Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC train with Amtrak

Fri 18 Sept
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

Cheapest price on 18 Sept

£24

Average ticket price on 18 Sept

£25

Fastest journey on 18 Sept

2 h 46 m

Average journey duration on 18 Sept

2 h 51 m

Trains on 18 Sept

4

Distance

197 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC will cost around £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £24.

Fast trains

On Fri 18 Sept, we found 4 trains from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 197 km distance in an average of 2 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 46 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 58 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.

  • Amtrak
    11:422h46
    Cary, NC
    14:28Charlotte, NC
    £241One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    20:272h54
    Cary, NC
    23:21Charlotte, NC
    £251One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    15:122h58
    Cary, NC
    18:10Charlotte, NC
    £251One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    10:422h46
    Cary, NC
    13:28Charlotte, NC
    £251One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £27 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 9m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £27, while a flight costs an average of £333.

Distance: 197 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight
Driving

£27

Average Price

Cheapest

£29

Average Price

£333

Average Price

£20

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 34m

Average total duration

3h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 3m

Average total duration

3h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 9m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 9m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

2h 26m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.6 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC is a train with an average price of £27.

This is compared to other travel options from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC:

A train is £2 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC costing on average £29.

A train is £307 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC costing on average £333.

The fastest way to travel from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 9m.

Other travel options to Charlotte, NC take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 56m.

Coach takes on average 3h 33m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cary, NC and Charlotte, NC including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £27 compared to roughly £20 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-6.69. The journey takes 2h 56m versus 2h 26m 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

Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC train times

The table below shows live departures for Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak716:27 Cary Station, Cary, NC
3h19
9:46 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC0 changesdirect
Amtrak7717:27 Cary Station, Cary, NC
3h21
20:48 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC0 changesdirect
Amtrak7919:28 Cary Station, Cary, NC
3h47
23:15 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:04, the last at 20:00. The fastest train covers the 197 km distance in 2h 46m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25
Distance
197 km
Average train duration
2h 56m
Cheapest ticket price
£26
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
2h 46m
First train
4:04
Last train
20:00
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
1 day
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25

Train companies: Amtrak from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Cary, NC and Charlotte, NC from £20. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Amtrak Duration
2h 46m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£26
Amtrak frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

Train companies: Amtrak from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Cary, NC and Charlotte, NC from £20. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Amtrak Duration
2h 46m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£26
Amtrak frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

What's included in each class

Compare Amtrak classes and the amenities included in each one.

Bedroom
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Free Drinks
  • Free meal
  • Lounge Access
Business Class Seat
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
  • Wide seats
  • Extra legroom
  • Free Drinks
  • Meals to buy
  • Snacks to buy
  • WC
Business Travel Roomette
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Free Drinks
  • Free meal
  • Lounge Access
Coach Lower Level Seat
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Meals to buy
  • Snacks to buy
Coach Reserved Seat
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Meals to buy
  • Snacks to buy
Coach Seat
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
Coach Unreserved Seat
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Meals to buy
  • Snacks to buy
Family Bedroom
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Free Drinks
  • Free meal
  • Lounge Access
Superliner Roomette
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Free Drinks
  • Free meal
  • Lounge Access
Viewliner Roomette
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Free Drinks
  • Free meal
  • Lounge Access

Complete guide to Charlotte, NC

Things to do in Charlotte, NC

Discover the best of Charlotte, NC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charlotte, NC trip today.

  • Must visit

Mint Museum Uptown

Major Uptown art museum with American, European and modern works, plus rotating exhibitions and strong decorative arts holdings.

  • Recommended

Levine Museum of the New South

Interactive museum on the New South, with thoughtful exhibits on Charlotte, civil rights and the region's changing identity.

  • Recommended

Mint Museum Randolph

Museum in the historic former US Mint building, featuring craft, design and decorative arts in a quieter setting.

US dollar ($)

Moderate for a US city. Hotels and dining are mid-priced, while Lynx light rail and buses keep local travel fairly affordable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
$10-18 for fast food or a casual meal.
Mid-range
$20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
$70+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
$4-6 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. In cafés, round up or add $1-2 for barista service.

FAQs: Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC 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 Charlotte, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £26, while the average price tends to be around £27.
The train journey from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC covers a distance of 197 km and takes approximately 2h 46m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC is 197 km.
The first train from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC leaves at 4:04.
The last train from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC departs at 20:00.
Trains from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cary, NC and Charlotte, NC. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC.
The train station in Cary, NC that goes to Charlotte, NC is Cary Station, Cary, NC, and it arrives at Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC.
The cheapest way to get from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC is by coach, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC offers a pleasant view of the North Carolina countryside, passing through green landscapes and small towns, but it is not typically considered a particularly scenic route.
A day trip from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 46m, covering a distance of 197 km. There are 6 trips per day available by train.
In Charlotte, NC, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities. Carowinds offers thrilling roller coasters and a water park, while the U.S. National Whitewater Center provides outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting and rock climbing. Explore NoDa, the historic arts and entertainment district, for galleries, music venues, and unique dining. Motorsport enthusiasts can visit Charlotte Motor Speedway for NASCAR races. For cultural experiences, the Billy Graham Library offers insights into the evangelist's life. Key sights include the interactive NASCAR Hall of Fame, Discovery Place Science with its hands-on exhibits and IMAX theatre, and the scenic Freedom Park. Art lovers will appreciate the Mint Museum Uptown, and the Levine Museum of the New South offers a deep dive into post-Civil War Southern history.
To fully experience Charlotte, NC, a stay of three to four days is generally recommended. This allows time to explore key attractions such as the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Levine Museum of the New South, and the U.S. National Whitewater Center, as well as enjoy local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cary, NC and Charlotte, NC

Most Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC trains use the Cary Station to Charlotte Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cary, NC and Charlotte, NC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cary
Arrival train stations in Charlotte

Which Cary, NC station do trains to Charlotte, NC leave from?

Trains from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC leave from Cary Station. The station is from Cary, NC city centre at 211 N. Academy St, Cary, NC 27513, USA.
Cary Station211 N. Academy St, Cary, NC 27513, USA+1 919-XXX-XXXX (use 1-800-USA-RAIL for general inquiries)WifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Cary Station from Cary city centre

BusGoCary routes available
Taxi services available

Cary Station train station facilities and services

Cary Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Academy Street Bistro, Lugano Ristorante

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cary Station. Information desks are located in the main waiting room.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Cary Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cary Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cary Station: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cary Station: Ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include The Mayton, Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh/Cary, Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh/Cary.

More options for your journey from Cary, NC to Charlotte, NC

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to Charlotte, NC

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