Cheap train tickets from Charlotte, NC to Wilmington, DE
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Charlotte, NC to Wilmington, DE. Traveling by train from Charlotte, NC to Wilmington, DE usually takes 11 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Crescent train can make the trip in 10 hours and 13 minutes.
| Distance | 426 mi (686 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 13m |
| Lowest price | $100.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Carolinian |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Charlotte to Wilmington Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Charlotte to Wilmington?
There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Charlotte, NC to Wilmington, DE.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$239.97 | Avg. Price$130.89Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration11h 12mFaster | Duration13h 32m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Charlotte to Wilmington (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
There are several train options that can take you from Charlotte to Wilmington:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Charlotte, NC to Wilmington, DE?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Charlotte, NC to Wilmington, DE was $124.50. 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 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $229.38 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Charlotte, NC to Wilmington, DE by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Charlotte, NC to Wilmington, DE will cost between $120 and $276. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Charlotte, NC to Wilmington, DE by month
Ticket prices for the train from Charlotte, NC to Wilmington, DE often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $150. If you're thinking of traveling from Charlotte, NC to Wilmington, DE during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $271 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 Charlotte, NC to Wilmington, DE on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time, you can save about $229.38 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Charlotte to Wilmington?
There are multiple trains that travel from Charlotte to Wilmington, 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 | 11h 53m | $200.58 |
| Amtrak Crescent | 1 | 10h 33m | $278.36 |
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, NC and Wilmington, DE, 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 $200.58, and the trip usually lasts around 11 hours and 53 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, NC to Wilmington, DE take about 10 hours and 33 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $149.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Charlotte to Wilmington
Trains leave the station in Charlotte, NC twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Wilmington, DE 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 Wilmington, DE to Charlotte, NC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Charlotte, NC to Wilmington, DE for $73.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
2
The distance between Charlotte, NC and Wilmington, DE is approximately 426 miles, or 686 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 13 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 Charlotte, NC 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, NC to Wilmington, DE 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Charlotte, NC
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.
Wilmington, DE
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.
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 Wilmington?
Main arrival station: Amtrak/SEPTA Station
Wilmington, DE has one train station.
All train stations in Wilmington:
- Amtrak/SEPTA Station
Need a return trip from Wilmington to Charlotte?
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