Trains from Richmond to Charlotte
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Trip Summary
There are 5 daily trains from Richmond to Charlotte. Traveling by train from Richmond to Charlotte usually takes around 11 hours and 53 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Carolinian train can make the trip in 7 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 248 mi (399 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 20m |
| Lowest price | $43.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Richmond to Charlotte?
In the last month, $57.92 was the average price of a train ticket from Richmond to Charlotte. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 25 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $24.36 more than that for a same-day booking.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Richmond to Charlotte will vary between $50 and $84. Planning a train trip to Charlotte within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Richmond over the next 7 days is $51. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
Monthly average prices
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Richmond to Charlotte by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for February. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $66 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Richmond to Charlotte in July, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $95 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Charlotte from Richmond will be about $24.36 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Richmond to Charlotte?
2 train services operate from Richmond to Charlotte. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 13h 33m | $71.05 |
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 7h 20m | $48.15 |
Amtrak
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 4 Amtrak trains from Richmond to Charlotte every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $48.
Amtrak Carolinian
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 Richmond 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 , and the trip usually lasts around 7 hours and 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from Richmond to Charlotte during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
Can you take a train all the way from Richmond to Charlotte?
How long is the train journey from Richmond to Charlotte?
The distance between Richmond and Charlotte is approximately 248 miles, or 399 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 53 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 20 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.
When are trains the most crowded?
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Richmond to Charlotte. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs Richmond at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Is there a direct train from Richmond to Charlotte?
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Richmond to Charlotte. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Charlotte to Richmond.
City Information
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.
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 is the train station in Richmond?
Main departure station: Harbor Park Station
Trains to Norfolk stop at the Harbor Park Station, adjacent to the city's Minor League Baseball stadium, Harbor Park. Greyhound buses also stop at this location in Norfolk. The station is a modern, well-lit building with many windows and comfortable seating inside. There is plentiful parking on-site, but be aware that fees may apply when there are events at the stadium. Downtown Norfolk is only a mile away, and you can connect to the local Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) rail via its Harbor Park station in the same area.
All train stations in Richmond:
Harbor Park Station
Hampton Road Transit bus stop
7519 Staples Mill Rd
9304 Warwick Blvd
Amtrak Station - 3516 South St
1500 E Main St
468 N Boundary St
Where is the train station in Charlotte?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain 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 Richmond?
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