- Must visit
New York State Museum
Major state museum covering New York's nature, history, and culture. Highlights include Adirondack, 9/11, and native history exhibits.
Cheapest price on Sep 01
$351
Average ticket price on Sep 01
$351
Fastest journey on Sep 01
21 h 37 m
Average journey duration on Sep 01
21 h 37 m
Trains on Sep 01
1
Distance
873 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Raleigh, NC to Albany, NY is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Raleigh, NC to Albany, NY will cost around $351 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $351.
On Tue, Sep 01, we found 1 trains from Raleigh, NC to Albany, NY, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 01 the direct trains cover the 873 km distance in an average of 21 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 21 h 37 m .
On Tue, Sep 01 the slowest trains will take 21 h 37 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Raleigh, NC to Albany, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $120 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 16m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $120, while a train costs an average of $220.
Distance: 542 miles (873 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$220 Average price | $120 Average price Cheapest | $197 Average price | $158 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 21m Average total duration 12h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 30m Average total duration 14h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Raleigh, NC to Albany, NY:
A bus is $77 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Raleigh, NC to Albany, NY costing on average $197.
A bus is $100 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Raleigh, NC to Albany, NY costing on average $220.
Other travel options to Albany, NY take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 51m.
Bus takes on average 14h 0m.
Tickets start at around $220 compared to roughly $158 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-62.36. The journey takes 12h 51m versus 9h 44m 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 Raleigh, NC to Albany, NY trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:13 PM Raleigh, NC | 21h37 | 2:50 PM Albany, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Raleigh, NC to Albany, NY run on average 1 times per day, taking around 12h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $142 but you can travel from only $69 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 10:08, the last at 12:13. The fastest train covers the 542 miles (873 km) distance in 23h 35m.
Distance 542 miles (873 km) |
Average train duration 12h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $142 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 23h 35m |
First train 10:08 AM |
Last train 12:13 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Albany, NY — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Albany, NY trip today.
Major state museum covering New York's nature, history, and culture. Highlights include Adirondack, 9/11, and native history exhibits.
Historic townhouse museum interpreting Albany life from the 18th century onward. Period rooms and exhibits make local history engaging.
Contemporary art museum at the University at Albany featuring rotating exhibitions by regional and international artists in a modern setting.
Large urban park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Visitors enjoy trails, lake views, gardens, and seasonal recreation near downtown.
Historic neighborhood known for ornate rowhouses and one of America's longest continuous residential streets of this style.
Broad ceremonial boulevard through Empire State Plaza. The reflecting pools and open vistas create one of Albany's best walking spaces.
A mini hot dog topped with meat sauce, mustard, and onions. A Capital Region staple tied to local hot dog stands and late-night eating.
Thin slices of spiced bologna, often grilled or fried and served on a roll. It is a nostalgic Upstate New York lunch-counter classic.
Melba sauce, a raspberry dipping sauce for fried mozzarella or wedges, was created in Albany and remains a signature local condiment.
Refined New American restaurant praised for seasonal dishes, polished service, and an elegant but approachable setting in downtown Albany.
Long-running Italian restaurant known for mozzarella sticks with melba sauce and classic red-sauce dishes in a busy family atmosphere.
Historic downtown tavern known for Albany comfort food, craft beer, and classic interiors. A reliable stop for local flavors and atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. state capitals. Hotels can be lower than NYC, dining is typical for the region, and local transit is limited so visitors often use taxis or rental cars.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, about 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if there is table service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Raleigh, NC to Albany, NY 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 Albany, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Raleigh, NC to Albany, NY trains use the Raleigh Union Station to Albany-Rensselaer Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Raleigh, NC and Albany, NY train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Raleigh Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Pit Authentic BBQ, Humble Pie, Whiskey Kitchen
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Raleigh Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Raleigh Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Raleigh Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Raleigh Marriott City Center, Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need