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Charlotte to Richmond train

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Charlotte to Richmond Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Charlotte to Richmond. Traveling by train from Charlotte to Richmond usually takes 9 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Carolinian train can make the trip in 7 hours and 19 minutes.

Distance248 mi (399 km)
Fastest train7h 19m
Lowest price$40.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Carolinian
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Charlotte to Richmond

(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

Lytonya

May 3, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: Staff and passengers I was around. Cons: Nothing that I can think of. Tips: No.

4.0

Rebecca

July 19, 2021- Visiting friends

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: People were courteous to one another. I didn't have to drive! Cons: I don't think it's possible to improve this, but in some areas the tracks caused the train ride to be really rough at times. If the train was able to go faster between stops, the trip wouldn't be so long. Long travel times is a serious consideration. Tips: Ride the train. It's a good value, and someone else is doing the driving for you!

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

The average price for a train ticket from Charlotte to Richmond is $72.44, By booking your trip at least 12 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $16.60 more.

Monthly avg. prices

$125$100$75$50$25NDJFMAMJJASO
Ticket prices for the train from Charlotte to Richmond 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 $65. If you're thinking of traveling from Charlotte to Richmond during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $111 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$125$100$75$50$253020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Charlotte to Richmond, book online with Wanderu at least 12 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $16.60 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Charlotte to Richmond?

2 train services operate from Charlotte to Richmond. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak111h 20m$114.32
Amtrak Carolinian17h 21m$45.97

  • 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 Charlotte to Richmond every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $50.

  • 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 Richmond, 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 , and the trip usually lasts around 7 hours and 21 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Charlotte and Richmond is approximately 248 miles, or 399 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 19 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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Charlotte to Richmond on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Charlotte at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Charlotte twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Richmond faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Richmond to Charlotte.

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.

Richmond

As one of the most historically significant cities in the U.S., Richmond is a top-tier destination for not just fans of history but also culturally-inclined travelers. The premier tourist attraction of the city is the Virginia State Capitol, which features a unique architecture partially designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. For those who want to enjoy a cultural experience, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is worth checking out, as it houses five exquisitely beautiful Fabergé eggs, along with works by Degas, Cézanne, and Renoir. If you wish to retreat from the concrete jungle, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a great alternative.

Richmond’s diverse community has had a huge influence on its food scene. Croaker's Spot is a famous restaurant that serves some of the best seafood around. Richmond is also the home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, and there are as many as 30 brands in the city. Some of the local favorites include Hardywood, The Veil Brewing Co., and The Answer Brewpub.

Richmond is a major hub for bus travel, and visitors can catch buses that go to cities like Washington, D.C., New York and Raleigh on a daily basis. The city boasts two Amtrak train stations that provide regular service to Washington, D.C., New York City and beyond. The principal one is the Main Street Station, which is located right in the heart of downtown Richmond. The main airport is the Richmond International Airport, 7 miles southeast of the city.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Charlotte?

1914 N Tryon St - CLTAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

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 is the train station in Richmond?

7519 Staples Mill Rd - RICAMT1-0

Image credit: Eli Christman

Link to image attribution
7519 Staples Mill Rd - RICAMT1-1

Image credit: Avinash Kunnath

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Main arrival station: 7519 Staples Mill Rd

Located around 5 miles north of Richmond’s city center, the Amtrak Station on Staples Mill Road is Amtrak’s busiest transport hub in the Southeast Region. The station was built in 1975 to replace the downtown Main Street Station. It now serves as an important terminal for routes traveling up and down the American East. Passengers can venture north onboard the Northeast Regional service—Amtrak’s busiest route—to Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. Richmond’s Amtrak Station also offers several southward connections to vacation destinations along the East Coast in [South Carolina(/train-tickets/us-sc/), Georgia, and Florida. In addition, the GRTC bus service is available from the station for transport into downtown Richmond.

All train stations in Richmond:

  • 7519 Staples Mill Rd

  • 1500 E Main St

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