Cheap train tickets from Charlotte to Cary

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

Trip Summary

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Charlotte to Cary. Traveling by train from Charlotte to Cary usually takes 4 hours and 40 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Piedmont train can make the trip in 2 hours and 43 minutes.

Distance
122 mi (197 km)
Fastest train
2h 43m
Lowest price
$18.00
Trains per day
5
Most frequent service
Amtrak Piedmont
Train lines
3

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Charlotte to Cary Train Schedule

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Charlotte to Cary (Based on 29 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Juan

September 9, 2025 - Couples trip

Amtrak Piedmont
Pros: Friendly staff!! Cons: Wifi needs to be better!

5.0

Sally

February 20, 2024 - Visiting friends

Amtrak Piedmont
Pros: Wonderful! Cons: Wonderful in every way, Tips: Try it out!

5.0

Helbis

November 25, 2023 - Visiting family

Amtrak
Pros: Very comfortable and clean Cons: N/A Tips: I recommend the train!

5.0

Nancy

May 25, 2023 - Visiting family

Amtrak Piedmont
Pros: Convenience and quietness Prompt departure

5.0

Julia

April 12, 2023 - Vacation

Amtrak Piedmont
Pros: Super easy and simple. Cons: Bus was an hour late Tips: Snacks and sodas were available to purchase for about $1. Free water and decent coffee available.

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Charlotte to Cary was $31.86. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $2.75 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Charlotte to Cary by travel date

$45$30$15SepSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Charlotte to Cary will cost between $29 and $35. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Charlotte to Cary by month

$50$40$30$20$10JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the train from Charlotte to Cary usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $32 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$1001020

The price of train trips from Charlotte to Cary doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Charlotte to Cary?

There are 3 train lines with service from Charlotte to Cary. Amtrak Piedmont is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 4 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak28h 55m$35.42
Amtrak Carolinian13h 12m$32.19
Amtrak Piedmont43h 4m$32.01
  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from Charlotte to Cary every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $18.

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  • 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 Cary, 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 $32.19, and the trip usually lasts around 3 hours and 12 minutes.

  • To accommodate a growing demand for additional train services in North Carolina, the Amtrak Piedmont was established in 1995, offering connections between Charlotte and Raleigh. The route consists of nine stops, with a complete end-to-end trip taking around three hours. The Amtrak Piedmont runs three times daily in either direction. Each train offers WiFi, lavatories, business and coach class seating, and a cafe car to ensure passengers never have to go hungry.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Charlotte to Cary

There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Cary. 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 Cary to Charlotte.

Trains per day

7

Direct trains

5

The distance between Charlotte and Cary is approximately 122 miles, or 197 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 40 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 43 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Distance (mi)

122

Distance (km)

197

The earliest train departs Charlotte at 5:31am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:30pm. 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

5:31am

Last train

9:30pm

Trains from Charlotte to Cary 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Saturday

City Information

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.

Cary

Cary, NC, US - CYN-0

Cary is a town in North Carolina's Research Triangle and a fast-growing suburb of Raleigh. Known for its robust dining scene and the sports teams it hosts, Cary is a top destination in the Raleigh-Durham area. North Carolina FC and North Carolina Courage share the WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, and the city also hosts the USA Baseball National Training Complex, where you can attend many amateur and pre-professional baseball events throughout the year.

Outdoor enthusiasts can check out hiking and running trails on the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and American Tobacco Trail, a 22-mile rail-trail from Durham to Wake County.

The city of Cary also features a bustling craft beer scene, best experienced at one of its taverns, pubs, ale houses, or breweries. Fortnight Brewing Company and Bond Brothers Beer Company are two of many to check out. Downtown Cary is a charming neighborhood teeming with cafes, art centers, neighborhood bars, boutique hotels, and outdoor green spaces. Of course, the highlight of any visit to Cary is its dining scene: lick the barbecue sauce from your fingers at Brew N Que or savor a pastry at La Farm Bakery.

Three Amtrak trains, the Carolinian, Piedmont, and Silver Service, stop in Cary on their north-south routes. Train service makes it easy to reach Charlotte, New York, and Miami from Cary. Access intercity bus service in nearby Raleigh, where Greyhound, Tornado Bus, Wanda Coach, and more provide service to destinations throughout the South and the country at large.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Charlotte?

Main departure 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

Where is the train station in Cary?

Main arrival station: 211 N Academy St

Cary has one train station.

All train stations in Cary:

  • 211 N Academy St

Need a return trip from Cary to Charlotte?

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