Cheap train tickets from Wilmington to Charlotte

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Wilmington to Charlotte. Traveling by train from Wilmington to Charlotte usually takes 12 hours and 36 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Crescent train can make the trip in 10 hours and 23 minutes.

Distance
426 mi (686 km)
Fastest train
10h 23m
Lowest price
$100.00
Trains per day
2
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
3

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Wilmington to Charlotte Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by train or bus from Wilmington to Charlotte?

There are usually 6 daily bus trips available from Wilmington to Charlotte.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$207.62Avg. Price$121.30Cheaper
Daily Trips3Daily Trips6
Duration12h 36mFasterDuration14h 29m
Wanderu mascot

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Wilmington to Charlotte was $109.67. 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 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $171.22 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Wilmington to Charlotte by travel date

$150$100$50AugSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Wilmington to Charlotte will cost between $101 and $142. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Wilmington to Charlotte by month

$275$220$165$110$55JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Wilmington to Charlotte 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 $131. If you're thinking of traveling from Wilmington to Charlotte during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $252 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

$300$240$180$120$60010

By booking your train trip from Wilmington to Charlotte on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about $171.22 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What train companies travel from Wilmington to Charlotte?

There are multiple trains that travel from Wilmington to Charlotte, including Amtrak, Amtrak Carolinian, Amtrak Crescent. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak113h 42m$219.51
Amtrak Carolinian113h 29m$187.64
Amtrak Crescent110h 27m$212.57
  • 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 Wilmington to Charlotte every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $95.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu
  • 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 Wilmington 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 $187.64, and the trip usually lasts around 13 hours and 29 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 Wilmington to Charlotte take about 10 hours and 27 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $116.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Wilmington to Charlotte

There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. 2 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 Wilmington. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Wilmington to Charlotte for $62.

TRIPS PER DAY

3

DIRECT TRIPS

2

The distance between Wilmington and Charlotte is approximately 426 miles, or 686 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 36 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 23 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)

426

DISTANCE (KM)

686

The earliest train departs Wilmington at 4:45am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:07pm. 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

4:45am

LATEST TRAIN

4:07pm

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

MOST CROWDED

Saturday

LEAST CROWDED

Monday

City Information

Wilmington

Wilmington is a major city in Delaware, established at the site of the first Swedish settlement in North America. The charming city, at the confluence of the Brandywine River and Christina River, offers easy connections to the lush countryside of Brandywine Valley. Thanks to the venerable du Pont family, who established the DuPont Company in Wilmington in 1802, the city is filled with grand estates and magnificent gardens for visitors to enjoy. The Hagley Museum & Library is the ultimate example. The expansive complex includes the first home of the du Pont family, powder yards from the company's initial gunpowder mill, and a Renaissance-style garden complete with terraces.

To dive deeper into the city's history, check out the Fort Christina State Park, the site of Wilmington's original Swedish settlement over 400 years ago. Other popular attractions include the Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo.

Wilmington is easy to access from most of the mid-Atlantic region and is located between Philadelphia and Washington. In 2011, the city's Amtrak train station was renamed the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station in honor of rail enthusiast Joe Biden, who often commuted via Amtrak from Wilmington to Washington during his time as a Senator. Buses from Wilmington also connect to cities like New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Since the regional Wilmington Airport does not offer civilian flights, travelers can easily take a bus to the airport in Philadelphia for any air travel out of the area.

Charlotte

CLT-0CLT-1CLT-2

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 does the train leave from in Wilmington?

Main departure station: Amtrak/SEPTA Station

There is one train station in Wilmington.

All train stations in Wilmington:

  • Amtrak/SEPTA Station

Where does the train arrive in Charlotte?

Main arrival station: 1914 N Tryon St

1914 N Tryon St - CLTAMT-0

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

Need a return trip from Charlotte to Wilmington?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.