- Must visit
The Charleston Museum
Often called America’s first museum, it covers Charleston and Lowcountry history through archaeology, decorative arts, and natural history collections.







Cheapest price
$116
Average price
$157
Fastest journey
10h 45m
Average duration
11h 46m
Trains per day
7
Distance
721 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Baltimore, MD to Charleston, SC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $81. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $81, and a flight costs an average of $87.
Distance: 486 miles (783 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$179 Average price | $301 Average price | $150 Average price Cheapest | $109 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 12m Average total duration 10h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 55m Average total duration Fastest 6h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 19h 31m Average total duration 19h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Baltimore, MD to Charleston, SC:
A bus is $29 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Baltimore, MD to Charleston, SC costing on average $179 (€147).
A bus is $150 (€124) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Baltimore, MD to Charleston, SC costing on average $301 (€247).
Other travel options to Charleston, SC take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 42m.
Bus takes on average 19h 1m.
Tickets start at around $179 (€147) compared to roughly $109 (€90) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-70.42 (€-57.89). The journey takes 10h 42m versus 9h 59m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Baltimore, MD to Charleston, SC trains for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
89 Palmetto | 8:48 AM Pennsylvania Station, Baltimore, MD | 13h33 | 10:21 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
89 Palmetto | 9:02 AM BWI Airport Rail Station, Hanover, MD | 13h19 | 10:21 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
141 Northeast Regional · 89 Palmetto | 11:00 AM Pennsylvania Station, Baltimore, MD | 11h21 | 10:21 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 1 transfer | |
141 Northeast Regional · 89 Palmetto | 11:13 AM BWI Airport Rail Station, Hanover, MD | 11h08 | 10:21 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 1 transfer | |
97 Silver Meteor | 5:32 PM Pennsylvania Station, Baltimore, MD | 11h16 | 4:48 AM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
85 Northeast Regional · 97 Silver Meteor | 5:50 PM Pennsylvania Station, Baltimore, MD | 10h58 | 4:48 AM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 1 transfer | |
85 Northeast Regional · 97 Silver Meteor | 6:03 PM BWI Airport Rail Station, Hanover, MD | 10h45 | 4:48 AM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Baltimore, MD to Charleston, SC run on average 5 times per day, taking around 10h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $109 (€90) but you can travel from only $81 (€67) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:40, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 486 miles (783 km) distance in 10h 42m.
Distance 486 miles (783 km) |
Average train duration 10h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $109 (€90) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 10h 42m |
First train 8:40 AM |
Last train 9:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Charleston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charleston trip today.
Often called America’s first museum, it covers Charleston and Lowcountry history through archaeology, decorative arts, and natural history collections.
Charleston’s leading art museum, known for American works with strong connections to the city, the South, and regional artists.
A major new museum on the waterfront exploring African American history and the African diaspora through immersive exhibitions.
Charleston’s signature waterfront promenade, lined with historic mansions, harbor views, and one of the city’s classic walks.
A popular harborfront park known for pier views, shaded paths, and the famous Pineapple Fountain.
One of Charleston’s best-known streets for architecture, shopping, and lively city atmosphere across several distinct sections.
A Lowcountry classic of shrimp served over creamy stone-ground grits, often with bacon, gravy, or sausage. It is one of Charleston’s signature comfort dishes.
A rich coastal soup made with crab meat, crab roe, cream, and a splash of sherry. It is strongly associated with Charleston and historic Lowcountry dining.
A traditional rice and field pea dish, usually seasoned with pork. It is a classic Southern and Lowcountry staple, especially around New Year celebrations.
One of Charleston’s best-known fine dining restaurants, serving polished Southern dishes with strong local sourcing in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.
A celebrated Southern restaurant known for refined Lowcountry cooking, seasonal local ingredients, and a historic Charleston setting.
A popular waterfront venue set in a former naval building, known for seafood, she-crab soup, and harbor views.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and fine dining can be pricey, but casual dining and coffee are fairly typical for a popular coastal city.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis and rideshares 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for casual services.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Baltimore, MD to Charleston, SC by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Charleston, SC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Baltimore, MD to Charleston, SC trains use the Pennsylvania Station to Charleston Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Baltimore, MD and Charleston, SC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Pennsylvania Station is 1 km from Baltimore city centre. Public transport options include:
Pennsylvania Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Helmand, Tapas Teatro
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Pennsylvania Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Pennsylvania Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pennsylvania Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Pennsylvania Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pennsylvania Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Indigo Baltimore Downtown, The Ivy Hotel, Hotel Revival Baltimore.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need