Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Charlotte to Royal Oak. Traveling by train from Charlotte to Royal Oak usually takes 38 hours and 6 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 36 hours and 39 minutes.
| Distance | 517 mi (832 km) |
| Fastest train | 36h 39m |
| Lowest price | $279.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Charlotte to Royal Oak?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Charlotte to Royal Oak. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 1d 14h 6m | $390.50 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Charlotte to Royal Oak every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $279.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Charlotte and Royal Oak is approximately 517 miles, or 832 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 38 hours and 6 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 36 hours and 39 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 Charlotte to Royal Oak tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. 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 Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Charlotte at 1:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Charlotte twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Royal Oak to Charlotte.
City Information
Charlotte
A mecca for fans of speed in general and for NASCAR in particular, Charlotte is a burgeoning urban center that still retains its southern charm. Even if you are not a hardcore fan of NASCAR, it is still worth taking the time to check it out. Housing more than just plaques dedicated to legendary drivers, the museum also features high-tech exhibits, as well as racing simulators to keep you enthralled. If cars are not your thing, the bustling Uptown area, which houses the city’s top museums such as Discovery Place or Mint Museum Uptown, will offer a day’s worth of interesting facts to enjoy. When you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of Uptown, Freedom Park, located about three miles north of the city center, provides a natural refuge where you can recover.
Charlotte’s food scene is brimming with life, as modernized Southern staples take the city by storm. Perhaps the best place to enjoy the tastiest Southern dishes in town is at Price’s Chicken Coop. If you are looking to enjoy some fine barbecues, Midwood Smokehouse or Noble Smoke might have what you need.
Charlotte’s busiest bus station is at W 4th St in the heart of the city, offering bus trips by several carriers like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines to other cities such as Richmond or New York. The city is served by three Amtrak lines: the Crescent, the Carolinian, and the Piedmont. Travelers can catch these trains at the station on Tryon St in Lockwood. The main airport of the city is the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is the sixth-busiest airport in the country. It is located 6 miles from the city center.
Royal Oak
Image credit: Dave Walker
Link to image attributionRoyal Oak is a trendy Detroit suburb located in Oakland County. It is popular for the Woodward Dream Cruise sponsored by the city, a family-friendly, one-day automotive event that attracts millions worldwide. Suppose you're visiting Royal Oak with your family. In that case, different animal exhibits like the Detroit Zoo, which houses acclaimed polar bears, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, and the National Amphibian Conservation Center are available. The city also houses different parks and playgrounds like Starr Jaycee Park. Art and architecture are also prominent in Royal Oak, as it houses the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica and the Royal Oak Historical Society.
During the weekend, Royal Oak has a lively nightlife and entertainment scene. Check out their famous comedy clubs, Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, or watch shows at the Royal Oak Music Theatre and Stagecrafters Baldin Theatre. The Habatat Galleries has a fantastic collection of glass pieces, and the city also features cinemas, craft breweries like the Royal Oak Brewery, wineries, and vineyards.
The best way to get to Royal Oak is by train, with lines provided by Amtrak and Amtrak Wolverine. The SMART Royal Oak Transit Center provides bus routes within the city, and the government offers special transportation for seniors and disabled persons.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Charlotte?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 1914 N Tryon St
The busiest train station in North Carolina is located at 1914 N Tryon St, slightly northeast of downtown Charlotte. This station is the origin point for the Amtrak Carolinian to New York City and the Amtrak Piedmont to Raleigh. The Amtrak Crescent also stops in Charlotte on its route from New York City to New Orleans. The station has free parking and vending machines onsite, and is close to several stations for the local LYNX light rail.
All train stations in Charlotte:
1914 N Tryon St
Where is the train station in Royal Oak?
Main arrival station: 202 S Sherman Dr
Royal Oak has one train station.
All train stations in Royal Oak:
202 S Sherman Dr
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Royal Oak to Charlotte?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more