Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC train with Amtrak

Mon 07 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 Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 07 Sept

Cheapest price on 07 Sept

£79

Average ticket price on 07 Sept

£200

Fastest journey on 07 Sept

10 h 47 m

Average journey duration on 07 Sept

12 h 18 m

Trains on 07 Sept

10

Distance

725 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC will cost around £200 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £79.

Fast trains

On Mon 07 Sept, we found 10 trains from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC, including 5 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 725 km distance in an average of 12 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 47 m .

The slowest trains will take 13 h 27 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.

  • Amtrak79 Carolinian
    8:5813h47
    30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
    22:45Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC
    £791One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak153 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian
    9:3313h12
    30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
    22:45Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC
    £891One-way
    1 change
  • Amtrak65 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian
    4:2018h25
    30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
    22:45Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC
    £891One-way
    1 change
  • Amtrak19 Crescent
    15:3810h52
    30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
    2:30Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC
    £941One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak79 Carolinian
    8:5613h49
    30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
    22:45Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC
    £941One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £69 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 17m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £69, while a flight costs an average of £245.

Distance: 725 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight
Driving

£110

Average Price

£69

Average Price

Cheapest

£245

Average Price

£82

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

12h 27m

Average total duration

11h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 50m

Average total duration

12h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 17m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 17m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

8h 33m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.7 - 1.8kg

CO2 emissions

2.2 - 4.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Spirit Airlines

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

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 Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC is a coach with an average price of £69.

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

A coach is £41 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC costing on average £110.

A coach is £176 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC costing on average £245.

The fastest way to travel from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 17m.

Other travel options to Charlotte, NC take longer:

Train takes on average 11h 57m.

Coach takes on average 12h 20m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Philadelphia, PA 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 £110 compared to roughly £82 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-28.35. The journey takes 11h 57m versus 8h 33m 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

Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC train times

The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC trains for tomorrow, Monday 7 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak65 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian4:20 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
18h25
22:45 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC1 change
Amtrak65 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian4:20 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
18h40
23:00 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC1 change
Amtrak79 Carolinian8:56 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
13h49
22:45 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC0 changesdirect
Amtrak79 Carolinian8:56 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
14h04
23:00 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC0 changesdirect
Amtrak79 Carolinian8:58 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
13h47
22:45 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC0 changesdirect
Amtrak153 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian9:33 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
13h12
22:45 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC1 change
Amtrak153 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian9:33 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
13h12
22:45 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC1 change
Amtrak153 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian9:33 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
13h27
23:00 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC1 change
Amtrak19 Crescent15:38 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
10h52
2:30 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC0 changesdirect
Amtrak19 Crescent15:43 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
10h47
2:30 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Philadelphia, PA 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.

Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept

Journey information

Overview: Train from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC run on average 3 times per day, taking around 11h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £71 but you can travel from only £52 by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:04, the last at 15:40. The fastest train covers the 725 km distance in 10h 52m.

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 £52
Distance
725 km
Average train duration
11h 57m
Cheapest ticket price
£71
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
10h 52m
First train
4:04
Last train
15:40
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
2 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 £52

Train companies: Amtrak from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Philadelphia, PA and Charlotte, NC from £52. 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
10h 52m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£71
Amtrak frequency
1 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 Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Philadelphia, PA and Charlotte, NC from £52. 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
10h 52m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£71
Amtrak frequency
1 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: Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £71, while the average price tends to be around £110.
The train journey from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC covers a distance of 725 km and takes approximately 10h 52m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC is 725 km.
The first train from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC leaves at 4:04.
The last train from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC departs at 15:40.
Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC.
Yes, there is a direct train between Philadelphia, PA and Charlotte, NC. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC.
The train station in Philadelphia, PA that goes to Charlotte, NC is 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA, and it arrives at Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC.
The cheapest way to get from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC is by coach, costing approximately £52.
Booking trains from Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the rolling landscapes of Virginia and the lush countryside of North Carolina. While not as dramatic as mountain routes, it provides a pleasant and relaxing travel experience with glimpses of charming small towns and natural scenery.
A day trip from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC is not feasible as the journey duration is 10h 52m and exceeds the 120-minute limit. The distance is 725 km. The frequency of the journey is 2 times per day for trains.
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 Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Philadelphia, PA and Charlotte, NC

Most Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC trains use the 30th Street Station to Charlotte Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia
Arrival train stations in Charlotte

Which Philadelphia, PA station do trains to Charlotte, NC leave from?

Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC leave from 30th Street Station. The station is 2 km from Philadelphia, PA city centre at 2955 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
30th Street Station2955 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA+1 215-349-2135WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to 30th Street Station from Philadelphia city centre

30th Street Station is 1 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainAir, War, Wil, Med, Wtr, Lan, Pao, Cyn, Nor, Tre, Chw, Fox · 4m · £3 · every ~21 min
Bus414, 417, 555 · 9m · £2
31, 44, 62, 124, 125 · 10m · £3 · every ~16 min
TramT1, T2, T3, T4, T5 · 6m · £3 · every ~57 min

30th Street Station train station facilities and services

30th Street Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Bridgewater's Pub, The Porch at 30th Street Station

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at 30th Street Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at 30th Street Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at 30th Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at 30th Street Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at 30th Street Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel, Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel, The Study at University City.

More options for your journey from Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC

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

Most popular train connections to Charlotte, NC

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Charlotte, NC Philadelphia, PA to Charlotte, NC train

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