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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Wilmington to Kannapolis. Traveling by train from Wilmington to Kannapolis usually takes 12 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Carolinian train can make the trip in 11 hours and 2 minutes.
| Distance | 404 mi (651 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 2m |
| Lowest price | $86.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Carolinian |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Wilmington to Kannapolis?
2 train services operate from Wilmington to Kannapolis. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 15h 37m | $112.00 |
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 11h 4m | $122.00 |
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 Wilmington to Kannapolis every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $99.
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 Wilmington and Kannapolis, 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 11 hours and 4 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Wilmington and Kannapolis is approximately 404 miles, or 651 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 2 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.
Trains from Wilmington to Kannapolis 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Wilmington at 4:00am and arrives in Kannapolis around 11 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Kannapolis 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 Kannapolis to Wilmington.
City Information
Wilmington
Wilmington is a major city in Delaware, established at the site of the first Swedish settlement in North America. The charming city, at the confluence of the Brandywine River and Christina River, offers easy connections to the lush countryside of Brandywine Valley. Thanks to the venerable du Pont family, who established the DuPont Company in Wilmington in 1802, the city is filled with grand estates and magnificent gardens for visitors to enjoy. The Hagley Museum & Library is the ultimate example. The expansive complex includes the first home of the du Pont family, powder yards from the company's initial gunpowder mill, and a Renaissance-style garden complete with terraces.
To dive deeper into the city's history, check out the Fort Christina State Park, the site of Wilmington's original Swedish settlement over 400 years ago. Other popular attractions include the Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo.
Wilmington is easy to access from most of the mid-Atlantic region and is located between Philadelphia and Washington. In 2011, the city's Amtrak train station was renamed the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station in honor of rail enthusiast Joe Biden, who often commuted via Amtrak from Wilmington to Washington during his time as a Senator. Buses from Wilmington also connect to cities like New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Since the regional Wilmington Airport does not offer civilian flights, travelers can easily take a bus to the airport in Philadelphia for any air travel out of the area.
Kannapolis
Image credit: Unsplash
Kannapolis is a city in the suburb of Charlotte, known for its unique, Greek-inspired name. The city is popular for its attractions and parks, especially as it has a rich history of music and motorsports. At Kannapolis, the love for music shows in the different theaters like the Gem Theatre and North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. It is an outdoor-friendly city with different parks, outdoor shows, train rides, animal preserves, and recreation areas, including Frank Liske Park, Village Park, and Fisher Farm for biking and hiking. Kannapolis also has Tiger World, an exotic preserve for endangered animals (with no Tiger Kings).
Kannapolis has a scenic vibe during the day, but at night, it has an exciting nightlife with different lounges, nightclubs, bars, taverns, lounges, and parties. The city also has a fast-growing craft beer scene, but wine lovers can also visit the Douglas Vineyards, the top winery in the city. Downtown Kannapolis has evolved into an entertainment district, as it features houses, businesses, restaurants, boutiques, and local stores.
While the closest major airport is CLT over in Charlotte, you can easily get to Kannapolis by train from over 20 other cities. Amtrak has the Amtrak Carolinian and Amtrak Piedmont with routes through the city. The city's public transportation is easy to access through Rider Transit services.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Wilmington?
Main departure station: Amtrak/SEPTA Station
There is one train station in Wilmington.
All train stations in Wilmington:
Amtrak/SEPTA Station
Where is the train station in Kannapolis?
Main arrival station: 201 S Main St
Kannapolis has one train station.
All train stations in Kannapolis:
201 S Main St
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