Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to North Charleston
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Washington DC to North Charleston. Traveling by train from Washington DC to North Charleston usually takes 9 hours and 25 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Silver Service train can make the trip in 9 hours and 24 minutes.
| Distance | 449 mi (723 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 24m |
| Lowest price | $78.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Palmetto |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Washington to North Charleston Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to North Charleston?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to North Charleston.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$171.81 | Avg. Price$146.72Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration9h 25mFaster | Duration18h 20m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Washington to North Charleston (Based on 6 ratings and reviews)
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There are several train options that can take you from Washington to North Charleston:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to North Charleston?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to North Charleston was $117.19. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $214.31 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to North Charleston by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to North Charleston will cost between $109 and $150. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to North Charleston by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to North Charleston often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $136. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to North Charleston during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $188 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Washington, DC to North Charleston on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $214.31 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Washington to North Charleston?
There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to North Charleston, including Amtrak Palmetto, Amtrak Silver Service. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Palmetto | 1 | 9h 26m | $146.03 |
| Amtrak Silver Service | 1 | 9h 24m | $197.42 |
The Palmetto is an Amtrak train service that runs a total of 829 miles from New York City to Savannah, GA, connecting 20 cities from the Northeast to the Southeast along the way. Traveling from Washington, DC to North Charleston is comfortable and relaxing on the Palmetto, thanks to the train’s free WiFi, power outlets, and seating with extra legroom. You can pick from 1 daily departures along this route, with train ticket pricing at an average of $146.03 on the Palmetto.
The Silver Service is an Amtrak train line that runs from New York City to Miami, connecting the largest cities in the Mid-Atlantic region with key destinations in the South and many places across the Sunshine State. Two trains, the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, collectively comprise the Silver Service. The trains come equipped with a variety of sleeper cars that travelers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from Washington, DC to North Charleston start from $144 and the average train journey lasts about 9 hours and 24 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to North Charleston
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 North Charleston 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 North Charleston to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to North Charleston for $70.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
2
The distance between Washington DC and North Charleston is approximately 449 miles, or 723 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 25 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 24 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
449
DISTANCE (KM)
723
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 12:55pm while the last train of the day leaves at 7:24pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
12:55pm
LATEST TRAIN
7:24pm
Trains from Washington DC to North Charleston 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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.
North Charleston
North Charleston is a promising travel destination with quirky landmarks and fun activities for all travelers. To explore the city’s rich history, the H.L. Hunley Museum offers everything you need. Featuring the first successful combat submarine in the world as well as other Civil War-era relics, the museum will keep you enthralled for a whole morning. Other notable museums include the Greater Charleston Naval Memorial as well as the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. For fans of cultural activities, don’t pass up the chance to enjoy an event at the North Charleston Coliseum, which is one of the largest venues in South Carolina. If you enjoy staying away from a crowd and exploring nature, a walk around Riverfront Park will be what you need.
Though North Charleston might not feature a lively food scene like Charleston does, the city’s staples will still satisfy hungry travelers. Nigel’s Good Food is a local favorite and a good place to start your food tour. Chill-N-Grill is a great spot to grab some fresh seafood.
The city’s transportation center is located on Gaynor Ave. Travelers can catch Southeastern Stages buses here. Travelers can also catch Amtrak trains passing through the city at this station. North Charleston is served by Amtrak’s Palmetto and Silver Meteor lines. The main airport is the Charleston International Airport.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Washington?
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:
- Union Station
Where does the train arrive in North Charleston?
Main arrival station: 4565 Gaynor Ave
The Amtrak Station in North Charleston is an intermodal transportation hub offering both intercity bus services and train services for travelers into and out of the Charleston area. The station opened in 2018 and offers modern amenities like charging ports along with vending machines and restrooms. Amtrak’s Palmetto service from Savannah to New York and Silver Meteor service from Miami to New York both stop in North Charleston. Southeastern Stages provides bus service from this station to destinations throughout the South.
All train stations in North Charleston:
- 4565 Gaynor Ave
Need a return trip from North Charleston to Washington?
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