Cheap train tickets from Raleigh to Durham
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Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Raleigh to Durham. Traveling by train from Raleigh to Durham usually takes 39 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Piedmont train can make the trip in 30 minutes.
| Distance | 21 mi (33 km) |
| Fastest train | 30m |
| Lowest price | $6.00 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Piedmont |
| Train lines | 4 |
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Raleigh to Durham Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Raleigh to Durham?
There are usually 7 daily bus trips available from Raleigh to Durham.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$10.35Cheaper | Avg. Price$13.00 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips5 | Daily Trips7 |
Duration | Duration39m | Duration36mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Raleigh to Durham (Based on 5 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
4.0
There are several train options that can take you from Raleigh to Durham:
- Amtrak tickets: $6 one-way
- Amtrak Carolinian tickets: $11 one-way
- Amtrak Northeast Regional tickets: $11 one-way
- Amtrak Piedmont tickets: $11 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Raleigh to Durham?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Raleigh to Durham was $9.00. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 6 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $2.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Raleigh to Durham by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Raleigh to Durham will cost between $9 and $14. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Raleigh to Durham by month
Taking the train from Raleigh to Durham usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $10 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Raleigh to Durham 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 Durham?
There are 4 train lines with service from Raleigh to Durham. Amtrak Piedmont is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 1h 21m | $6.00 |
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 39m | $11.19 |
| Amtrak Northeast Regional | 1 | 30m | $11.00 |
| Amtrak Piedmont | 2 | 30m | $11.00 |
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 Durham, 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 $11.19, and the trip usually lasts around 0 hours and 39 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 Durham, 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 about traveling by train from Raleigh to Durham
There are 5 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Raleigh to Durham. You can also take a train for your return trip from Durham to Raleigh. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Raleigh to Durham for $8.
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
5
The distance between Raleigh and Durham is approximately 21 miles, or 33 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 39 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 30 minutes. It's a short and pleasant ride; the train is a perfect way to get to Durham.
Distance (mi)
21
Distance (km)
33
The earliest train departs Raleigh at 6:15am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:15pm. 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
6:15am
Last train
7:15pm
Trains from Raleigh to Durham are the most crowded on Thursday. 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.
Busiest
Thursday
Least crowded
Tuesday
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.
Durham
Durham is a little treasure cove for all fans of history and the United States’ heritage. The first and foremost thing you should try out is go on a hike on one of the city’s iconic trails. For a more traditional hiking experience, try the Eno River Trail. If you wish to enjoy a more unique experience, the American Tobacco Trail will be a better choice, as it follows the old CSX railroad. For those who want to explore the city’s rich history, check out the Stagville Plantation, which is now a museum dedicated to the city’s antebellum history, offering a unique historical perspective.
Durham’s food scene is vibrant and exciting. Fans of seafood will definitely be amazed at how fresh and delicious the seafood at Mateo Bar de Tapas is. If you wish to try out Italian eats with a twist, check out Devil’s Pizzeria & Restaurant.
The main bus station is the Transportation Center located at 515 W Pettigrew St in Downtown Durham. From there, you can take a bus to New York, Richmond, Washington D.C., and dozens of other destinations across the country. The main Amtrak train station in Durham is located around the corner from the bus stop at 601 W Main St. Durham is served by Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont lines. The city’s air services are handled by the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, 12 miles southeast of the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Raleigh?
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 Durham?
Main arrival station: 601 W Main St
In Durham, Amtrak’s train station is at 601 W Main St, in a historic brick warehouse originally constructed in 1897. The Carolinian line from Charlotte to New York and the Piedmont line from Charlotte to Raleigh both stop at this station in Durham. Inside the station, passengers are greeted by high ceilings (this was once a warehouse, after all!) and can find restrooms, long benches for seating, and Amtrak staff. The same building also hosts an Italian restaurant and pool hall around the corner, and several more restaurants are within a one-block walk. You can even check out the Museum of Durham History on Main St, too. The Durham Amtrak station is located in the city center, close to Duke University and Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
All train stations in Durham:
- 601 W Main St
Need a return trip from Durham to Raleigh?
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