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Raleigh to Richmond train

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Raleigh to Richmond Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Raleigh and Richmond. The average train journey from Raleigh to Richmond takes 4 hours and 50 minutes, but some Amtrak Silver Service train trips are as short as 3 hours and 26 minutes.

Distance139 mi (223 km)
Fastest train3h 26m
Lowest price$31.00
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Silver Service
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Raleigh to Richmond

(Based on 8 ratings and reviews)

4.4

4.0

Jeanine

February 22, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: It was a very nice trip outside of one of the Amtrak employees being rude for no good reason. Cons: Let a few of the Amtrak employees go.

4.0

Christopher

January 21, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: Nice comfortable ride. Cons: The temperature of the car was cold. Tips: It’s one of best public transportation rides.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Raleigh to Richmond is $38.50, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 26 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 $22.50 more.

Monthly avg. prices

$50$40$30$20$10NDJFMAMJJASO
Ticket prices for the train from Raleigh to Richmond often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $41. If you're thinking of traveling from Raleigh to Richmond during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $49 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$203020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Raleigh to Richmond. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 26 days before departure, you can save around $22.50. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Raleigh to Richmond?

There are 3 train lines with service from Raleigh to Richmond. There is only one daily train on each service.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak210h 10m$57.45
Amtrak Carolinian13h 51m$36.80
Amtrak Silver Service13h 27m$55.68
  • 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 Richmond every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $41.

  • 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 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 3 hours and 51 minutes.

  • The Silver Service is an Amtrak train line that runs from New York City to Miami, connecting the largest cities in the Mid-Atlantic region with key destinations in the South and many places across the Sunshine State. Two trains, the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, collectively comprise the Silver Service. The trains come equipped with a variety of sleeper cars that travelers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from Raleigh to Richmond start from $46 and the average train journey lasts about 3 hours and 27 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Raleigh and Richmond is approximately 139 miles, or 223 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 26 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.

Trains departing from Raleigh to Richmond tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Raleigh at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00am. 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 Raleigh twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Richmond with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.

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

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 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 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

Link to image attribution

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

Get around town with Moovit

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