Cheap train tickets from Raleigh to Birmingham

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Raleigh to Birmingham. Traveling by train from Raleigh to Birmingham usually takes 18 hours and 30 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance
489 mi (788 km)
Fastest train
18h 30m
Lowest price
$129.00
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Raleigh to Birmingham Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by train or bus from Raleigh to Birmingham?

There are usually 6 daily bus trips available from Raleigh to Birmingham.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$158.29Avg. Price$126.58Cheaper
Daily Trips1Daily Trips6
Duration18h 30mDuration13h 17mFaster
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What is the price of a train ticket from Raleigh to Birmingham?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Raleigh to Birmingham was $131.00. 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 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $92.67 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Raleigh to Birmingham by travel date

$165$110$55AugSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Raleigh to Birmingham will cost between $127 and $153. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Raleigh to Birmingham by month

$175$140$105$70$35JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Raleigh to Birmingham often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $133. If you're thinking of traveling from Raleigh to Birmingham during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $168 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$225$180$135$90$4501020

By booking your train trip from Raleigh to Birmingham on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about $92.67 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What train companies travel from Raleigh to Birmingham?

There are multiple trains that travel from Raleigh to Birmingham, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak118h 30m$158.29
  • 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 Raleigh to Birmingham every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $129.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Raleigh to Birmingham

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Birmingham to Raleigh. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Raleigh to Birmingham for $81.

TRIPS PER DAY

1

DIRECT TRIPS

0

The distance between Raleigh and Birmingham is approximately 489 miles, or 788 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 18 hours and 30 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)

489

DISTANCE (KM)

788

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Raleigh at 7:15pm and arrives in Birmingham around 18 hours later.

EARLIEST TRAIN

7:15pm

LATEST TRAIN

7:15pm

Trains from Raleigh to Birmingham 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

MOST CROWDED

Friday

LEAST CROWDED

Sunday

City Information

Raleigh

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As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travelers. One of the most famous destinations in the city is the Neuse River Trail, which boasts 28 miles of a scenic path running through Wake Forest. It goes through not only forests but also wetlands, allowing walkers and cyclists to take a breather from the concrete jungle and be one with nature. Raleigh is also a famous research city, so it makes sense to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. With a permanent collection that attracts all ages, including whale skeletons and seahorse diorama, the museum is a great spot that you should not miss out on. If you wish to go shopping the old-fashioned way, the Raleigh City Market, which opened more than a century ago, allows you to meander through various small boutiques.

Raleigh’s reputation as a foodie haven is on a steady rise, and it currently houses five different establishments by chef Ashley Christensen, of which Poole’s Diner is particularly noteworthy. If you are looking for authentic North Carolina-style barbecues, Clyde Cooper’s stands among the most popular choices.

Raleigh’s main bus station is located outside of the city center at 2210 Capital Blvd. The city’s Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the country, and there are daily trains running from Raleigh to New York City, Charlotte and Miami, among other places. The principal airport in the region is the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, which is northwest of Downtown.

Birmingham

Birmingham, AL - BHM-0Birmingham, AL - BHM-1Birmingham, AL - BHM-2

Birmingham may not be the capital of Alabama, but it does hold the crown as both the cultural and entertainment capital of the Cotton State. The second-most populous city, Birmingham was founded during the Reconstruction Period, which followed the American Civil War.

Quietly going about its business as an industrial powerhouse, producing much of America's iron and steel, Birmingham didn't enter the world's consciousness until the Civil Rights Movement one hundred years later. It’s one of the 8 iconic cities on our Martin Luther King, Jr. road trip, as it’s the city where Dr. King wrote his famous “Letter From a Birmingham Jail.” When visiting, be sure to stop at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to learn more about the city’s civil rights history.

Today known as America's 'Magic City,' new life has been blown into downtown Birmingham in recent years. Its streets have been cleaned up, allowing the city's historical gems such as the Alabama Theater to shine once more both by day and by night.

The Birmingham Museum of Art contains the most extensive collection of artworks in the southeastern United States. It's connected to the nightlife districts of Five Points South, Lakeview, and Uptown by a series of charming tree-lined public squares. Close by Five Points South also lies Red Mountain's Vulcan Park, home to the world's largest cast-iron statue. It was made for the St. Louis World Fair of 1904.

Birmingham is an important regional hub linking the Deep South, the Appalachian Mountains, and Piedmont. Travelers can easily reach other noteworthy destinations in the U.S., including Dallas, Phoenix, and Montgomery, thanks to the hundreds of bus and train routes to and from Birmingham.

Station Information

Where does the train leave from in Raleigh?

Main departure station: Union Station

Union Station  - RGHAMT3-0Union Station  - RGHAMT3-1

The new multi-million dollar facility of Raleigh’s Union Station has quickly become one of the busiest train stations in North Carolina. Since opening in 2018, the station has expanded to serve over 150,000 passengers every year. Raleigh Union Station is an Amtrak station with routes connecting to major cities along the East Coast, including trips to New York City on the Carolinian or as far as Miami on Amtrak’s Silver Service. In addition, Amtrak’s Piedmont service from Charlotte ends its route in Raleigh. The station is a multi-level facility with tracks on the lower platform and retail shops on the main levels. It’s located in the heart of downtown, within a short walk of Nash Square, the CAM Raleigh art museum, and various restaurant options.

All train stations in Raleigh:

  • Union Station

Where does the train arrive in Birmingham?

Main arrival station: Intermodal Facility

Intermodal Facility -{"city":"Birmingham","country":"US","postal":"35203","state":"AL","street1":"1801 Morris Ave"} - BHMAMT-0

Birmingham's Intermodal Facility is a modern station right in the heart of downtown. It is near the McWane Science Center and only a 10-minute walk to the University of Alabama. The Intermodal Facility is a hub for Amtrak trains, intercity buses, and MAX transit throughout Birmingham, so it's easy to transfer between travel modes all within the same station. Birmingham is a stop on Amtrak's Crescent Line, which runs from New York to New Orleans. The station has an onsite cafe, plus amenities like restrooms, seating, and vending machines.

All train stations in Birmingham:

  • Intermodal Facility

Need a return trip from Birmingham to Raleigh?

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