Cheap train tickets from Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC. Traveling by train from Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC usually takes 9 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance
134 mi (215 km)
Fastest train
9h 30m
Lowest price
$97.00
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC?

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$97.00Avg. Price$49.33Cheaper
Daily Trips1Daily Trips2
Duration9h 33mDuration5h 53mFaster
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Price trends for trains from Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC

Average train ticket prices from Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC by travel date

$105$70$35SepSep

Average train ticket prices from Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC by month

$100$80$60$40$20JFMAMJJASOND

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$200

Which train should you take from Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak19h 33m$97.00
  • 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 Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $97.

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Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC

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 Durham, NC to Wilmington, NC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC for $36.

Trains per day

1

Direct trains

0

The distance between Wilmington, NC and Durham, NC is approximately 134 miles, or 215 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 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)

134

Distance (km)

215

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Wilmington, NC at 10:20am and arrives in Durham, NC around 9 hours later.

First train

10:20am

Last train

10:20am

Trains from Wilmington, NC to Durham, NC 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Wednesday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

Wilmington, NC

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A hidden jewel in the South, Wilmington has seen a steady increase in popularity in recent years, with some even going as far as calling it Hollywood East. To fully explore the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, take a stroll around the Historic District. Featuring not only quaint mansions but also interesting museums and superb eateries, the district offers a wealth of fascinating information about the city and its people. While walking around, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the Riverwalk. As one of the most romantic spots in the city, it offers plenty of chances to take the perfect Instagram shot. If military history is your thing, Battleship North Carolina, which has now been turned into a museum, will be a satisfying experience.

For eats, one of the most-loved establishments is Nippy’s Soul Food Restaurant, which offers a lovely mix of seafood and soul foods. Wine lovers should also not miss the chance to try a tasting session at the Noni Bacca Winery, a local favorite.

Wilmington transportation center is WAVE Forden Station Transit Center, which is located on Cando St. From the station, tourists can catch Greyhound buses. While there’s no rail service in and out of Wilmington, the city is part of the Amtrak network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Wilmington International Airport is the principal airport in the city.

Durham, NC

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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 Wilmington, NC?

Main departure station: WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St

WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St  - WMNAMT-0

The Forden Station Transit Center is a hub for transportation services from Wilmington’s local Wave Transit buses as well as intercity bus service on Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway. The station was built in 1974 to improve public transportation in Wilmington and features aptly shaped wavy roofs atop sheltered sidewalks. Plenty of parking spots are available at the station, and if you’re up for a short walk, you can head to Costco around the corner for a $1.50 hot dog before your trip. The station is located a few miles north of downtown, about a 10-minute drive from Wilmington International Airport.

All train stations in Wilmington, NC:

  • WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St

Where is the train station in Durham, NC?

Main arrival station: 601 W Main St

601 W Main St  - DNCAMT-0

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, NC:

  • 601 W Main St

Need a return trip from Durham, NC to Wilmington, NC?

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