Trains from Charlotte, NC to Raleigh

Taking the train from Charlotte to Raleigh

With no airport-style security to hold passengers up and no traffic jams or parking fees to worry about, taking the train from Charlotte to Raleigh is a stress-free way of traveling between these two cities, whether the journey is for business or leisure. Amtrak, one of the largest rail providers in the United States, operates five trains from Charlotte to Raleigh every day of the week. Four of these are direct services with journey times of just under 3 hours 15 minutes. There is also a train departure in the early hours of the morning which requires a transfer at Greensboro en route and has a longer overall journey time of a little under 8 hours 30 minutes. All trains depart from Charlotte Station and arrive at Union Station in Raleigh.

Which train companies travel from Charlotte to Raleigh?

The train service between the two Northern Carolina cities of Charlotte and Raleigh is operated by Amtrak. Amtrak was founded nearly 50 years ago on May 1st, 1971. Its first operations covered 21 routes in 43 states. Now its train services reach over 500 communities in the United States, many of which are in isolated rural areas. Amtrak rolling stock is modern and well-equipped with baggage storage, WiFi, power outlets, and a variety of dining options. Some trains have room for pets and bicycles while service animals are allowed on all routes. Depending on the length of the journey, passengers can reserve coach seats or Viewliner Roomettes. These sleep two or more people and are equipped with a sink and toilet while showers are available in the same carriage.

How long is the train ride from Charlotte to Raleigh?

The direct train from Charlotte to Raleigh takes just under 3 hours and 15 minutes. There is also one longer service that departs in the early hours of the morning and takes around 8 hours and 30 minutes. This involves a connection at Greensboro with a lengthy waiting time of nearly 5 hours between trains.

How many trains are there from Charlotte to Raleigh?

There are at least five train services from Charlotte to Raleigh every day of the week. There are four direct services with the first train departing in the early morning. There is then a further morning departure, one in mid-afternoon and one early evening. A longer connecting service departs in the early hours of the morning.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Charlotte to Raleigh?

Departure station: Trains to Raleigh from Charlotte depart from Charlotte Station, which is located on North Tryon Street, approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) to the east of the historic city center. Walking from the station to Uptown Charlotte takes approximately 30 minutes. Passengers can also travel from the station to the city center on the number 11 bus route operated by CATS (Charlotte Area Transport System) or by taxi. As well as by local buses, passengers can also move around the city on the LYNX Light Rail Network. Among the amenities at Charlotte Station are car parking, a passenger waiting room, restrooms, ticket office and self-serve ticket machines, public payphones, luggage storage facilities, and vending machines selling a limited selection of drinks and snacks. Only parts of the station are accessible to those with limited mobility, including the platforms, waiting room, payphones, and toilets. There is an elevator adapted for wheelchairs, and wheelchairs can be borrowed from the station if booked in advance. Please note: the ticket office is not accessible to wheelchair users.

Arrival station: Every train from Charlotte to Raleigh arrives at Raleigh Union Station which is located on E. Morgan Street in the center of Raleigh. This is less than five minutes' walk from the city's historic heart where buildings such as the North Carolina State Capitol can be found. Raleigh is laid out in a grid system and served by a network of local buses operated by GoRaleigh, route 13 of which passes near the station. The station is also linked to other areas of the city by the free-to-use R-LINE Downtown Circulator bus service. Raleigh Union Station is a new building that opened in July 2018. Amenities at this modern station include car parking, ATMs, restrooms, ticket offices, left luggage facilities, and vending machines selling drinks and food. There is, however, no WiFi service. As a new station, Raleigh Union is well designed to meet the needs of passengers with limited mobility or other disabilities. There are adapted restrooms, wheelchairs are available to borrow and platforms, the ticket office, waiting room, water fountains, and areas of the car park are all easily accessible.