- Must visit
Gibbes Museum of Art
A leading art museum with American works, Charleston history objects and a fine collection in a grand Beaux-Arts building by the waterfront.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Raleigh, NC to Charleston, SC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Raleigh, NC to Charleston, SC will cost around £67 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £64.
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 4 trains from Raleigh, NC to Charleston, SC, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 354 km distance in an average of 10 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 13 m .
The slowest trains will take 12 h 8 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.

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Trains from Raleigh, NC to Charleston, SC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £44 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 09:15, the last at 12:13. The fastest train covers the 354 km distance in 5h 39m.
Distance 354 km |
Average train duration 6h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £44 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 5h 39m |
First train 9:15 |
Last train 12:13 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Raleigh, NC to Charleston, SC.
The table below shows live departures for Raleigh, NC to Charleston, SC trains for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
80 Carolinian · 89 Palmetto | 10:13 Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 12h08 | 22:21 Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC | 1 change | |
| Monday 2 November | |||||
![]() | 14:13 Raleigh, NC | 12h08 | 2:21 Charleston, SC | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Charleston, SC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charleston, SC trip today.
A leading art museum with American works, Charleston history objects and a fine collection in a grand Beaux-Arts building by the waterfront.
A compact museum interpreting Charleston's role in the American Revolution through artefacts, immersive displays and a central location near the harbour.
A former naval site presenting medal recipients' stories with immersive galleries and harbour views. It offers a modern perspective on military service.
A palm-lined waterfront promenade with harbour breezes, grand houses and easy access to views, benches and major historic sights.
A lively historic district of market buildings and lanes filled with local crafts, architecture and a central base for exploring downtown on foot.
A landscaped public park with fountains, monuments and seasonal events. It is a useful stop between museums, shops and nearby historic streets.
A Lowcountry staple of rice cooked with onions, peppers and sausage or bacon. It reflects Charleston’s Gullah Geechee and rice-growing heritage.
A rich soup of blue crab, crab roe and cream or stock, long associated with Charleston hospitality and local coastal cooking.
Stone-ground grits cooked creamy, often with butter and cheese. Grits are a defining Southern side deeply rooted in Lowcountry meals.
Busy oyster bar and seafood spot serving she-crab soup, po’ boys and shellfish in a relaxed, traditional market atmosphere.
Upscale dining room focused on refined Lowcountry cooking, with polished service and dishes rooted in Charleston ingredients.
Popular bakery and café for biscuits, shrimp and grits, Southern breakfasts and pastries in a smart-casual setting.
Charleston is pricier than many Southern US cities, with higher hotel and restaurant costs in the historic centre; public transport is limited, so visitors often also pay for taxis or parking.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually get 10-15%. Round up or leave $1-2 at cafés for counter service.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Charleston, SC.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Raleigh, NC to Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Raleigh, NC to Charleston, SC trains use the Raleigh Union Station to station pair. Use this guide to compare Raleigh, NC and Charleston, SC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Raleigh Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Pit Authentic BBQ, Humble Pie, Whiskey Kitchen
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Raleigh Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Raleigh Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Raleigh Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Raleigh Marriott City Center, Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need