The cheapest and fastest trains from Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC
Cheapest price
$285
Average price
$285
Fastest journey
13 h 22 m
Average duration
13 h 22 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
661 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC will cost around $285 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $285.
Of the 1 trains that leave Elizabeth, NJ for Durham, NC on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 661 km distance in an average of 13 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 h 22 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 13 h 22 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.
10:33 AM13h22Elizabeth, NJ11:55 PMDurham, NC$2851One-way0 transfers
10:33 AM13h22Elizabeth, NJ11:55 PMDurham, NC$2851One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $96. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $96, and a train costs an average of $121.
Distance: 410 miles (661 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$216 Average price | $181 Average price | $110 Average price Cheapest | $95 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 7m Average total duration 12h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 42m Average total duration Fastest 4h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 20m Average total duration 11h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC:
A bus is $71 (€58) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC costing on average $181 (€148).
A bus is $106 (€87) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC costing on average $216 (€177).
Other travel options to Durham, NC take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 50m.
Train takes on average 12h 37m.
Tickets start at around $216 (€177) compared to roughly $95 (€78) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-121.31 (€-99.29). The journey takes 12h 37m versus 7h 48m 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
Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC train times
The table below shows live departures for Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
89 Palmetto · 79 Carolinian | 6:33 AM Metropark Station, Iselin, NJ | 13h22 | 7:55 PM Durham Station, Durham, NC | 1 transfer | |
79 Carolinian | 7:24 AM Newark Penn Station, Newark, NJ | 12h31 | 7:55 PM Durham Station, Durham, NC | 0 transfersDirect | |
79 Carolinian | 7:40 AM Metropark Station, Iselin, NJ | 12h15 | 7:55 PM Durham Station, Durham, NC | 0 transfersDirect | |
153 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian | 8:22 AM Newark Penn Station, Newark, NJ | 11h33 | 7:55 PM Durham Station, Durham, NC | 1 transfer | |
153 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian | 8:27 AM Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, NJ | 11h28 | 7:55 PM Durham Station, Durham, NC | 1 transfer | |
153 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian | 8:40 AM Metropark Station, Iselin, NJ | 11h15 | 7:55 PM Durham Station, Durham, NC | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC by train, bus, or flight
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.
Jun 22
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Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC
Trains from Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC run on average 4 times per day, taking around 12h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $121 (€99) but you can travel from only $96 (€79) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:24, the last at 09:27. The fastest train covers the 410 miles (661 km) distance in 12h 15m.
Distance 410 miles (661 km) |
Average train duration 12h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $121 (€99) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 12h 15m |
First train 8:24 AM |
Last train 9:27 AM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
FAQs: Trains from Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, 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 Durham, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC
Most Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC trains use the Metropark Station to Durham Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Elizabeth, NJ and Durham, NC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Durham, NC station do trains from Elizabeth, NJ arrive at?
Getting to Durham Station from Durham city centre
Durham Station train station facilities and services
Durham 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 and drink
Food options include: Parker and Otis, Dame's Chicken & Waffles
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Durham Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Durham Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Durham Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Durham Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Durham Station: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Durham Marriott City Center, 21c Museum Hotel Durham, Aloft Durham Downtown.
Most popular train connections from Elizabeth, NJ
More options for your journey from Elizabeth, NJ to Durham, NC
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