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The cheapest and fastest trains from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£24
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£25
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
2 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
2 h 30 m
Trains on 19 Sept
2
Distance
195 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Charlotte, NC to Durham, 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 Sat 19 Sept, we found 2 trains from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 195 km distance in an average of 2 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 30 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 30 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.
0:452h30Charlotte, NC3:15Durham, NC£241One-way0 changes- 23:452h30Charlotte, NC2:15Durham, NC£261One-way0 changes
- 0:452h30Charlotte, NC3:15Durham, NC£241One-way0 changes
- 23:452h30Charlotte, NC2:15Durham, NC£261One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 4m. 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 £26, while a flight costs an average of £457.
Distance: 195 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£26 Average Price Cheapest | £457 Average Price | £31 Average Price | £21 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 4m Average total duration Fastest 2h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration 2h 45m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 36m Average total duration 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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 Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC is a train with an average price of £26.
This is compared to other travel options from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC:
A train is £6 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC costing on average £31.
A train is £432 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC costing on average £457.
The fastest way to travel from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC is by train with an average journey time of 2h 34m.
Other travel options to Durham, NC take longer:
Flight takes on average 2h 45m.
Coach takes on average 3h 6m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC including taking a coach, train 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 £26 compared to roughly £21 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-4.31. The journey takes 2h 34m versus 2h 10m 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
Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC train times
The table below shows live departures for Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | 6:45 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC | 3h03 | 9:48 Durham Station, Durham, NC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 72 · 3172 | 11:30 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC | 3h20 | 14:50 Durham Station, Durham, NC | 1 change | |
| 76 | 18:15 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC | 2h59 | 21:14 Durham Station, Durham, NC | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| 0:45 Charlotte, NC | 2h30 | 3:15 Durham, NC | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 17 September | |||||
| 78 | 21:30 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC | 2h56 | 0:26 Durham Station, Durham, NC | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
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23 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Journey information
Overview: Train from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC
USAUSA
Trains from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:04, the last at 20:00. The fastest train covers the 195 km distance in 2h 30m.
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 £20
Distance 195 km |
Average train duration 2h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £25 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 30m |
First train 4:04 |
Last train 20:00 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
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 £20
Train companies: Amtrak from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC from £18. 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 30m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£25
Amtrak frequency
4 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 Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC from £18. 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 30m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£25
Amtrak frequency
4 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.
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 Durham, NC
Things to do in Durham, NC
Discover the best of Durham, NC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Durham, NC trip today.
- Must visit
Museum of Life and Science
Interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits, wildlife displays and family-friendly learning in downtown Durham.
- Recommended
Nasher Museum of Art
Compact art museum on Duke’s campus with rotating exhibitions and a varied permanent collection in a modern building.
- Recommended
Duke Homestead State Historic Site
Historic site museum preserving Washington Duke’s home and factory buildings, explaining tobacco production and local history.
- Must visit
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Expansive public gardens and woodland trails beside Duke University, ideal for walking, seasonal flowers and quiet views.
- Recommended
Brightleaf Square
Revived warehouse district with murals, shops, apartments and a lively urban atmosphere near Durham’s centre.
Durham Bulls Athletic Park Trail
Linear trail built on a former rail corridor, popular for walking and cycling through central Durham neighbourhoods.
- Gluten-free
Eastern North Carolina Barbecue
Eastern North Carolina chopped pork barbecue is smoked, finely chopped and dressed with a sharp vinegar-pepper sauce. It is a defining regional staple across Durham.
Hush Puppies
Barbecue hush puppies are deep-fried cornmeal dumplings, commonly served with local barbecue plates. They are a long-standing Southern side in Durham eateries.
- Gluten-free
Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits pairs creamy grits with prawns, often in a buttery or bacon-based sauce. It reflects North Carolina’s coastal and Southern cooking traditions.
Monuts
Well-known local venue for inventive biscuits, grits and breakfast fare. Busy, informal and popular for a classic Durham brunch.
The Original Q Shack
Casual counter-service spot known for whole-hog North Carolina barbecue, brisket and classic sides in a lively, no-fuss setting.
NanaSteak
Refined dining room serving seasonal Southern cuisine with North Carolina ingredients. Expect polished plates and a relaxed but smart atmosphere.
US dollar ($)
Moderate for a US city. Hotels and dining are fairly priced, while car hire or ride-hailing often adds more than public transport in comparable regional destinations.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or a casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- $20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually get 10-15%. In cafés, small change or $1 per drink is common.
FAQs: Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charlotte, NC to Durham, 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 Durham, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £25, while the average price tends to be around £26.
The train journey from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC covers a distance of 195 km and takes approximately 2h 30m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC is 195 km.
The first train from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC leaves at 4:04.
The last train from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC departs at 20:00.
Trains from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC.
Yes, there is a direct train between Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC.
The train station in Charlotte, NC that goes to Durham, NC is Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC, and it arrives at Durham Station, Durham, NC.
The cheapest way to get from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC is by coach, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Charlotte, NC to Durham, 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 Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of small towns, forests, and fields, providing a pleasant but not particularly dramatic scenic experience.
A day trip from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC is not feasible, as the journey takes 2h 30m each way. Trains run 4 times per day.
To fully experience Durham, NC, spending 2 to 3 days is ideal. This allows time to explore the city's vibrant arts scene, visit the historic sites, and enjoy the local cuisine.
Yes, you can take the train from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC
Most Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC trains use the Charlotte Station to Durham Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Charlotte
Arrival train stations in Durham
Which Charlotte, NC station do trains to Durham, NC leave from?
Trains from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC leave from Charlotte Station. The station is 2 km from Charlotte, NC city centre at 1914 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28206, United States.
Charlotte Station1914 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28206, United States1-800-USA-RAIL
City-centre transport
Getting to Charlotte Station from Charlotte city centre
Charlotte Station is 2 km from Charlotte city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus11 · 7m · £2 · every ~4 min
11 · 9m · £2 · every ~4 min
Charlotte Station train station facilities and services
Charlotte 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: Alexander Michael's, The King's Kitchen
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Charlotte Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Charlotte Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Charlotte Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Charlotte Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Charlotte Station: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Westin Charlotte, Hilton Charlotte Uptown, Omni Charlotte Hotel.
Which Durham, NC station do trains from Charlotte, NC arrive at?
Trains from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC most often arrive at Durham Station. Some services arrive at Cary Station, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Durham, NC arrival station.
Durham Station601 West Main Street, Durham, NC 27701, USA1-800-USA-RAIL
City-centre transport
Getting to Durham Station from Durham city centre
Bus2, 9, 12, 12B · 3m · £0.90 · every ~12 min
Durham Station train station facilities and services
Durham 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: Parker and Otis, Dame's Chicken & Waffles
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Durham Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Durham Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Durham Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Durham Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Durham Station: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Durham Marriott City Center, 21c Museum Hotel Durham, Aloft Durham Downtown.
More options for your journey from Charlotte, NC to Durham, NC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Durham, NC and Charlotte, NC
Most popular train connections to Durham, NC
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