The cheapest and fastest trains from Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC
Cheapest price
$123
Average price
$139
Fastest journey
6 h 59 m
Average duration
9 h 52 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
577 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC will cost around $139 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $123.
Of the 4 trains that leave Richmond, VA for Charleston, SC on Wed, May 27, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct trains cover the 577 km distance in an average of 9 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 59 m .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest trains will take 13 h 13 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 Palmetto3:01 PM7h20Staples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA10:21 PMCharleston Station, North Charleston, SC$1231One-way0 transfers
67 Northeast Regional · 89 Palmetto9:08 AM13h13Ashland Station, Ashland, VA10:21 PMCharleston Station, North Charleston, SC$1331One-way1 transfer
97 Silver Meteor9:49 PM6h59Staples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA4:48 AMCharleston Station, North Charleston, SC$1451One-way0 transfers
186 Northeast Regional · 97 Silver Meteor4:51 PM11h57Main Street Station, Richmond, VA4:48 AMCharleston Station, North Charleston, SC$1551One-way1 transfer
97 Silver Meteor9:49 PM6h59Staples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA4:48 AMCharleston Station, North Charleston, SC$1451One-way0 transfers
89 Palmetto3:01 PM7h20Staples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA10:21 PMCharleston Station, North Charleston, SC$1231One-way0 transfers
186 Northeast Regional · 97 Silver Meteor4:51 PM11h57Main Street Station, Richmond, VA4:48 AMCharleston Station, North Charleston, SC$1551One-way1 transfer
67 Northeast Regional · 89 Palmetto9:08 AM13h13Ashland Station, Ashland, VA10:21 PMCharleston Station, North Charleston, SC$1331One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $62. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $62, and a flight costs an average of $64.
Distance: 358 miles (577 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$120 Average price Cheapest | $348 Average price | $126 Average price | $81 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 45m Average total duration 7h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 15m Average total duration 10h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 15m 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 Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC:
A train is $6 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC costing on average $126 (€102).
A train is $228 (€184) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC costing on average $348 (€281).
Other travel options to Charleston, SC take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 15m.
Bus takes on average 10h 45m.
Tickets start at around $120 (€97) compared to roughly $81 (€65) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-39.41 (€-31.83). The journey takes 7h 15m versus 6h 15m 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
Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC train times
The table below shows live departures for Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC trains for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:01 PM Richmond, VA | 7h20 | 2:21 AM Charleston, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:11 PM Richmond, VA | 7h15 | 2:26 AM Charleston, SC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, May 27 | |||||
67 Northeast Regional · 89 Palmetto | 9:08 AM Ashland Station, Ashland, VA | 13h13 | 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 prices and tickets Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC by bus, train, or flight
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.
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Journey information
Overview: Train from Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC
Trains from Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $62 (€50) but you can travel from only $62 (€50) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:54, the last at 21:49. The fastest train covers the 358 miles (577 km) distance in 6h 59m.
Distance 358 miles (577 km) |
Average train duration 7h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $62 (€50) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 6h 59m |
First train 6:54 AM |
Last train 9:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 5 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Richmond, VA and Charleston, SC from $62 (€50). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Richmond, VA 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available on-site with spaces for short-term and long-term parking.
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a single-level layout with an enclosed waiting area and ticketing services.
- Bus: GRTC Route 19
- Taxi services available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available at the station with access from Main Street.
- The Roosevelt
- Lemaire Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1
- The Berkeley Hotel
- Omni Richmond Hotel
- The Commonwealth
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform access, ticket office, and waiting area
- Bus: GRTC Pulse
- Several local bus lines available
Most popular train connections from Richmond, VA
More options for your journey from Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC
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