- Must visit
Delaware Art Museum
Major art museum known for American art, British Pre-Raphaelite works, and a notable sculpture garden.
Cheapest price
$137
Average price
$137
Fastest journey
14 h 5 m
Average duration
14 h 5 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
273 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Matthews, NC to Wilmington, NC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Matthews, NC to Wilmington, NC will cost around $137 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $137.
Of the 1 trains that leave Matthews, NC for Wilmington, NC on Fri, Jul 03, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 03 the direct trains cover the 273 km distance in an average of 14 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 14 h 5 m .
On Fri, Jul 03 the slowest trains will take 14 h 5 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 flight as it is the most popular option from Matthews, NC to Wilmington, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $35, and a flight costs an average of $370.
Distance: 169 miles (273 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$138 Average price | $484 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 35m Average total duration 14h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 20m Average total duration Fastest 5h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 43m Average total duration 6h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Matthews, NC to Wilmington, NC:
A bus is $90 (€74) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Matthews, NC to Wilmington, NC costing on average $138 (€113).
A bus is $436 (€358) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Matthews, NC to Wilmington, NC costing on average $484 (€397).
Other travel options to Wilmington, NC take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 13m.
Train takes on average 14h 5m.
Tickets start at around $138 (€113) compared to roughly $39 (€32) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-99.25 (€-81.43). The journey takes 14h 5m versus 2h 56m 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 Matthews, NC to Wilmington, NC trains for tomorrow, Friday, July 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:45 AM Matthews, NC | 14h05 | 12:50 AM Wilmington, NC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Matthews, NC to Wilmington, NC run on average 1 times per day, taking around 14h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $137 (€113) but you can travel from only $35 (€29) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 10:45, the last at 10:45. The fastest train covers the 169 miles (273 km) distance in 14h 5m.
Distance 169 miles (273 km) |
Average train duration 14h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $137 (€113) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 14h 5m |
First train 10:45 AM |
Last train 10:45 AM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Wilmington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wilmington trip today.
Major art museum known for American art, British Pre-Raphaelite works, and a notable sculpture garden.
Industrial history museum on the original DuPont gunpowder works site with mills, gardens, and historic buildings.
Renowned museum of American decorative arts set on a grand country estate with extensive gardens.
Popular waterfront district with a scenic promenade, public art, event spaces, and easy walking access.
Large urban park designed with picturesque landscapes, trails, river views, and easy access to nearby attractions.
Central downtown square popular for architecture, people-watching, events, and quick orientation in the city center.
Slow-smoked pork shoulder chopped or pulled and dressed with a tangy vinegar-based sauce, a defining eastern North Carolina specialty widely loved in the Wilmington area.
Lightly battered and fried shrimp, fish, or oysters served in generous platters. This coastal Carolina style is closely associated with the region and is a classic local seafood order.
A Southern coastal favorite of local shrimp over creamy grits, often enriched with gravy, cheese, or bacon. It is a staple on many Wilmington brunch and dinner menus.
Established downtown restaurant focused on North Carolina ingredients, local seafood, and refined Southern cooking in a polished but relaxed setting.
Respected seafood restaurant known for fresh local catch, creative preparations, and an upscale-casual atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Established local favorite for oysters, shrimp, and fried or grilled coastal seafood, offering a dependable casual dining experience.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Dining and hotels are usually reasonable, though downtown and waterfront spots cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5 for service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Matthews, NC to Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Matthews, NC to Wilmington, NC trains use the Charlotte Station to Wilmington, Forden Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Matthews, NC and Wilmington, NC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need