Cheap train tickets from Baltimore to Charleston
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Baltimore to Charleston. Traveling by train from Baltimore to Charleston usually takes 12 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cardinal train can make the trip in 11 hours and 31 minutes.
- Distance
- 278 mi (447 km)
- Fastest train
- 11h 31m
- Lowest price
- RON 443.24
- Trains per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 2
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Baltimore to Charleston Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Baltimore to Charleston?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Baltimore to Charleston.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceRON 561.16 | Avg. PriceRON 549.80Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration12h 52mFaster | Duration18h 15m |

There are several train options that can take you from Baltimore to Charleston:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Baltimore to Charleston?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Baltimore to Charleston was RON 494.03. 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 15 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 196.23 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Baltimore to Charleston by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Baltimore to Charleston will cost between RON 337 and RON 693. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Baltimore to Charleston by month
Ticket prices for the train from Baltimore to Charleston often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only RON 471. If you're thinking of traveling from Baltimore to Charleston during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 919 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Baltimore to Charleston on Wanderu at least 15 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 196.23 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Baltimore to Charleston?
2 train services operate from Baltimore to Charleston. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 13h 28m | RON 570.98 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 11h 31m | RON 539.05 |
The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Baltimore to Charleston per day, with an average trip length of 11 hours and 31 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Baltimore to Charleston
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Baltimore to Charleston. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Charleston to Baltimore. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Baltimore to Charleston for RON 436.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
1
The distance between Baltimore and Charleston is approximately 278 miles, or 447 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 52 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 31 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)
278
Distance (km)
447
The earliest train departs Baltimore at 6:31am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:38am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
6:31am
Last train
9:38am
Trains from Baltimore to Charleston are the most crowded on Friday. 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.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Wednesday
City Information
Baltimore



Baltimore is a seaport in Maryland best known for its crab cakes and baseball legend, Babe Ruth. As there is plenty to see in Charm City, you'll be singing "Good Morning, Baltimore' as soon as you experience all of the sights and activities this quirky town has to offer.
Some of Baltimore's most impressive attractions are centered in and around Inner Harbor. This scenic waterfront is filled with historic ships, dating as far back as the Civil War in the case of the USS Constellation. Alongside shops and restaurants, Inner Harbor also hosts the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and several entertainment venues where you can catch live music. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the harbor from atop Federal Hill Park, or if you prefer the view that inspired "The Star Spangled Banner," head out to Fort McHenry, known for its role in the War of 1812.
Baltimore is one of the stops on Wanderu's recommended East Coast wine tour, but don't worry about racking up a hefty tab; luckily, Baltimore is also one of the cheapest drinking cities in the U.S., with the cheapest bottle of beer going for just $1.42. Enjoy your wine or beer along the Avenue in Hampden, a neighborhood known for its hipster bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
Ready to plan your Baltimore adventure? Numerous bus and train options make Baltimore affordably accessible by ground transportation, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport not only offers hundreds of daily flights, it also is one of the best airports for food in the U.S.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Baltimore?
Main departure station: Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)
There are two stations in Baltimore where you can board the train to Charleston.
All train stations in Baltimore:
- Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)
- Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St
Where is the train station in Charleston?
Main arrival station: 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
Charleston has one train station.
All train stations in Charleston:
- 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
Need a return trip from Charleston to Baltimore?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
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Continue by train from Charleston
- Huntington to New York TrainRON 512+
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Check out these popular routes
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