- Must visit
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Historic estate museum of George Washington with the mansion, education center, gardens, and exhibitions. One of the region's signature heritage sites and a major priority visit.
Cheapest price
$112
Average price
$150
Fastest journey
7 h 48 m
Average duration
9 h 10 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
521 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Charlotte, NC to Alexandria, VA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Charlotte, NC to Alexandria, VA will cost around $150 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $112.
Of the 4 trains that leave Charlotte, NC for Alexandria, VA on Fri, Jun 19, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 521 km distance in an average of 9 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 48 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 10 h 30 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 Charlotte, NC to Alexandria, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, and a flight costs an average of $106.
Distance: 323 miles (521 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$133 Average price | $85 Average price Cheapest | $355 Average price | $76 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 10m Average total duration 8h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 31m Average total duration 8h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Charlotte, NC to Alexandria, VA:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Charlotte, NC to Alexandria, VA costing on average $133 (€109).
A bus is $270 (€221) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charlotte, NC to Alexandria, VA costing on average $355 (€290).
Other travel options to Alexandria, VA take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 1m.
Train takes on average 8h 40m.
Tickets start at around $133 (€109) compared to roughly $76 (€62) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-57.44 (€-46.92). The journey takes 8h 40m versus 6h 5m 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 Charlotte, NC to Alexandria, VA trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 Crescent | 5:31 AM Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC | 7h48 | 1:19 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
80 Carolinian | 6:45 AM Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC | 9h15 | 4:00 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, 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 Charlotte, NC to Alexandria, VA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $75 (€61) but you can travel from only $60 (€49) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:31, the last at 18:49. The fastest train covers the 323 miles (521 km) distance in 7h 48m.
Distance 323 miles (521 km) |
Average train duration 8h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€61) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 7h 48m |
First train 5:31 AM |
Last train 6:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Alexandria — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Alexandria trip today.
Historic estate museum of George Washington with the mansion, education center, gardens, and exhibitions. One of the region's signature heritage sites and a major priority visit.
Well-known waterfront art center with working artist studios and galleries. Popular for browsing local art and meeting artists in a historic industrial building.
City history museum in a landmark Greek Revival building, covering Alexandria's past from colonial times through the present. A compact and worthwhile local introduction.
The city's signature historic district with brick sidewalks, preserved rowhouses, boutiques, and waterfront access. Essential for first-time visitors and one of the area's most photogenic places.
Main historic street running through Old Town, lined with shops, galleries, and architecture. A classic walking route and one of Alexandria's most recognizable addresses.
Scenic Potomac waterfront area with promenades, marinas, public art, and views toward Washington. Especially popular for strolling, sunset photos, and social media content.
Small biscuits filled with salty cured Virginia ham, a classic snack tied to Virginia food traditions and often served at gatherings.
Pan-seared cakes made with lump crab meat and minimal filler, reflecting the long culinary influence of the nearby Chesapeake Bay.
Fresh regional oysters served raw with lemon and mignonette, popular across Northern Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic seafood scene.
Long-established upscale Old Town dining room offering refined American cuisine with seasonal Mid-Atlantic ingredients.
Established Old Town seafood and steak restaurant with a classic atmosphere, especially known for regional seafood and crab cakes.
Trusted local favorite for oysters, lobster rolls, and Mid-Atlantic seafood in a relaxed brasserie-style space.
Prices are moderate by U.S. city standards. Hotels can be pricey in peak season, while casual dining is fairly accessible.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charlotte, NC to Alexandria, 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 Alexandria, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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