Cheap train tickets from Charleston to Alexandria

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Charleston to Alexandria. Traveling by train from Charleston to Alexandria usually takes 9 hours and 56 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance
250 mi (402 km)
Fastest train
9h 56m
Lowest price
$61.00
Trains per day
1
Most frequent service
Amtrak Cardinal
Train lines
1

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Charleston to Alexandria Train Schedule

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Charleston to Alexandria (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

signora

March 21, 2025 - Visiting family

Amtrak Cardinal
Pros: The staff were very accondating. Cons: More options on the menu. Tips: Try Amtrak and you will like it.
See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Charleston to Alexandria?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Charleston to Alexandria was $62.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 11 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $711.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Charleston to Alexandria by travel date

$105$70$35AugSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Charleston to Alexandria will cost between $59 and $95. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Charleston to Alexandria by month

$150$120$90$60$30JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Charleston to Alexandria often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $79. If you're thinking of traveling from Charleston to Alexandria during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $149 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

$775$620$465$310$155010

By booking your train trip from Charleston to Alexandria on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time, you can save about $711.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What train companies travel from Charleston to Alexandria?

There are multiple trains that travel from Charleston to Alexandria, including Amtrak Cardinal. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Cardinal19h 56m$135.26
  • 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 Alexandria per day, with an average trip length of 9 hours and 56 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Charleston to Alexandria

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Alexandria 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 Alexandria to Charleston.

TRIPS PER DAY

1

DIRECT TRIPS

1

The distance between Charleston and Alexandria is approximately 250 miles, or 402 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 56 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)

250

DISTANCE (KM)

402

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Charleston at 8:31am and arrives in Alexandria around 9 hours later.

EARLIEST TRAIN

8:31am

LATEST TRAIN

8:31am

Trains from Charleston to Alexandria 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

MOST CROWDED

Sunday

LEAST CROWDED

Wednesday

City Information

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, historic city in Virginia, located just a few miles south of Washington, D.C., on the Potomac River. Alexandria's Old Town entrances visitors with its preserved brick sidewalks and 18th-century homes and buildings; you'll feel transported to the era of the city's founding in 1749. This quarter, especially along King Street, features boutiques, restaurants, and antique shops in quaint, intimate settings.

Thanks to its vicinity to the capital, Alexandria boasts a unique food scene with many high-class restaurants for you to enjoy. The most popular local establishments include The Warehouse, Chart House, and Chadwicks. You can even dine in Gadsby's Tavern, a favorite of some of the nation's founders in the 1780s, and learn more about early American life in the adjacent Gadsby's Tavern Museum.

Washington, D.C. and all its travel connections are only a water taxi away, but the city is also well-served by transportation options directly out of Alexandria. Intercity Amtrak routes regularly arrive at Alexandria Union Station, including the Northeast Regional, Silver Service, Crescent, Cardinal, and Carolinian. The two nearest airports to the city are the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the Washington Dulles International Airport.

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 Alexandria?

Main arrival station: 110 Callahan Dr

Alexandria has one train station.

All train stations in Alexandria:

  • 110 Callahan Dr

Need a return trip from Alexandria to Charleston?

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