Cheap train tickets from Charleston to Baltimore
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Charleston to Baltimore. Traveling by train from Charleston to Baltimore usually takes 11 hours and 10 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 278 mi (447 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 10m |
| Lowest price | $170.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Cardinal |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Charleston to Baltimore Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Charleston to Baltimore?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Charleston to Baltimore.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$411.00 | Avg. Price$89.66Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration11h 10mFaster | Duration15h 35m |

There are several train options that can take you from Charleston to Baltimore:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Charleston to Baltimore?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Charleston to Baltimore was $334.00. Considering the distance between Charleston and Baltimore, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 2 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $231.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Charleston to Baltimore by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Charleston to Baltimore will cost between $69 and $82. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Charleston to Baltimore by month
Ticket prices for the train from Charleston to Baltimore 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 $97. If you're thinking of traveling from Charleston to Baltimore during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $263 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Charleston to Baltimore on Wanderu at least 2 days ahead of time, you can save about $231.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Charleston to Baltimore?
There are multiple trains that travel from Charleston to Baltimore, including Amtrak Cardinal. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 11h 10m | $411.00 |
The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Charleston to Baltimore per day, with an average trip length of 11 hours and 10 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Charleston to Baltimore
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Baltimore with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Baltimore to Charleston. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Charleston to Baltimore for $85.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Charleston and Baltimore is approximately 278 miles, or 447 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 10 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)
278
DISTANCE (KM)
447
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Charleston at 8:31am and arrives in Baltimore around 11 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
8:31am
LATEST TRAIN
8:31am
Trains from Charleston to Baltimore 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
Baltimore



Baltimore is a seaport in Maryland best known for its crab cakes and baseball legend, Babe Ruth. As there is plenty to see in Charm City, you'll be singing "Good Morning, Baltimore' as soon as you experience all of the sights and activities this quirky town has to offer.
Some of Baltimore's most impressive attractions are centered in and around Inner Harbor. This scenic waterfront is filled with historic ships, dating as far back as the Civil War in the case of the USS Constellation. Alongside shops and restaurants, Inner Harbor also hosts the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and several entertainment venues where you can catch live music. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the harbor from atop Federal Hill Park, or if you prefer the view that inspired "The Star Spangled Banner," head out to Fort McHenry, known for its role in the War of 1812.
Baltimore is one of the stops on Wanderu's recommended East Coast wine tour, but don't worry about racking up a hefty tab; luckily, Baltimore is also one of the cheapest drinking cities in the U.S., with the cheapest bottle of beer going for just $1.42. Enjoy your wine or beer along the Avenue in Hampden, a neighborhood known for its hipster bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
Ready to plan your Baltimore adventure? Numerous bus and train options make Baltimore affordably accessible by ground transportation, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport not only offers hundreds of daily flights, it also is one of the best airports for food in the U.S.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Charleston?
Main departure station: 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
There is one train station in Charleston.
All train stations in Charleston:
- 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
Where does the train arrive in Baltimore?
Main arrival station: Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St

Pennsylvania Station, commonly referred to as just Penn Station, is the main train station in Baltimore. Owned and operated by Amtrak, the station serves as a regional hub for all of the train carrier’s nine services that pass through Baltimore, including the Acela, the Northeast Regional, the Crescent, and the Palmetto. Conveniently located near Baltimore’s downtown and Inner Harbor, Penn Station is accessible from all parts of the city via several transit bus lines and two commuter rail services. The Johns Hopkins and Baltimore Collegetown shuttles also serve Penn Station, allowing students to travel easily between the train station and campus.
All train stations in Baltimore:
- Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St
Need a return trip from Baltimore to Charleston?
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