If we are lucky by the time many of us reach adulthood, we’ve likely spent copious amounts of time either as children or adults in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina as well as along our breathtaking coast. But what about the Piedmont? If, when you think of the landscape in the Tar Heel State, layers of mountains or perfect blue waters along the Atlantic come to mind, then prepare to add to the imagery after you’ve chugged through the beautiful scenery of the rolling hills of the Piedmont aboard an Amtrak train.
Plan a full day’s trip between Charlotte and Raleigh aboard the Carolinian/Piedmont route of Amtrak and get ready for some railfanning the whole family will enjoy.
Facebook/Amtrak
It’s easy to have a blast when riding on Amtrak between cities. The longer version of this route goes from Atlanta to New York, but for just $17 (each way), you can purchase a ticket between the Charlotte and Raleigh stations in North Carolina.
Facebook/Amtrak
No need for the car keys. Just sit back and enjoy the ride, which usually lasts about three hours and twenty minutes.
Facebook/Amtrak
Along the way, enjoy serene views of the farmland and undeveloped areas of the Piedmont and all of the gently rolling hills found on this high plateau in the middle of the state.
Facebook/Amtrak The Carolinian departs Charlotte at 6:45 a.m. and arrives Raleigh at 10:05 a.m. It’s perfect timing to spend the day seeing some of the sights in the capital city.
If you prefer to leave a little later, there is another train that currently leaves Charlotte at 10:30 a.m. and arrives at 1:41 p.m.
Google/Teddy Spiliopoulos Same day return trips from Raleigh back to Charlotte currently depart at 5:30 p.m. One earlier return option departs Raleigh at 3:10 p.m. Raleigh Union Station, 510 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
Once you’re safely at Union Station in Raleigh, call an Uber or a Lyft and head to one of the area’s attractions.
TripAdvisor/Daniel L Dubbed the largest museum of its kind in the U.S., the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences makes a fantastic day trip destination for families with kids. And with the train schedule between Raleigh and Charlotte, you’ll have plenty of time to check out the museum before heading back to Union Station to board your return trip to Charlotte. Or… North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
If you prefer to spend the day outside, then grab an Uber ride over to Pullen Park once you arrive in Raleigh.
Google/Jodie Carnes The kiddos will love this as much as you do. Built in 1887, Pullen Park is the oldest public park in North Carolina and features pedal boat rides, small amusement rides, a historic wooden carousel, and plenty of room to spread out and practice social distancing when desired. 520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
If you’re solo and without the kids on this day trip, why not head over to the North Carolina Museum of Modern Art?
TripAdvisor/management Check out the museum’s standard house-owned collections, rotating exhibitions, and of course, the gorgeous 164-acre Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park that surrounds the main museum building. North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
Google/Anthony Raynor
Ready for a day of train-guided fun? Book your tickets on Amtrak between Charlotte and Raleigh at this link on the Amtrak website. At time of publication, a one-way ticket cost $17. Learn more about the two Amtrak trains that provide service between the Queen City and the City of Oaks, here.
Facebook/Amtrak
The Carolinian departs Charlotte at 6:45 a.m. and arrives Raleigh at 10:05 a.m. It’s perfect timing to spend the day seeing some of the sights in the capital city.
Google/Teddy Spiliopoulos
Same day return trips from Raleigh back to Charlotte currently depart at 5:30 p.m. One earlier return option departs Raleigh at 3:10 p.m.
Raleigh Union Station, 510 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
TripAdvisor/Daniel L
Dubbed the largest museum of its kind in the U.S., the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences makes a fantastic day trip destination for families with kids. And with the train schedule between Raleigh and Charlotte, you’ll have plenty of time to check out the museum before heading back to Union Station to board your return trip to Charlotte. Or…
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
Google/Jodie Carnes
The kiddos will love this as much as you do. Built in 1887, Pullen Park is the oldest public park in North Carolina and features pedal boat rides, small amusement rides, a historic wooden carousel, and plenty of room to spread out and practice social distancing when desired.
520 Ashe Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
TripAdvisor/management
Check out the museum’s standard house-owned collections, rotating exhibitions, and of course, the gorgeous 164-acre Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park that surrounds the main museum building.
North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
Google/Anthony Raynor
Have you ever taken a train between these two North Carolina cities – just for the fun of it? Let us know in the comments!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
