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Raleigh to Charlotte train

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Raleigh - Charlotte Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 6 daily train trips between Raleigh and Charlotte. The average train journey from Raleigh to Charlotte takes 4 hours and 10 minutes, but some Amtrak Northeast Regional train trips are as short as 2 hours and 58 minutes.

Distance130 mi (209 km)
Fastest train2h 58m
Lowest price$21.00
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Piedmont
Train lines4

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Raleigh to Charlotte

(Based on 23 ratings and reviews)

4.9

4.0

JESUS

October 2, 2023- Business

Amtrak Northeast Regional

The train was faster, AND very clean

4.0

Kiana

September 16, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: I love how it wasn’t crowded this time around and how the workers was very pleasant. Coming back from Charlotte we were a little behind we were suppose to get back at 830PM but didn’t arrive till 850 which it’s not too bad but inconvenient if someone is waiting for you. Cons: Nothing really!! Tips: Make sure to bring headphones just to tune out noise especially if it’s crowded also bring a blanket it can get very cold. Other than that relax !!

5.0

David

April 9, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: I always like the complimentary coffee and water is there. I also like that the vending machines and cafe always has a lot of what I would eat and devour on my trips. Cons: I'm a regular passenger but I found out they have more benefits from the AMtrak. I think the website should showcase more of the luxury benefits at the home page. Tips: Always make sure you pack your bag according to how you're traveling and don't be cheap if you know you need the space.

5.0

Bridgette

March 11, 2023- Couples trip

Amtrak Piedmont

Pros: The express boarding & customer service. Cons: Cleaning or spray sanitizing train after end of each long destination. Tips: N/a.

5.0

Nancy C

December 12, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Piedmont

Pros: Very relaxing & simple way to travel. Cons: All was good. Tips: Give it a try.

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Raleigh and Charlotte cost $26.20, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 29 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $2.49 more.

Average prices by travel date

$30$20$10NovDec

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Raleigh to Charlotte will range from $24 to $28. If you're planning to travel by train to Charlotte in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Raleigh you can find in the next 7 days is $26. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10DJFMAMJJASON
Taking the train from Raleigh to Charlotte usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $27 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

The price of train trips from Raleigh to Charlotte 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 Raleigh to Charlotte?

There are 4 train lines with service from Raleigh to Charlotte. Amtrak Piedmont is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak26h 5m$29.63
Amtrak Carolinian13h 26m$26.22
Amtrak Northeast Regional12h 58m$25.91
Amtrak Piedmont23h 11m$25.99

  • 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 Raleigh to Charlotte every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $21.

  • 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 Raleigh and Charlotte, 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 3 hours and 26 minutes.

  • The Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s passenger rail service that runs between Boston, MA and Virginia Beach, VA, connecting over 50 cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. While the line’s downtown-to-downtown train service makes traveling between the biggest cities in the Northeast convenient and hassle-free, the train’s amenities make the journey comfortable and relaxing as well. Amtrak passengers can enjoy large seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 1 daily train trips from Raleigh to Charlotte, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

  • 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

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

The distance between Raleigh and Charlotte is approximately 130 miles, or 209 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 10 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 58 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.

Trains from Raleigh to Charlotte are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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.

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

There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Charlotte. 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 Charlotte to Raleigh.

City Information

Raleigh

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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Raleigh?

Union Station - RGHAMT3-0

Image credit: NCDOTcommunications

Link to image attribution
Union Station - RGHAMT3-1

Image credit: NCDOTcommunications

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Union Station

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 is the train station in Charlotte?

1914 N Tryon St - CLTAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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

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From the Wanderu blog

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