- Must visit
The Charleston Museum
America’s first museum with natural history, decorative arts, and Charleston stories across several historic sites.
Cheapest price
$201
Average price
$294
Fastest journey
13 h 54 m
Average duration
14 h 4 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
1028 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from New York, NY to Charleston, SC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from New York, NY to Charleston, SC will cost around $294 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $201.
Of the 10 trains that leave New York, NY for Charleston, SC on Sat, Aug 15, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 15 the direct trains cover the 1028 km distance in an average of 14 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 h 54 m .
On Sat, Aug 15 the slowest trains will take 14 h 18 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.
89 Palmetto
89 Palmetto
97 Silver Meteor
97 Silver Meteor
153 Northeast Regional · 89 Palmetto
153 Northeast Regional · 89 Palmetto
97 Silver Meteor
153 Northeast Regional · 89 Palmetto
153 Northeast Regional · 89 Palmetto
97 Silver MeteorOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from New York, NY to Charleston, SC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $35, and a train costs an average of $150.
Distance: 638 miles (1028 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$237 Average price | $201 Average price Cheapest | $218 Average price | $174 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 35m Average total duration 14h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 32m Average total duration Fastest 2h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 54m Average total duration 18h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from New York, NY to Charleston, SC:
A flight is $17 (€13) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from New York, NY to Charleston, SC costing on average $218 (€177).
A flight is $36 (€29) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New York, NY to Charleston, SC costing on average $237 (€192).
Other travel options to Charleston, SC take longer:
Train takes on average 14h 5m.
Bus takes on average 18h 24m.
Tickets start at around $237 (€192) compared to roughly $174 (€141) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-62.71 (€-50.91). The journey takes 14h 5m versus 12h 27m 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 New York, NY to Charleston, SC trains for today, Friday, August 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
97 Silver Meteor | 2:30 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 14h18 | 4:48 AM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
647 Keystone Service · 97 Silver Meteor | 2:34 PM Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, NJ | 14h14 | 4:48 AM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 1 transfer | |
97 Silver Meteor | 2:53 PM Newark Penn Station, Newark, NJ | 13h55 | 4:48 AM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 15 | |||||
89 Palmetto | 6:02 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 16h19 | 10:21 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
89 Palmetto | 6:19 AM Newark Penn Station, Newark, NJ | 16h02 | 10:21 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
153 Northeast Regional · 89 Palmetto | 8:05 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 14h16 | 10:21 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 1 transfer | |
153 Northeast Regional · 89 Palmetto | 8:22 AM Newark Penn Station, Newark, NJ | 13h59 | 10:21 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 1 transfer | |
153 Northeast Regional · 89 Palmetto | 8:27 AM Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, NJ | 13h54 | 10:21 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 1 transfer | |
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 New York, NY to Charleston, SC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 14h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $150 (€122) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by flight.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:59, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 638 miles (1028 km) distance in 14h 16m.
Distance 638 miles (1028 km) |
Average train duration 14h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $150 (€122) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 14h 16m |
First train 5:59 AM |
Last train 9:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Charleston, SC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charleston, SC trip today.
America’s first museum with natural history, decorative arts, and Charleston stories across several historic sites.
Leading Southern museum for contemporary art, known for bold exhibitions and strong local creative connections.
Powerful museum on Gadsden’s Wharf interpreting the African American journey and Charleston’s global significance.
Legendary waterfront promenade lined with antebellum homes, harbor breezes, and some of Charleston’s best views.
Historic defensive seawall and walk beside White Point Garden, ideal for sunset, mansions, and harbor panoramas.
Lively pedestrian-friendly market district known for crafts, architecture, and easy access to major downtown sights.
A Lowcountry rice dish with shrimp, sausage, or chicken simmered in rich broth. It reflects Charleston's Gullah Geechee and coastal cooking traditions.
Stone-ground grits cooked creamy and topped with local shrimp, often with bacon or gravy. It is one of Charleston's signature brunch and supper dishes.
A rich soup of blue crab, crab roe, cream, and sherry. This classic Charleston dish is closely tied to the city's historic seafood culture.
Historic fine-dining restaurant focused on seasonal Lowcountry cuisine. Known for polished Southern hospitality and dishes using regional ingredients.
Upscale seafood restaurant celebrated for local oysters and inventive Lowcountry dishes. Stylish, lively, and one of Charleston's best-known dining rooms.
Refined Southern restaurant in the Historic District, known for shrimp and grits, seafood, and polished service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a US coastal city; hotels and dining in the historic district run higher, while transit is limited and many visitors rely on walking, rideshare, or car hire.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip screens; small tips are appreciated but optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New York, NY to Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most New York, NY to Charleston, SC trains use the Penn Station to Charleston Station station pair. Use this guide to compare New York, NY and Charleston, SC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Penn Station is 4 km from New York city centre. Public transport options include:
Penn Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Blue Bottle Coffee, Magnolia Bakery, Starbucks, The Pennsy Food Hall, Nick + Stef's Steakhouse, Penn & Sushi, Krispy Kreme Donuts, T.G.I. Friday's, NY Pizza Suprema, Blarney Stone, & many more
Free Wi-Fi available in Moynihan Train Hall. ATMs are there are ATMs in various locations around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:00-22:00. Information desks are located on the connecting concourse near Tracks 18-19.
Luggage storage is baggage assistance is provided by Red Caps, open 24/7 at Penn and open from 05:00 to 23:00 at Moynihan Train Hall. .
Available at Penn Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Penn Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Penn Station: Accessible facilities including restroom, parking, elevators, and ramps. Additional assistance available at ticket counters or by asking uniformed employees.
Nearby hotels include The New Yorker at Wyndham Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Chelsea, Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need