- Must visit
New York State Museum
Major state museum covering New York history, nature, and culture, with notable exhibits including the September 11 gallery and Adirondack wilderness displays.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY
Showing times and prices for Jun 17
Cheapest price
$339
Average price
$348
Fastest journey
19 h 11 m
Average duration
20 h 25 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
1224 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY will cost around $348 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $339.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY without transferring at least once.
98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited8:34 PM22h53Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC7:27 PMSchenectady Station, Schenectady, NY$3391One-way1 transfer- 98 Silver Meteor · 283 Empire Service8:34 PM19h11Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC3:45 PMAlbany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY$3471One-way1 transfer
- 98 Silver Meteor · 291 Ethan Allen Express8:34 PM20h15Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC4:49 PMAlbany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY$3471One-way1 transfer
- 98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited8:34 PM21h46Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC6:20 PMAlbany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY$3471One-way1 transfer
- 98 Silver Meteor · 291 Ethan Allen Express8:34 PM20h54Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC5:28 PMSchenectady Station, Schenectady, NY$3541One-way1 transfer
- 98 Silver Meteor · 283 Empire Service8:34 PM19h11Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC3:45 PMAlbany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY$3471One-way1 transfer
- 98 Silver Meteor · 283 Empire Service8:34 PM20h00Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC4:34 PMSchenectady Station, Schenectady, NY$3541One-way1 transfer
- 98 Silver Meteor · 291 Ethan Allen Express8:34 PM20h15Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC4:49 PMAlbany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY$3471One-way1 transfer
- 98 Silver Meteor · 291 Ethan Allen Express8:34 PM20h54Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC5:28 PMSchenectady Station, Schenectady, NY$3541One-way1 transfer
- 98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited8:34 PM21h46Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC6:20 PMAlbany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY$3471One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Charleston, SC to Albany, NY
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $125. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $125, and a train costs an average of $199.
Distance: 760 miles (1224 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$250 Average price | $160 Average price Cheapest | $207 Average price | $176 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 1m Average total duration 16h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 25m Average total duration 23h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 9m Average total duration Fastest 4h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY is a bus with an average price of $160 (€130).
This is compared to other travel options from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY:
A bus is $47 (€38) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY costing on average $207 (€168).
A bus is $90 (€73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY costing on average $250 (€202).
The fastest way to travel from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 9m.
Other travel options to Albany, NY take longer:
Train takes on average 16h 31m.
Bus takes on average 23h 55m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Charleston, SC and Albany, NY including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $250 (€202) compared to roughly $176 (€142) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-73.83 (€-59.84). The journey takes 16h 31m versus 13h 25m 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.
Live departures
Charleston, SC to Albany, NY train times
The table below shows live departures for Charleston, SC to Albany, NY trains for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98 Silver Meteor · 283 Empire Service | 8:34 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 20h00 | 4:34 PM Schenectady Station, Schenectady, NY | 1 transfer | |
| 98 Silver Meteor · 291 Ethan Allen Express | 8:34 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 20h15 | 4:49 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
| 98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited | 8:34 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 22h53 | 7:27 PM Schenectady Station, Schenectady, NY | 1 transfer | |
| 98 Silver Meteor · 291 Ethan Allen Express | 8:34 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 20h54 | 5:28 PM Schenectady Station, Schenectady, NY | 1 transfer | |
| 98 Silver Meteor · 283 Empire Service | 8:34 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 19h11 | 3:45 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
| 98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited | 8:34 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 21h46 | 6:20 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Charleston, SC to Albany, NY by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY
USAUSA
Trains from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY run on average 6 times per day, taking around 16h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $199 (€161) but you can travel from only $75 (€61) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 09:21, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 760 miles (1224 km) distance in 19h 11m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $75 (€61)
Distance 760 miles (1224 km) |
Average train duration 16h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $199 (€161) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 19h 11m |
First train 9:21 AM |
Last train 9:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $75 (€61)
Train companies: Amtrak from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Charleston, SC and Albany, NY from $75 (€61). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
19h 11m
Cheapest Price
$199 (€161)
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Albany
Things to do in Albany
Discover the best of Albany — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Albany trip today.
- Must visit
Albany Institute of History & Art
One of the oldest museums in the United States, known for Hudson River School paintings and exhibitions on regional history and art.
- Recommended
USS Slater
Historic World War II destroyer escort operating as a floating museum on the Hudson River, offering a distinctive naval history experience.
- Must visit
Empire State Plaza
Modern civic complex with monumental architecture, fountains, memorials, and broad public spaces that are central to Albany sightseeing.
- Must visit
Washington Park
Albany's best-known urban park, popular for walking, seasonal blooms, and relaxed city views.
- Recommended
Lark Street
Lively neighborhood corridor known for independent shops, murals, nightlife, and a strong local character.
Buffalo Wings
Crispy chicken wings tossed in spicy butter hot sauce, a classic Upstate New York bar food strongly associated with the region.
Beef on Weck
Roast beef on a kummelweck roll topped with coarse salt and caraway, a beloved regional sandwich from Western New York often found across the state.
- Vegetarian
Mozzarella Sticks With Melba Sauce
Fried mozzarella served with raspberry melba sauce, a Capital Region favorite said to have local roots and common on Albany-area menus.
Café Capriccio
Established Italian restaurant loved for handmade pasta, robust wine list, and warm, intimate atmosphere near downtown Albany.
Yono's
Long-running fine-dining restaurant known for refined Indonesian-influenced New American cuisine and polished special-occasion atmosphere.
Jack's Oyster House
Historic downtown seafood and steak restaurant, celebrated for its classic Albany dining room and old-school service.
United States Dollar
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels vary by season, while casual dining and coffee are fairly affordable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 3-6 for a regular coffee or latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants for good service; 15-18% is lower end. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
FAQs: Trains from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY 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 Albany, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $199 (€161), while the average price is around $250 (€202).
The train from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY takes 19h 11m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY leaves at 9:21 AM.
The distance by train from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY is 760 miles (1224 km).
The last train from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY leaves at 9:34 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY.
There is no direct train service currently available from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY.
The train station in Charleston, SC that goes to Albany, NY is Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC, which connects to Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY.
The cheapest way to get from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY is by flight, with a cost of around $75 (€61).
The train journey from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY offers a scenic experience, especially through the picturesque landscapes of the Carolinas and the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley, providing travelers with views of lush greenery and charming small towns along the route.
Spending 2 to 3 days in Albany, NY is ideal to explore its historical sites, museums, and enjoy local dining experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY.
Since neither Charleston, SC nor Albany, NY are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Albany, NY include Utica, NY, White Plains, NY, Hudson, NY, Poughkeepsie, NY, Pittsfield, MA.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Albany, NY, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and fake ticket sellers near popular attractions. It is advisable to use official transportation services and keep personal belongings secure to avoid pickpocketing. Staying in well-lit and populated areas at night enhances safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular train connections from Charleston, SC
More options for your journey from Charleston, SC to Albany, NY
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Albany, NY and Charleston, SC
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