- Must visit
The Charleston Museum
Often called America’s first museum, it covers Charleston and Lowcountry history through archaeology, decorative arts, and natural history collections.
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Cheapest price
$238
Average price
$254
Fastest journey
28h 25m
Average duration
32h 0m
Buses per day
3
Distance
391 km
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Rochester, NY to Charleston, SC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $123. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $123, and a train costs an average of $216.
Distance: 728 miles (1172 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$368 Average price | $253 Average price | $155 Average price Cheapest |
12h 6m Average total duration 11h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 58m Average total duration Fastest 8h 58m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 33h 36m Average total duration 33h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Rochester, NY to Charleston, SC:
A bus is $97 (€80) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rochester, NY to Charleston, SC costing on average $253 (€208).
A bus is $212 (€175) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rochester, NY to Charleston, SC costing on average $368 (€302).
Other travel options to Charleston, SC take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 36m.
Bus takes on average 33h 6m.
The table below shows live departures for Rochester, NY to Charleston, SC trains for tomorrow, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
280 Empire Service · 97 Silver Meteor | 5:31 AM Rochester station, Rochester, NY | 23h17 | 4:48 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, flight, and train 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 Rochester, NY to Charleston, SC run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $216 (€178) but you can travel from only $115 (€95) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:40, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 728 miles (1172 km) distance in 23h 8m.
Distance 728 miles (1172 km) |
Average train duration 11h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $216 (€178) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 23h 8m |
First train 5:40 AM |
Last train 9:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Charleston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charleston trip today.
Often called America’s first museum, it covers Charleston and Lowcountry history through archaeology, decorative arts, and natural history collections.
Charleston’s leading art museum, known for American works with strong connections to the city, the South, and regional artists.
A major new museum on the waterfront exploring African American history and the African diaspora through immersive exhibitions.
Charleston’s signature waterfront promenade, lined with historic mansions, harbor views, and one of the city’s classic walks.
A popular harborfront park known for pier views, shaded paths, and the famous Pineapple Fountain.
One of Charleston’s best-known streets for architecture, shopping, and lively city atmosphere across several distinct sections.
A Lowcountry classic of shrimp served over creamy stone-ground grits, often with bacon, gravy, or sausage. It is one of Charleston’s signature comfort dishes.
A rich coastal soup made with crab meat, crab roe, cream, and a splash of sherry. It is strongly associated with Charleston and historic Lowcountry dining.
A traditional rice and field pea dish, usually seasoned with pork. It is a classic Southern and Lowcountry staple, especially around New Year celebrations.
One of Charleston’s best-known fine dining restaurants, serving polished Southern dishes with strong local sourcing in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.
A celebrated Southern restaurant known for refined Lowcountry cooking, seasonal local ingredients, and a historic Charleston setting.
A popular waterfront venue set in a former naval building, known for seafood, she-crab soup, and harbor views.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and fine dining can be pricey, but casual dining and coffee are fairly typical for a popular coastal city.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis and rideshares 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for casual services.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rochester, 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 Rochester, NY to Charleston, SC trains use the Rochester Train Station to Charleston Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Rochester, NY and Charleston, SC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Rochester Train Station is 1 km from Rochester city centre. Public transport options include:
Rochester Train Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Rochester Train Station.
Ticket office support is available at Rochester Train Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Rochester Train Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rochester Train Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rochester Train Station: Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rochester Train Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need