330 mi (530 km)
Fastest train8h 0m
Lowest price$50.00
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Carolinian
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Washington to Charlotte

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Kolapo

March 30, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: Comfortable. Cons: Restrooms. Tips: Great experience.

5.0

Marquitta

December 5, 2019- Visiting friends

Amtrak Crescent

Pros: The train announcements were excellent. Rested well knowing that staff was alert. Cons: Bathroom checks for restock and cleaning would be appreciated.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Washington to Charlotte is $84.72, By booking your trip at least 28 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $43.02 more.

Average prices by travel date

$135$90$45MarApr

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Charlotte will range from $75 to $135. If you're planning to travel by train to Charlotte in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Washington you can find in the next 7 days is $83. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

$175$140$105$70$35AMJJASONDJFM
You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Washington DC to Charlotte, with the average price at just $90. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in June, when the average price goes up to $161. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$150$120$90$60$303020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Washington to Charlotte, book online with Wanderu at least 28 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $43.02 compared to booking your ticket 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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak12d 11h 50m$417.00
Amtrak Carolinian19h 49m$83.24
Amtrak Crescent18h 0m$117.43
  • 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 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $302.

  • 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 49 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 $60.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Washington DC 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.

The distance between Washington DC and Charlotte is approximately 330 miles, or 530 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours, 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 Sunday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Washington DC at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

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

  • Pacific Central Station

  • 10251 St Edwards Dr

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.

All train stations in Charlotte:

  • 1914 N Tryon St

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