If you’re planning a trip from Charlotte to Raleigh, going by train is simpler than you might think. You won’t have to worry about traffic on I-85 and I-40, you won’t have to find or pay for parking, you can work (or rest) on the ride, and you can stretch your legs whenever you want. Not to mention that you’re doing the environment a favor.
When you arrive in Raleigh, you’ll be within easy walking distance of multiple museums, restaurants and kids’ attractions.
Make sure to check out Triangle on the Cheap for all the free and cheap things to do throughout the Triangle, including Raleigh!
Read on to learn about taking the train from Charlotte to Raleigh, including everything you need to know about the train stations, discounts, and more. Then keep reading for an itinerary of things to do in Raleigh when you arrive by train. Or jump right to the itinerary!
The list of attractions and restaurants is not comprehensive, but is a good sampling of what Downtown Raleigh has to offer when you arrive by train.
There’s also a Google map with all the attractions. Jump to the map.
Taking the Train from Charlotte to Raleigh
Train Routes Between Charlotte and Raleigh
NC By Train offers two train routes, through Amtrak, between Charlotte and Raleigh: The Piedmont and the Carolinian. The Piedmont stops in Kannapolis, Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Durham and Cary, on the way to Raleigh. The Carolinian makes all those stops, and then continues onto Richmond, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, with stops in Selma, Wilson and Rocky Mount before it leaves North Carolina.
Between the two routes, there are five departure times each day from Charlotte, starting as early as 6:45 a.m., and five return times.
Where is the Amtrak train station in Charlotte?
The Charlotte Amtrak Station, at 1914 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, is open 24 hours a day. Parking is free, but ask the ticket agent for a parking pass to put on your dashboard.
The station is somewhat bare bones, with wooden pews in the waiting room, a couple of vending machines and restrooms. A new station is in the works for Charlotte. It will be in Uptown Charlotte, at Graham and Trade Streets, and will be a big upgrade from the current station, with shops, hospitality, and connectivity with other transit. But that new station is years from completion.
What’s the train ride like?
The train ride is extremely comfortable. There is tons of leg room, free Wi-Fi, electrical outlets for every row, and seats that recline. You can actually recline them without annoying the person behind you, because there’s so much leg room. There is no middle seat.
On the Carolinian there’s a Café Car where you can purchase sandwiches, hot food, snacks, salads, breakfast, and beverages, including non-alcoholic drinks, wine, beer, hard seltzer, spirits and cocktails. On the Café Car, there is table seating.
On the Piedmont, there is a lounge area with vending machines.
How long is the train ride from Charlotte to Raleigh?
It takes between 3 and 3.5 hours to travel by train from Charlotte to Raleigh. So, it’s a little longer than if you’re driving, but probably not much longer if there’s any significant traffic on the roads, or if you have to stop to refuel.
Where is the Amtrak train station in Raleigh?
Raleigh Union Station will be a pleasant surprise for passengers leaving from the Charlotte Station. It’s new (it opened in 2018), expansive, bright and airy.
The station features a large waiting area with comfortable seating.
At 510 W Martin Street in Downtown Raleigh, when you step out of the train station, you’ll be close to many attractions and restaurants.
What does it cost to take the train from Charlotte to Raleigh?
A round trip ticket between Charlotte and Raleigh costs about $54, but there are several everyday discounts, as well as occasional special offers. Keep reading to learn about discounts. Purchase train tickets.
Discounts on Train Tickets in North Carolina
Some discounts are offered every day. Find a current list of discounts on NC By Train and on Amtrak.
- Kids age 2-12 ride for 50% off. Infants under age 2 ride for free.
- Seniors 65 years of age and over get 10% off.
- Military personnel and their families save 10%.
- Military veterans save 10%.
- Students 17-24 save 15%.
- Discounts are available to passengers with disabilities and up to one traveling companion.
- National Association of Railroad Passengers members save 10%.
- Groups with 3-8 passengers can save up to 60%. More info.
- North Carolina state employees save 15% when traveling within North Carolina on the Carolinian and Piedmont. More info.
What to do in Raleigh When You Arrive by Train
The great thing about traveling to Raleigh by train is that there is so much to do within walking distance of Raleigh Union Station, at 510 W Martin Street. Of course, ride share services and taxis are available for destinations that aren’t a comfortable walk for you.
Also, GoRaleigh’s buses can help you get around. GoRaleigh fares are suspended through June 30, 2024, so, for now, it’s a free service.
Read on for a list of places to walk to when you come to Raleigh by train, and two that you might want to get to on a bus or ride share. Make sure to check opening hours for each destination.
A Place at the Table
A Place at the Table
300 W Hargett Street, Raleigh, North Carolina
.3 miles from train station
A Place at the table is Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can café. Guests have the option to pay the menu price, pay just $3 for a meal, or volunteer in exchange for a meal. Or, you can “pay it forward” by paying more than the suggested amount on the menu. A Place at the Table offers breakfast and lunch, plus coffee drinks and pastries. Read more about A Place at the Table on Triangle on the Cheap.
CAM Raleigh
CAM Raleigh
409 W Martin Street, Raleigh, NC
.1 mile from train station
CAM Raleigh is a contemporary art museum with every-changing exhibitions by living artists. It’s free to visit. You might want to give them a call to make sure they’re open.
Videri Chocolate Factory
Videri Chocolate Factory
327 W Davie Street, Raleigh, NC
.2 miles from train station
Visit Videri Chocolate Factory, and, if your timing is right, you can see how this small factory creates hand-crafted, artisan chocolate. Self-guided tours are free. Guided tours are $15. You can also sample chocolate bars before you buy. Soft-serve ice cream, sourced from Howling Cow Creamery, is also available.
Black & White Coffee Roasters runs a cafe inside Videri Chocolate Factory, so this is an ideal place to enjoy a coffee and plan out your visit to Raleigh.
ArtSpace
Artspace
201 E Davie Street, Raleigh, NC
.7 miles from train station
Artspace includes both galleries and studios, and when you visit, you can look around any studio that’s open. Free to visit.
Boxcar Bar & Arcade
Boxcar Bar + Arcade
330 W Davie Street, Raleigh, NC
.2 miles from train station
Whether you love pinball, arcade, games, foosball, air hockey or skeeball, you’ll find a game here to spark your competitive spirit. You can bring kids with you before 8 p.m. on weekdays and before 7 p.m. on weekends. Boxcar opens at 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and at 12 p.m. Friday to Sunday.
City of Raleigh Museum
City of Raleigh Museum
220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC
.5 miles from train station
City of Raleigh Museum preserves and interprets the history of Raleigh, with around 5,000 artifacts. This is a great place to start if you’d like to get a good overview of what Raleigh is all about.
Morgan Street Food Hall
Morgan Street Food Hall
411 W Morgan Street, Raleigh, NC
.3 miles from train station
There’s something for everyone at Morgan Street Food Hall, whether you’re craving pizza, burgers, lobster rolls, ice cream, empanadas, tacos, or more. Axe throwing is available too. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
North Carolina Museum of History
North Carolina Museum of History
5 E Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC
.7 miles from train station
Explore the history of North Carolina through permanent and temporary exhibits. The museum hosts frequent events, including hands-on activities. Free to visit. Please note that the museum will close for renovations starting October 7, 2024.
Marbles Kids Museum
Marbles Kids Museum
201 E Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC
.7 miles from train station
This popular spot for kids boasts lots of fun, hands-on activities, as well as an IMAX theater. Advance tickets are required.
Sam Jones BBQ
Sam Jones BBQ
502 W Lenoir Street, Raleigh, NC
.5 miles from train station
Sam Jones BBQ has a rich, three-generation history of whole hog BBQ, slow-smoked over Carolina oak. It’s the real deal.
Pullen Park
Pullen Park
520 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh, NC
1.5 miles from train station
Pullen Park might not be walking distance for families, but it would be a shame to go to Raleigh with kids and skip it. You can save some steps by taking the 11 bus. Just plug “Pullen Park” into your mapping program and it should help you figure out the route. Pullen Park features kid-friendly attractions like the 1911 Dentzel Carousel, kiddie boats, one-third size replica C.P. Huntington miniature train, and pedal boats, as well as playgrounds. Tickets for the amusements are $2 per ride. You should call 919-996-6472 to verify hours and ride availability.
Dix Park
Sunflower Field at Dorothea Dix Park
1987 Umstead Drive, Raleigh, NC
1.6 miles from train station
This is another spot that might not be a comfortable walk for everyone, but is absolutely worth a visit if you’re in Raleigh in early July, when the sunflower field is in bloom. Ride share might be the best option, although the 11 bus will get you part of the way there. The sunflower field is probably the most popular spot for photos in Raleigh. Just don’t cut the flowers!
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