Cheap train tickets from Raleigh to Lancaster
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Raleigh to Lancaster. Traveling by train from Raleigh to Lancaster usually takes 13 hours, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 12 hours and 33 minutes.
| Distance | 320 mi (516 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 33m |
| Lowest price | $138.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Raleigh to Lancaster Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Raleigh to Lancaster:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Raleigh to Lancaster?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Raleigh to Lancaster was $138.00. 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 9 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $131.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Raleigh to Lancaster by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Raleigh to Lancaster will cost between $102 and $138. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Raleigh to Lancaster by month
Ticket prices for the train from Raleigh to Lancaster 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 $145. If you're thinking of traveling from Raleigh to Lancaster during January, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $209 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in January, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Raleigh to Lancaster on Wanderu at least 9 days ahead of time, you can save about $131.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Raleigh to Lancaster?
There are multiple trains that travel from Raleigh to Lancaster, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 13h | $180.71 |
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 Lancaster every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $138.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Raleigh to Lancaster
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 Lancaster to Raleigh.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Raleigh and Lancaster is approximately 320 miles, or 516 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 33 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)
320
DISTANCE (KM)
516
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Raleigh at 10:13am and arrives in Lancaster around 12 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
10:13am
LATEST TRAIN
10:13am
Trains from Raleigh to Lancaster 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Thursday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
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.
Lancaster
Lancaster is a city in the Piedmont Region, between Baltimore and Philadelphia, primarily known for being a hub of Pennsylvania's Amish Country. One of Lancaster's most popular attractions is the Central Market, housed in an impressive structure built in 1889. Here, you can shop from over 60 vendors and sample their fresh fruits, cheeses, or baked treats and purchase handmade Amish goods unique to the area.
Lancaster also features a growing art scene, and Gallery Row downtown hosts some of the town's best boutiques, art galleries, and vintage shops. The Demuth Museum and Lancaster Museum of Art offer additional venues for culture vultures to check out. If you're visiting with kids, don't miss Dutch Wonderland just outside of town; this royal theme park includes 32 rides and activities catering to young children.
Lancaster features a vibrant food scene with plenty of selections and cuisines for even the most discerning foodies. Some local favorites include C'est La Vie, The Brasserie Restaurant & Bar, and Shot & Bottle.
Amtrak Pennsylvanian and Keystone Service trains stop in Lancaster and connect the town with Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and New York. OurBus offers intercity bus routes to Lancaster, as well. The nearest airport for passenger flights is in Philadelphia, about 60 miles away or just an hour on the train.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from 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 does the train arrive in Lancaster?
Main arrival station: 53 E Mcgovern Ave
Lancaster has one train station.
All train stations in Lancaster:
- 53 E Mcgovern Ave
Need a return trip from Lancaster to Raleigh?
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- Lancaster, PA to Richmond, VA Train$93+
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- Lancaster to Johnstown Train$49+
- Lancaster to Boston Train$140+
- Lancaster to Newport News Train$93+
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