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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Alexandria to Charleston. The train trip from Alexandria to Charleston is usually about 9 hours and 4 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 250 mi (402 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 4m |
| Lowest price | $76.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Cardinal |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Alexandria to Charleston
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Alexandria to Charleston?
Amtrak Cardinal is the one and only train line which connects Alexandria to Charleston. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 9h 4m | $86.56 |
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 Alexandria to Charleston per day, with an average trip length of 9 hours and 4 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Alexandria and Charleston is approximately 250 miles, or 402 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 4 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 departing from Alexandria to Charleston tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Alexandria at 11:00am and arrives in Charleston around 9 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Charleston 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 Charleston to Alexandria.
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 is the train station in Alexandria?
Main departure station: 110 Callahan Dr
There is one train station in Alexandria.
All train stations in Alexandria:
110 Callahan Dr
Where is the train station in Charleston?
Main arrival station: 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
Charleston has one train station.
All train stations in Charleston:
350 MacCorkle Ave SE
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