Cheap train tickets from Richmond to Raleigh
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Richmond to Raleigh. Traveling by train from Richmond to Raleigh usually takes 4 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 3 hours and 34 minutes.
| Distance | 139 mi (223 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 34m |
| Lowest price | $38.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Carolinian |
| Train lines | 3 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Richmond to Raleigh Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Richmond to Raleigh?
There are usually 10 daily bus trips available from Richmond to Raleigh.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$65.69 | Avg. Price$52.80Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips10 |
Duration | Duration4h 15m | Duration2h 56mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Richmond to Raleigh (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
4.0
5.0
4.0
There are several train options that can take you from Richmond to Raleigh:
- Amtrak Carolinian: 1 daily train from $38
- Amtrak Floridian: 1 daily train from $40
- Amtrak: 1 daily train from $105
What is the price of a train ticket from Richmond to Raleigh?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Richmond to Raleigh was $40.00. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 20 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $36.70 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Richmond to Raleigh by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Richmond to Raleigh will cost between $38 and $63. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Richmond to Raleigh by month
Ticket prices for the train from Richmond to Raleigh often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $48. If you're thinking of traveling from Richmond to Raleigh during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $93 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 Richmond to Raleigh on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about $36.70 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Richmond to Raleigh?
There are multiple trains that travel from Richmond to Raleigh, including Amtrak Carolinian, Amtrak Floridian, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 3h 43m | $64.35 |
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 3h 34m | $53.79 |
| Amtrak | 1 | 8h 11m | $108.52 |
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 Raleigh, 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 $64.35, and the trip usually lasts around 3 hours and 43 minutes.
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Richmond to Raleigh start from $40, and on average cost $53.79. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to Raleigh. Amtrak Floridian in Richmond leaves from 7519 Staples Mill Rd. And in Raleigh trains arrive at Union Station.
From Richmond to Raleigh train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 3 hours and 34 minutes. If you are looking to get to Raleigh faster, Amtrak Floridian offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 34 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Raleigh on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost $40 for a one-way weekend reservation from Richmond.
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 Richmond to Raleigh every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $105.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Richmond to Raleigh
Trains leave the station in Richmond twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Richmond. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Richmond to Raleigh for $26.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
2
The distance between Richmond and Raleigh is approximately 139 miles, or 223 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 34 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)
139
DISTANCE (KM)
223
The earliest train departs Richmond at 11:30am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:07pm. 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
11:30am
LATEST TRAIN
4:07pm
Trains from Richmond to Raleigh are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
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.
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 does the train leave from in Richmond?
Main departure 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
Where does the train arrive in Raleigh?
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
Need a return trip from Raleigh to Richmond?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Richmond
- Richmond to Washington, DC Train$31+
- Richmond to North Charleston Train$79+
- Richmond to New York Train$117+
- Richmond to St Louis Train$248+
- Richmond to Cleveland Train$157+
- Richmond to New Orleans Train$249+
- Richmond to Orlando Train$121+
- Richmond, VA to Wilmington, NC Train$110+
- Richmond to Stamford Train$79+
Continue by train from Raleigh
Check out these popular routes
- New York to Boston Train$124+
- New York to New Haven Train$56+
- Portland to Seattle Train$51+
- Milwaukee to Chicago Train$27+
- Seattle to Philadelphia Train$603+
- Seattle, WA to Vancouver, WA Train$53+
- Seattle, WA to Portland, ME Train
- Los Angeles to San Diego Train$42+
- Montreal to Québec City Train$48+
- New Haven to New York Train$59+
- Washington, DC to New York Train$111+
- Los Angeles to San Francisco Train$78+
- Boston to Washington, DC Train$178+
- Boston to New York Train$110+
- Portland, ME to Seattle, WA Train$490+
- Philadelphia to New York Train$54+
- New York to Washington, DC Train$116+
- San Diego to Los Angeles Train$36+
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.