Booking Amtrak In North Carolina..!!
North Carolina, with its diverse landscapes from the Appalachian Mountains to the Outer Banks, offers a remarkable travel experience. While road trips are popular, there’s a unique charm and convenience to exploring the Tar Heel State by train. Amtrak provides a relaxed, scenic, and often stress-free way to connect key cities and towns across North Carolina.
Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or simply prefer a more sustainable mode of transport, this complete guide will walk you through every Amtrak station in NC, detailing services, amenities, and crucial distances to major cities and airports.
Understanding Amtrak Routes in North Carolina
Before we dive into individual stations, it’s helpful to know which Amtrak routes serve North Carolina:
- The Carolinian: This service runs daily between Charlotte, NC, and New York City, connecting major hubs like Raleigh, Richmond, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia. It’s a popular choice for connecting NC with the Northeast corridor.
- The Piedmont: This is North Carolina’s intrastate service, offering multiple daily round-trips between Raleigh and Charlotte, with stops in many key cities in between. It’s perfect for short hops within the state.
- The Silver Service (Silver Star & Silver Meteor) & Palmetto: These long-distance routes connect New York City and Florida, providing service to eastern NC towns like Rocky Mount, Wilson, and Fayetteville.
North Carolina Amtrak Stations: A Detailed Guide
Let’s explore each station, moving roughly from east to west (and then south for the Silver Service corridor).
1. Rocky Mount (RMT)
Rocky Mount serves as a significant stop on Amtrak’s East Coast routes, connecting passengers to destinations north and south. The station is a beautifully restored historic building, offering a glimpse into the past.
- Location: 1011 N. Carlton Place, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
- Trains Served: Carolinian, Silver Star, Silver Meteor, Palmetto
- Amenities: Unstaffed ticket office, waiting room, restrooms, payphones, accessible platform, parking, vending machines.
- Why Visit: Rocky Mount offers a vibrant downtown arts and cultural district, the Rocky Mount Mills (a historic mill site turned brewery, restaurant, and event space), and easy access to Interstate 95.
Distances from Rocky Mount Station:
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major NC Cities | ||
| Raleigh | 55 miles | Connect via Carolinian or Silver Service |
| Greenville | 30 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Wilson | 15 miles | Connect via Silver Service/Palmetto |
| Major NC Airports | ||
| Raleigh-Durham (RDU) | 65 miles | Access via Amtrak to Raleigh, then taxi/rideshare |
| Pitt-Greenville (PGV) | 30 miles | Local airport |
2. Wilson (WLN)
Wilson’s station provides service to Eastern NC, known for its agricultural roots and as the “Whirligig Capital of the World.”
- Location: 301 W. Goldsboro St., Wilson, NC 27893
- Trains Served: Carolinian, Silver Star, Silver Meteor, Palmetto
- Amenities: Unstaffed ticket office, waiting room, restrooms, accessible platform, parking.
- Why Visit: Home to the unique Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, a vibrant downtown, and a strong sense of local culture.
Distances from Wilson Station:
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major NC Cities | ||
| Rocky Mount | 15 miles | Connect via Silver Service/Palmetto |
| Greenville | 35 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Goldsboro | 25 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Raleigh | 45 miles | Connect via Carolinian or Silver Service |
| Major NC Airports | ||
| Raleigh-Durham (RDU) | 55 miles | Access via Amtrak to Raleigh, then taxi/rideshare |
| Pitt-Greenville (PGV) | 35 miles | Local airport |
3. Selma (SLM)
Selma, a quaint town in Johnston County, offers a historic train station with direct access to the popular Carolina Premium Outlets.
- Location: 500 E. Waddell St., Selma, NC 27576
- Trains Served: Carolinian, Silver Star, Silver Meteor, Palmetto
- Amenities: Unstaffed ticket office, waiting room, restrooms, accessible platform, parking.
- Why Visit: Shopping at the Carolina Premium Outlets, exploring local history, and its proximity to Smithfield.
Distances from Selma Station:
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major NC Cities | ||
| Raleigh | 30 miles | Connect via Carolinian or Silver Service |
| Goldsboro | 20 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Fayetteville | 55 miles | Connect via Silver Service/Palmetto |
| Major NC Airports | ||
| Raleigh-Durham (RDU) | 40 miles | Access via Amtrak to Raleigh, then taxi/rideshare |
4. Fayetteville (FAY)
Fayetteville is a major military hub, home to Fort Bragg. Its Amtrak station is a gateway for service members and visitors to this important city.
- Location: 472 Hay St., Fayetteville, NC 28301
- Trains Served: Silver Star, Silver Meteor, Palmetto
- Amenities: Staffed ticket office, waiting room, restrooms, accessible platform, parking, payphones.
- Why Visit: Explore military history at the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum, visit the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, and experience the cultural diversity of a military-strong city.
Distances from Fayetteville Station:
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major NC Cities | ||
| Raleigh | 60 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Wilmington | 95 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Southern Pines | 35 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Major NC Airports | ||
| Fayetteville (FAY) | 5 miles | Local airport |
| Raleigh-Durham (RDU) | 70 miles | Bus/car connection |
5. Raleigh (RGH)
Raleigh, the state capital, boasts a modern and bustling Amtrak station (Union Station) that serves as a central hub for both the Carolinian and Piedmont routes.
- Location: 510 W. Martin St., Raleigh, NC 27601 (Raleigh Union Station)
- Trains Served: Carolinian, Piedmont
- Amenities: Staffed ticket office, large waiting room, restrooms, retail (coffee shop, etc.), accessible platform, public transit connections (GoRaleigh, GoTriangle), bicycle racks, short-term parking.
- Why Visit: State Capitol, museums (NC Museum of Natural Sciences, NC Museum of History), vibrant food scene, brewpubs, NC State University, nightlife.
Distances from Raleigh Union Station:
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major NC Cities | ||
| Durham | 25 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| Charlotte | 170 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| Greensboro | 80 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| Chapel Hill | 30 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Wilmington | 130 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Major NC Airports | ||
| Raleigh-Durham (RDU) | 15 miles | Access via local transit (GoTriangle) or taxi/rideshare |
6. Cary (CYN)
Cary offers a charming suburban stop on the Carolinian and Piedmont lines, known for its greenways and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Location: 210 E. Academy St., Cary, NC 27511
- Trains Served: Carolinian, Piedmont
- Amenities: Unstaffed ticket office, waiting room, restrooms, accessible platform, parking.
- Why Visit: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, downtown Cary’s shops and restaurants, convenient to Research Triangle Park.
Distances from Cary Station:
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major NC Cities | ||
| Raleigh | 10 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| Durham | 15 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| Chapel Hill | 10 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Major NC Airports | ||
| Raleigh-Durham (RDU) | 10 miles | Taxi/rideshare recommended |
7. Durham (DHM)
Durham’s Amtrak station is a beautifully renovated historic facility, perfectly situated downtown amidst the city’s vibrant food scene and cultural attractions.
- Location: 601 W. Main St., Durham, NC 27701
- Trains Served: Carolinian, Piedmont
- Amenities: Unstaffed ticket office, waiting room, restrooms, accessible platform, parking, connections to Durham Station for local/regional transit.
- Why Visit: Duke University, American Tobacco Campus, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, world-class restaurants, historic downtown.
Distances from Durham Station:
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major NC Cities | ||
| Raleigh | 25 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| Chapel Hill | 10 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Greensboro | 50 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| Major NC Airports | ||
| Raleigh-Durham (RDU) | 15 miles | Access via local transit (GoTriangle) or taxi/rideshare |
8. Burlington (BUI)
Burlington offers a pleasant stop between the Triangle and Triad regions, known for its textile heritage and family-friendly attractions.
- Location: 100 E. Mebane St., Burlington, NC 27215
- Trains Served: Carolinian, Piedmont
- Amenities: Unstaffed ticket office, waiting room, restrooms, accessible platform, parking.
- Why Visit: City Park (with carousel), Conservators Center (wildlife rescue), close to Elon University.
Distances from Burlington Station:
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major NC Cities | ||
| Greensboro | 20 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| Durham | 30 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| Winston-Salem | 50 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Major NC Airports | ||
| Greensboro (GSO) | 25 miles | Taxi/rideshare recommended |
| Raleigh-Durham (RDU) | 40 miles | Bus/car connection |
9. Greensboro (GSO)
Greensboro’s impressive downtown multimodal transportation center serves as a key connecting point for the Piedmont and Carolinian routes, right in the heart of the city.
- Location: 230 E. Washington St., Greensboro, NC 27401
- Trains Served: Carolinian, Piedmont
- Amenities: Staffed ticket office, large waiting room, restrooms, accessible platform, parking, connections to local (HEAT) and regional transit (PART).
- Why Visit: International Civil Rights Center & Museum, Greensboro Science Center, Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park, numerous universities (UNCG, NC A&T), vibrant downtown.
Distances from Greensboro Station:
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major NC Cities | ||
| Winston-Salem | 30 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Charlotte | 90 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| Raleigh | 80 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| High Point | 15 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| Major NC Airports | ||
| Greensboro (GSO) | 10 miles | Access via local transit or taxi/rideshare |
10. High Point (HPT)
High Point, known as the “Home Furnishings Capital of the World,” offers a convenient downtown station for visitors to its famous market or for connecting to the surrounding Triad area.
- Location: 100 W. High St., High Point, NC 27260
- Trains Served: Carolinian, Piedmont
- Amenities: Unstaffed ticket office, waiting room, restrooms, accessible platform, parking.
- Why Visit: Furniture shopping at the High Point Market (seasonal), All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm, High Point University.
Distances from High Point Station:
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major NC Cities | ||
| Greensboro | 15 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| Winston-Salem | 20 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Charlotte | 75 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| Major NC Airports | ||
| Greensboro (GSO) | 20 miles | Taxi/rideshare recommended |
11. Salisbury (SAL)
Salisbury is a city rich in history, from its charming downtown to its historic architecture. The Amtrak station, a beautifully preserved Southern Railway depot, reflects this heritage.
- Location: 215 Depot St., Salisbury, NC 28144
- Trains Served: Carolinian, Piedmont
- Amenities: Unstaffed ticket office, waiting room, restrooms, accessible platform, parking.
- Why Visit: NC Transportation Museum (Spencer), historic downtown Salisbury, unique local breweries and restaurants.
Distances from Salisbury Station:
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major NC Cities | ||
| Charlotte | 45 miles | Connect via Piedmont or Carolinian |
| Winston-Salem | 40 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Concord | 20 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Major NC Airports | ||
| Charlotte Douglas (CLT) | 50 miles | Access via Amtrak to Charlotte, then taxi/rideshare |
12. Charlotte (CLT)
Charlotte, the Queen City, is the western terminus for both the Carolinian and Piedmont routes. The station is part of the Charlotte Gateway Station project, envisioning a future multimodal hub.
- Location: 1914 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28206
- Trains Served: Carolinian, Piedmont
- Amenities: Staffed ticket office, waiting room, restrooms, accessible platform, public transit connection (CATS bus, LYNX Blue Line light rail nearby), short-term and long-term parking.
- Why Visit: NASCAR Hall of Fame, Discovery Place Science, Spectrum Center (Hornets basketball), Bank of America Stadium (Panthers football), Carowinds amusement park, vibrant neighborhoods, extensive culinary scene.
Distances from Charlotte Station:
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major NC Cities | ||
| Raleigh | 170 miles | Connects via Piedmont & Carolinian trains |
| Greensboro | 90 miles | Connects via Piedmont & Carolinian trains |
| Winston-Salem | 80 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Asheville | 130 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Wilmington | 200 miles | No direct Amtrak; bus/car connection |
| Major NC Airports | ||
| Charlotte Douglas (CLT) | 7 miles | Closest major airport, accessible by taxi/rideshare/bus |
| Raleigh-Durham (RDU) | 170 miles | Access via Amtrak to Raleigh, then taxi/rideshare |
| Greensboro (GSO) | 90 miles | Access via Amtrak to Greensboro, then taxi/rideshare |
Tips for Amtrak Travel in North Carolina
- Book in Advance: Especially for popular routes and peak travel times, tickets can sell out.
- Check Schedules: Always verify departure and arrival times on Amtrak’s official website, as schedules can change.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time to find parking, pick up tickets (if needed), and board the train.
- Accessibility: All Amtrak stations and trains are generally accessible. If you require specific assistance, notify Amtrak when booking.
- Luggage: Amtrak has generous luggage policies, but be mindful of what you can comfortably carry.
- Enjoy the Ride! One of the biggest perks of train travel is the ability to relax, enjoy the scenery, read, or work without the stress of driving.
Explore North Carolina by Rail!
North Carolina’s Amtrak stations offer convenient access to many of the state’s most beloved cities and attractions. From the historic charm of Rocky Mount to the bustling energy of Charlotte, train travel provides a unique perspective and a comfortable journey.
So, next time you’re planning a trip within or to the Tar Heel State, consider letting Amtrak take the wheel. Happy travels!
Ready to plan your adventure? Visit Amtrak.com to check schedules and book your tickets today!