Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC train with Amtrak

Thu, Jan 29
+ Add return
Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
Regiojet
Northern Rail (3)
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
Regiojet
Northern Rail (3)
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC

Showing times and prices for Jan 29

Cheapest price

€187

Average price

€188

Fastest journey

8 h

Average duration

9 h 22 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 traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC will cost around €188 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €187.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Washington, DC for Charlotte, NC on Thu, Jan 29, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Jan 29 the direct trains cover the 529 km distance in an average of 9 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h .

On Thu, Jan 29 the slowest trains will take 10 h 43 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
10:30PM8h00
Washington, DC
06:30AMCharlotte, NC
1871One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
03:08PM10h43
Washington, DC
01:51AMCharlotte, NC
1891One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, 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 bus with prices starting from €40. 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 bus costs an average of €40, and a flight costs an average of €123.

Distance: 529 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€151

Average price

€61

Average price

Cheapest

€253

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, Wednesday, January 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 6:33 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak79 Carolinian5:10 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
9h48
2:58 AM Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC0 transfersDirect
amtrak19 Crescent11:30 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h00
7:30 AM Charlotte Station, Charlotte, NC0 transfersDirect

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, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, 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.

Thu
Jan 29
Fri
Jan 30
Sat
Jan 31
Sun
Feb 01
Mon
Feb 02
Tue
Feb 03
Wed
Feb 04

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 €68 but you can travel from only €40 by bus.

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
Bus from €40
Distance
529 km
Average train duration
9h 22m
Cheapest ticket price
€68
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
Bus from €40

Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and Charlotte, NC from €40. 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
€71
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: Trains from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC

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
Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC can start from as little as €57 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC is €80; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC train time is 8 h   covering the 529 km long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC leaves at 04: 04. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC leaves at 18: 49.
Yes, there are 2 direct trains a day from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC with Amtrak. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
For the route from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC you can take a train with Amtrak. Be sure to check out all possible train providers that offer services between Washington, DC and Charlotte, NC on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 18: 49.
The cheapest month for a train from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC is September.
You have options as you can travel from Washington, DC to Charlotte, NC 3 different ways: train, coach or flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Washington, DC to 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 transit 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

Most popular train connections from Washington, DC

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

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

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