- Must visit
Chrysler Museum of Art
Premier art museum with European and American collections, glass art, and a notable sculpture garden in Ghent.
Cheapest price
$80
Average price
$89
Fastest journey
9 h 22 m
Average duration
10 h 57 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
253 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cary, NC to Norfolk, VA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cary, NC to Norfolk, VA will cost around $89 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.
Of the 2 trains that leave Cary, NC for Norfolk, VA on Wed, Aug 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 253 km distance in an average of 10 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 22 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 12 h 32 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cary, NC to Norfolk, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, and a flight costs an average of $197.
Distance: 157 miles (253 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$84 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $389 Average price | $44 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 46m Average total duration 7h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 10m Average total duration 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 24m Average total duration Fastest 4h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cary, NC to Norfolk, VA:
A bus is $43 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cary, NC to Norfolk, VA costing on average $84.
A bus is $348 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cary, NC to Norfolk, VA costing on average $389.
Other travel options to Norfolk, VA take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 40m.
Train takes on average 7h 16m.
Tickets start at around $84 compared to roughly $44 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-40.53. The journey takes 7h 16m versus 3h 2m 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 Cary, NC to Norfolk, VA trains for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:47 PM Cary, NC | 9h22 | 11:09 PM Norfolk, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:32 PM Cary, NC | 12h03 | 2:35 AM Norfolk, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:47 PM Cary, NC | 9h22 | 12:09 AM Norfolk, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Cary, NC to Norfolk, VA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $62 but you can travel from only $30 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:14, the last at 12:59. The fastest train covers the 157 miles (253 km) distance in 9h 6m.
Distance 157 miles (253 km) |
Average train duration 7h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $62 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 9h 6m |
First train 6:14 AM |
Last train 12:59 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Norfolk, VA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Norfolk, VA trip today.
Premier art museum with European and American collections, glass art, and a notable sculpture garden in Ghent.
Maritime museum aboard the battleship Wisconsin, covering U.S. naval history through exhibits and ship access.
Hands-on children’s museum with interactive exhibits about health, culture, engineering, and imaginative play in downtown Norfolk.
Lively waterfront park hosting festivals, harbor views, memorials, and a central promenade in downtown Norfolk.
Scenic waterfront trail and green space connecting naval history, public art, and harbor panoramas along the Elizabeth River.
Beloved botanical destination with themed gardens, seasonal displays, and accessible paths close to the airport.
Fresh local oysters from the Chesapeake Bay, served raw, roasted, or fried. They are a signature Tidewater food tied to the region’s oyster grounds.
Blue crab picked from the nearby bay, often steamed and seasoned. It is a defining coastal staple in Hampton Roads seafood culture.
Rich crab soup made with blue crab meat, cream, and sherry. A classic Virginia Tidewater dish served in many local seafood restaurants.
Casual local favorite for Southern breakfast and brunch. Known for biscuits, grits, and comforting regional staples.
Popular Ghent seafood spot known for fresh oysters, she-crab soup, and a lively but polished atmosphere.
Refined downtown restaurant serving seasonal American cuisine with strong Virginia seafood and an elegant historic setting.
Moderate for a U.S. coastal city. Hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit is affordable, and attractions are usually cheaper than in major East Coast hubs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually get 10-15%. For cafes, small change or $1 per drink is common.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cary, NC to Norfolk, VA 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 Norfolk, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cary, NC to Norfolk, VA trains use the Cary Station to Norfolk Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cary, NC and Norfolk, VA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cary Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Academy Street Bistro, Lugano Ristorante
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Cary Station. Information desks are located in the main waiting room.
Luggage storage is available at Cary Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cary Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cary Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cary Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Mayton, Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh/Cary, Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh/Cary.
Norfolk 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, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Freemason Abbey Restaurant, Saltine
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Norfolk Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Norfolk Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Norfolk Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Norfolk Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Norfolk Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Hilton Norfolk The Main, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need