Cheap train tickets from Charlotte to Washington, DC
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Charlotte to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Charlotte to Washington DC usually takes 9 hours and 2 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Crescent train can make the trip in 8 hours and 16 minutes.
| Distance | 330 mi (530 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 16m |
| Lowest price | $77.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Carolinian |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Charlotte to Washington Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Charlotte to Washington?
There are usually 13 daily bus trips available from Charlotte to Washington, DC.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$148.99 | Avg. Price$90.78Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips13 |
Duration | Duration9h 2m | Duration8h 53mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Charlotte to Washington (Based on 7 ratings and reviews)
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There are several train options that can take you from Charlotte to Washington:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Charlotte to Washington DC?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Charlotte to Washington, DC was $103.39. 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 $176.34 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Charlotte to Washington DC by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Charlotte to Washington DC will cost between $96 and $139. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Charlotte to Washington DC by month
Ticket prices for the train from Charlotte to Washington DC 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 $107. If you're thinking of traveling from Charlotte to Washington DC during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $202 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 Charlotte to Washington, DC on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $176.34 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Charlotte to Washington?
There are multiple trains that travel from Charlotte to Washington, including Amtrak Carolinian, Amtrak Crescent. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 9h 48m | $126.63 |
| Amtrak Crescent | 1 | 8h 16m | $171.07 |
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 Charlotte and Washington, DC, 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 $126.63, and the trip usually lasts around 9 hours and 48 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 Charlotte to Washington, DC take about 8 hours and 16 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $114.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Charlotte to Washington
Trains leave the station in Charlotte twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Charlotte. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Charlotte to Washington DC for $45.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
2
The distance between Charlotte and Washington DC is approximately 330 miles, or 530 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 2 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 16 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)
330
DISTANCE (KM)
530
The earliest train departs Charlotte at 5:31am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:45am. 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
5:31am
LATEST TRAIN
6:45am
Trains from Charlotte to Washington DC are the most crowded on Monday. 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
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
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.
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.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Charlotte?
Main departure 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
Where does the train arrive in Washington?
Main arrival 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
Need a return trip from Washington to Charlotte?
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