The cheapest and fastest trains from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC
Cheapest price
$91
Average price
$128
Fastest journey
9 h 9 m
Average duration
9 h 9 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
354 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC will cost around $128 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.
Of the 2 trains that leave Charleston, SC for Raleigh, NC on Sun, May 24, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 24 the direct trains cover the 354 km distance in an average of 9 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 9 m .
On Sun, May 24 the slowest trains will take 9 h 9 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.
2:15 PM9h09Charleston, SC11:24 PMRaleigh, NC$911One-way0 transfers
1:15 PM9h09Charleston, SC10:24 PMRaleigh, NC$1651One-way0 transfers
2:15 PM9h09Charleston, SC11:24 PMRaleigh, NC$911One-way0 transfers
1:15 PM9h09Charleston, SC10:24 PMRaleigh, NC$1651One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $49, and a flight costs an average of $67.
Distance: 219 miles (354 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$93 Average price | $80 Average price Cheapest | $352 Average price | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 10m Average total duration 5h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 45m Average total duration 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 53m Average total duration Fastest 4h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC:
A bus is $13 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC costing on average $93 (€75).
A bus is $273 (€221) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC costing on average $352 (€285).
Other travel options to Raleigh, NC take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 15m.
Train takes on average 5h 40m.
Tickets start at around $93 (€75) compared to roughly $51 (€42) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-41.38 (€-33.48). The journey takes 5h 40m versus 4h 3m 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 Raleigh, NC train times
The table below shows live departures for Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC trains for today, Saturday, May 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
90 Palmetto · 79 Carolinian | 9:15 AM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 10h11 | 7:26 PM Cary Station, Cary, NC | 1 transfer | |
90 Palmetto · 79 Carolinian | 9:15 AM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 9h52 | 7:07 PM Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 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 Raleigh, NC 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.
May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
Journey information
Overview: Train from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC
Trains from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $55 (€45) but you can travel from only $49 (€40) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 09:15, the last at 12:13. The fastest train covers the 219 miles (354 km) distance in 9h 9m.
Distance 219 miles (354 km) |
Average train duration 5h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $55 (€45) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 9h 9m |
First train 9:15 AM |
Last train 12:13 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Charleston, SC and Raleigh, NC from $49 (€40). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available in the vicinity of the station with multiple public parking options.
- The Pit Authentic BBQ
- Humble Pie
- Whiskey Kitchen
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $1
- The Raleigh Marriott City Center
- Sheraton Raleigh Hotel
- Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticketing, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms and boarding area
- Bus: GoRaleigh routes 6, 8, 11, 21
- R-Line (downtown circulator)
Most popular train connections from Charleston, SC
More options for your journey from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC
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