- Must visit
International African American Museum
A major waterfront museum exploring African American history and culture, with strong exhibits connected to Gadsden's Wharf and the transatlantic slave trade.
Cheapest price
$121
Average price
$139
Fastest journey
7 h 32 m
Average duration
10 h 26 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
491 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Orlando, FL 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 Orlando, FL to Charleston, SC will cost around $139 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $121.
Of the 6 trains that leave Orlando, FL for Charleston, SC on Mon, May 18, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 18 the direct trains cover the 491 km distance in an average of 10 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 32 m .
On Mon, May 18 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.
40 Floridian · 90 Palmetto
40 Floridian · 90 Palmetto
40 Floridian · 90 Palmetto
98 Silver Meteor
98 Silver Meteor
98 Silver Meteor
98 Silver Meteor
98 Silver Meteor
40 Floridian · 90 Palmetto
40 Floridian · 90 PalmettoOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Orlando, FL to Charleston, SC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $55. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $55, and a flight costs an average of $42.
Distance: 305 miles (491 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$136 Average price | $237 Average price | $130 Average price Cheapest | $77 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 17m Average total duration 7h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 12m Average total duration Fastest 2h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 50m Average total duration 10h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 43m 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 Orlando, FL to Charleston, SC:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Orlando, FL to Charleston, SC costing on average $136 (€110).
A bus is $107 (€86) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Orlando, FL to Charleston, SC costing on average $237 (€191).
Other travel options to Charleston, SC take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 47m.
Bus takes on average 10h 20m.
Tickets start at around $136 (€110) compared to roughly $77 (€62) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-58.81 (€-47.49). The journey takes 7h 47m versus 5h 43m 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 Orlando, FL to Charleston, SC trains for today, Sunday, May 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
98 Silver Meteor | 11:57 AM Kissimmee Station, Kissimmee, FL | 8h28 | 8:25 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
98 Silver Meteor | 12:36 PM Orlando Station, Orlando, FL | 7h49 | 8:25 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
98 Silver Meteor | 12:53 PM Winter Park Station, Winter Park, FL | 7h32 | 8:25 PM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
40 Floridian · 90 Palmetto | 6:10 PM Kissimmee Station, Kissimmee, FL | 14h58 | 9:08 AM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 1 transfer | |
40 Floridian · 90 Palmetto | 6:50 PM Orlando Station, Orlando, FL | 14h18 | 9:08 AM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 1 transfer | |
40 Floridian · 90 Palmetto | 7:07 PM Winter Park Station, Winter Park, FL | 14h01 | 9:08 AM 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 Orlando, FL to Charleston, SC run on average 6 times per day, taking around 7h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $66 (€53) but you can travel from only $42 (€34) by flight.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:56, the last at 22:28. The fastest train covers the 305 miles (491 km) distance in 7h 32m.
Distance 305 miles (491 km) |
Average train duration 7h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 (€53) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 7h 32m |
First train 4:56 AM |
Last train 10:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Charleston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charleston trip today.
A major waterfront museum exploring African American history and culture, with strong exhibits connected to Gadsden's Wharf and the transatlantic slave trade.
Charleston's leading art museum, known for American and Southern art, rotating exhibitions, and a strong connection to the city's visual culture.
Often called America's first museum, it covers Charleston and Lowcountry history through natural history, decorative arts, and local archaeology collections.
Charleston's best-known commercial corridor, combining historic architecture, shopping, galleries, and lively street scenes across several districts.
A walkable historic district packed with churches, galleries, courtyards, and some of Charleston's most atmospheric old streets.
A popular harborfront park known for its pier, swings, and Pineapple Fountain, often featured in Charleston photos and social media.
A Lowcountry classic of shrimp over creamy grits, often finished with gravy, bacon, or sausage. It is one of Charleston's signature dishes.
A rich Charleston soup made with crab meat, crab roe, cream, and sherry. It is a historic coastal specialty strongly associated with the city.
Also called Lowcountry boil, this one-pot meal combines shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes. It is a festive regional favorite from the South Carolina coast.
One of Charleston's best-known fine dining restaurants, praised for seasonal Southern cuisine and polished service.
A well-known oyster hall and seafood restaurant in a restored bank building, popular for shellfish and elegant seafood plates.
A celebrated Charleston restaurant focusing on Southern ingredients and refined Lowcountry cooking in a historic setting.
Moderate for U.S. city travel: food and hotels can be pricey in the historic district, but casual dining and transport stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for cafes if desired.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Orlando, FL 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.

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