Cheap train tickets from Charleston to Baltimore
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Charleston to Baltimore. Traveling by train from Charleston to Baltimore usually takes 11 hours and 58 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cardinal train can make the trip in 11 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 278 mi (447 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 10m |
| Lowest price | $85.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Cardinal |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Charleston to Baltimore Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Charleston to Baltimore?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Charleston to Baltimore.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$196.00 | Avg. Price$88.65Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration11h 58mFaster | 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 $85.50. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 19 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $184.17 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 $86. 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 19 days ahead of time, you can save about $184.17 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Charleston to Baltimore?
2 train services operate from Charleston to Baltimore. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 11h 10m | $257.00 |
| Amtrak | 1 | 13h 11m | $104.50 |
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
Trains leave the station in Charleston twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Baltimore faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. 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 $86.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
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 58 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 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
The earliest train departs Charleston at 8:31am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:31am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
8:31am
Last train
8:31am
Trains from Charleston to Baltimore 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Friday
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 is the train station 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 is the train station in Baltimore?
Main arrival station: Penn Station
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
- Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)
Need a return trip from Baltimore to Charleston?
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