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Cheap train tickets from Wilmington to Raleigh

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Wilmington to Raleigh Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Wilmington to Raleigh?

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Wilmington to Raleigh.

Bus
Train

Avg. Price

Avg. Price

$31.50

Avg. Price

$88.28

Daily Trips

Daily Trips

2

Daily Trips

1

Duration

Duration

3h 4m

Duration

9h 20m

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Trip Summary

2 trains operate daily from Wilmington to Raleigh. The train trip from Wilmington to Raleigh is usually about 9 hours and 46 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 8 hours and 7 minutes.

Distance114 mi (184 km)
Fastest train8h 7m
Lowest price$82.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

Price trends for trains from Wilmington to Raleigh

Monthly avg. prices

$100$80$60$40$20DJFMAMJJASON

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$203020100

Which train should you take from Wilmington to Raleigh?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Wilmington to Raleigh. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak29h 47m$91.93
  • 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 Wilmington to Raleigh every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $82.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Wilmington to Raleigh

While the train is the main method of transportation from Wilmington to Raleigh, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Wilmington and Raleigh is approximately 114 miles, or 184 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 7 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 Wilmington to Raleigh tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. 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 Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Wilmington at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00am. 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 Wilmington twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Raleigh to Wilmington.

City Information

Wilmington

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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Wilmington?

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

Image credit: Wave Transit

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

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:

  • WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St

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 arrival 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

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