Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to Charlotte
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to Charlotte. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to Charlotte usually takes 13 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Crescent train can make the trip in 10 hours and 47 minutes.
| Distance | 451 mi (725 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 47m |
| Lowest price | $90.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 3 |
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Philadelphia to Charlotte Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Philadelphia to Charlotte?
There are usually 9 daily bus trips available from Philadelphia to Charlotte.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$205.49 | Avg. Price$138.02Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips9 |
Duration | Duration13h 3mFaster | Duration13h 45m |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Philadelphia to Charlotte (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Philadelphia to Charlotte:
- Amtrak: 1 daily train from $90
- Amtrak Carolinian: 1 daily train from $96
- Amtrak Crescent: 1 daily train from $113
What is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Charlotte?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Charlotte was $118.45. 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 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $196.53 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Charlotte by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to Charlotte will cost between $104 and $188. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Charlotte by month
Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to Charlotte 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 $131. If you're thinking of traveling from Philadelphia to Charlotte during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $280 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Philadelphia to Charlotte on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about $196.53 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Philadelphia to Charlotte?
There are multiple trains that travel from Philadelphia to Charlotte, including Amtrak, Amtrak Carolinian, Amtrak Crescent. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 14h 16m | $212.09 |
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 13h 51m | $181.75 |
| Amtrak Crescent | 1 | 10h 52m | $219.54 |
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 Philadelphia to Charlotte every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $90.










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 Philadelphia and Charlotte, 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 $181.75, and the trip usually lasts around 13 hours and 51 minutes.
The Crescent is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs from New York to New Orleans by way of Atlanta. As an overnight service, the Crescent offers a variety of amenities and accommodation options. There’s also a café car where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals and a variety of soft and alcoholic beverages. Like all Amtrak trains, the Crescent offers free WiFi, power outlets and extra legroom. Train trips from Philadelphia to Charlotte take about 10 hours and 52 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $113.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Philadelphia to Charlotte
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Charlotte. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice. You can also take a train for your return trip from Charlotte to Philadelphia. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Philadelphia to Charlotte for $66.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
2
The distance between Philadelphia and Charlotte is approximately 451 miles, or 725 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 47 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)
451
DISTANCE (KM)
725
The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 4:20am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:43pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
4:20am
LATEST TRAIN
3:43pm
Trains from Philadelphia to Charlotte are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
City Information
Philadelphia



We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?
Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.
Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.
Charlotte



A mecca for fans of speed in general and for NASCAR in particular, Charlotte is a burgeoning urban center that still retains its southern charm. Even if you are not a hardcore fan of NASCAR, it is still worth taking the time to check it out. Housing more than just plaques dedicated to legendary drivers, the museum also features high-tech exhibits, as well as racing simulators to keep you enthralled. If cars are not your thing, the bustling Uptown area, which houses the city’s top museums such as Discovery Place or Mint Museum Uptown, will offer a day’s worth of interesting facts to enjoy. When you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of Uptown, Freedom Park, located about three miles north of the city center, provides a natural refuge where you can recover.
Charlotte’s food scene is brimming with life, as modernized Southern staples take the city by storm. Perhaps the best place to enjoy the tastiest Southern dishes in town is at Price’s Chicken Coop. If you are looking to enjoy some fine barbecues, Midwood Smokehouse or Noble Smoke might have what you need.
Charlotte’s busiest bus station is at W 4th St in the heart of the city, offering bus trips by several carriers like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines to other cities such as Richmond or New York. The city is served by three Amtrak lines: the Crescent, the Carolinian, and the Piedmont. Travelers can catch these trains at the station on Tryon St in Lockwood. The main airport of the city is the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is the sixth-busiest airport in the country. It is located 6 miles from the city center.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Philadelphia?
Main departure station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

There is one train station in Philadelphia.
All train stations in Philadelphia:
- 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Where does the train arrive in Charlotte?
Main arrival station: 1914 N Tryon St

The busiest train station in North Carolina is located at 1914 N Tryon St, slightly northeast of downtown Charlotte. This station is the origin point for the Amtrak Carolinian to New York City and the Amtrak Piedmont to Raleigh. The Amtrak Crescent also stops in Charlotte on its route from New York City to New Orleans. The station has free parking and vending machines onsite, and is close to several stations for the local LYNX light rail.
All train stations in Charlotte:
- 1914 N Tryon St
Need a return trip from Charlotte to Philadelphia?
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