Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC train with Amtrak

Sat 06 Dec
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Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC

Showing times and prices for 08 Dec

Cheapest price

£92

Average price

£104

Fastest journey

8 h

Average duration

8 h 54 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

529 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC will cost around £104 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £92.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Washington, DC for Charlotte, NC every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 529 km distance in an average of 8 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h .

The slowest trains will take 9 h 48 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
11:089h48
Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
20:56Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC
£921One-way
0 changes
Amtrak19 Crescent
18:308h00
Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
02:30Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC
£1151One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 37m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £37, and a flight costs an average of £113.

Distance: 529 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£138

Average Price

£56

Average Price

Cheapest

£232

Average Price

9h 52m

Average total duration

9h 22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 41m

Average total duration

9h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 37m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 37m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

1.6 - 3.2kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

American Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC train times

The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC trains for today, Sunday 7 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 09:27
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak79 Carolinian16:08 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
9h48
01:56 Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC0 changesdirect
amtrak19 Crescent23:30 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h00
07:30 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 Washington, DC 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
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec
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13 Dec
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17 Dec
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18 Dec
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19 Dec
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20 Dec
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21 Dec

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC?

The best time to book your train from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 9h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £62 but you can travel from only £37 by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:04, the last at 18:49. The fastest train covers the 529 km distance in 8h 0m.

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 £37
Distance
529 km
Average train duration
9h 22m
Cheapest ticket price
£62
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
8h 0m
First train
04:04
Last train
18:49
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 £37

Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and Charlotte, NC from £37. 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 Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
£66
Amtrak frequency
2 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

FAQs: Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC 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
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, there is a direct train between Washington, DC and Charlotte, NC. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
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.
The train journey from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC offers diverse scenery, with views of picturesque countryside, charming small towns, and stretches of lush forests, particularly during the autumn months when the foliage is vibrant.
A day trip from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC is not feasible due to the travel duration of 8h 0m for one way and the distance of 529 km. There are 2 trains per day.
Booking trains from Washington, DC 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 distance from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC is 529 km.
The cost of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £62, while the average price tends to be around £138.
The train journey from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC covers a distance of 529 km and takes approximately 8h 0m. Trains run 2 per day.
The cheapest way to get from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC is by coach, costing approximately £37.
The train station in Washington, DC that goes to Charlotte, NC is Washington Union Station, Washington, DC, and it arrives at Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC.
The first train from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC leaves at 4:04.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC.
The last train from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC departs at 18:49.
Yes, you can take the train from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC.
Trains from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC run approximately 2 times per day.
There is no night train service from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Washington, DC and Charlotte, NC

Washington
Charlotte
The major train station for departures in Washington is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your trip from Washington to Charlotte.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
  • Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Dining
Dining
  • Shake Shack
  • McDonald’s
  • Starbucks
  • Potbelly Sandwich Shop
  • Chopt Creative Salad Co.
  • Chipotle Mexican Grill
  • Thunder Grill
  • Johnny Rockets
  • Jamba Juice
  • Ladurée Union Station
  • & many more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
  • Phoenix Park Hotel
  • Kimpton George Hotel
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
  • Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Public transport options for Union Station
  • Metro lines: Red
  • Bus lines: D6, D8, 80, 96,
  • Train lines: Acela, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Fredericksburg Line, MARC Brunswick, MARC Camden, MARC Penn, Manassas Line, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Silver Service/Palmetto, Vermonter

More options for your journey from Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC train

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