Train travel is full steam ahead. In FY 2025, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) served 34.5 million riders — an all-time ridership record. Charlotte’s Amtrak station served 328,008 people in 2024 alone.
The sustainable, often scenic, and middle seat-less cousin to flying, train travel could be part of your next vacation — here’s how to do it locally.
Meet the Carolinian
If you’re leaving from Charlotte’s train station, you’ll most likely be riding the Carolinian:
- Wi-Fi | There’s free Wi-Fi + you are allowed to use your phone the entire ride. Pro tip: Outlets are more accessible in first or business class + sleeper cars.
- Food + Drink | This train offers café service (snacks and drinks for purchase).
- Accommodations | The Carolinian features coach and business class-level seats.
Where it takes you
Maybe you’ll take the midnight train, but you don’t wanna go just anywhere. Check out where you can get from Charlotte via the Carolinian. Prices may vary.
- Raleigh | ~3-hour trip | Coach: $29 | Business: $45
- Richmond | ~7-hour trip | Coach: $77 | Business: $184
- New York | ~13.5-hour trip | Coach: $179 | Business: $369
First stop: The ticket counter
Purchase one-way tickets online, or buy a pass — the $499 USA Rail Pass, for instance, gets you 10 rides over 30 days.
Next — getting to the station. Charlotte’s includes daily and overnight parking.
Just down the track…
The Federal Railroad Administration, NCDOT, and the City of Charlotte partnered to fund the new Charlotte Gateway Station in Uptown, though a development timeline is TBA.
