Guide to Gettin Here: Durham by Train

If you’re on track for a trip to Durham, North Carolina, you’ve probably considered taking a car or plane. But have you ever thought about riding the rails to Durham? Train travel offers a whiff of nostalgia, a hint of romance, and the pleasure of avoiding traffic or airport security. Historically, trains played a crucial transportation role in Durham’s tobacco manufacturing history, but today Amtrak trains bring passengers into the heart of downtown Durham. Hop on a train and conduct a day or two enjoying all the city has to offer.

A Train to Durham is Just the Ticket

On a train line to Durham, you will come “all aboard” either the Carolinian or Piedmont Amtrak train lines. Both routes run between Raleigh and Charlotte with stops in Durham. The Carolinian continues service up the east coast and ends in New York, making Durham accessible to cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and Richmond, VA.

If you’re traveling within North Carolina to Durham, your trip won’t go off the rails if you take a train across the state. Amtrak stops in North Carolina run from Charlotte in the west to Rocky Mount in the East. Amtrak daily service also runs through North Carolina towns and cities like Kannapolis, Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Cary, Raleigh, Selma and Wilson.

Rail travel from North Carolina cities like Charlotte, Greensboro, or Raleigh is perhaps most affordable and convenient since travel by train takes a similar amount of time as driving by car. It’s only about one hour and $10 by train from Greensboro to Durham, about two and a half hours and $26 from Charlotte to Durham, and about 30 minutes and $8 from Raleigh to Durham. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, or use the free onboard Wi-Fi to catch up on email or listen to music. Bandwidth is limited, so make sure to download your favorite movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time. Current Amtrak ticket prices and reservations are available on Amtrak's website.

Travel in Style

Don’t get derailed, trainline comfort is available! Select coach or business class seats on both the Piedmont and Carolinian lines. You might not get to choose the direction your seat is facing, but you will be free to get up and move around. If you bring luggage, the Piedmont line offers checked baggage service, while the Carolinian only offers carry-on baggage. Carry-on baggage includes one personal and two carry-on items (size and weight limitations apply). You can also take your bike and your pets on a train. Amtrak offers carry-on bicycle service and you can pay a small fee to bring your small dog or cat with you on your journey.

When hunger gets you off track, head to the cafe train car that has food and beverage options available for purchase. You will find things like sandwiches, wraps, salads, to-go items, snacks, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. You’ll be happily chugging along again in no time.

Arriving at Durham Amtrak Station (DNC)

The train will pull into the Durham Amtrak Station and you’ll step onto the platform at 601 W. Main St. in downtown Durham. The station, abbreviated as DNC by Amtrak, is located in the historic Walker Warehouse and has a platform and a waiting room. The station also has restrooms and vending machines, but does not offer free Wi-Fi. If you need to purchase tickets, Durham station is staffed with a ticket sales office and ticket kiosks. The station also offers free same-day and overnight parking with the purchase of a train ticket.

Getting Around Downtown Durham

Downtown Durham is easily walkable from Durham Station, since it’s situated only about a half mile, or a 15-minute walk from major attractions like the Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP) and Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC). Durham’s compact city center makes it ideal for train travel.

From the train station, stop by the Museum of Durham History and learn a little more about how the rail line and tobacco production played a part in making Durham the place it is today. Then stop by the official Visitor Info Center for maps, guides and expert recommendations.

Must See Attractions in Downtown Durham

Let off some steam in downtown Durham, an easily walkable city center full of things to see and do. Visit shops and restaurants in Brightleaf Square, see a manmade river flow through the American Tobacco Campus, catch a baseball game at the DBAP, see a movie or show at the Carolina Theatre, or enjoy a meal at one of Durham’s top rated restaurants. For more to see and do downtown, read the Ultimate Downtown Durham District Guide.

Beyond Downtown Durham

While Durham has much to see and do in its downtown areas, features like Duke Gardens, Duke University and the Ninth Street District, or the Museum of Life and Science are a little bit farther away. Fortunately, those are accessible by GoDurham bus, taxi service or rideshare app and are less than a 10 minute drive from downtown Durham.

Stay the Night

Take a short walk to check in at one of four hotels in the downtown city center that are less than a half mile from the Durham train station. Stay at boutique hotels The Durham Hotel, Unscripted Durham, or 21c Museum Hotel, or explore the Durham Marriott City Center. For a stay just outside of the city center near Brightleaf Square, spend a night at the Residence Inn by Marriott Durham McPherson/Duke University Medical Center Area.

When it’s time to go, stock up on locally-made snacks and gifts at Bulldega Urban Market for your return trip. Make sure to get to Durham station 30 minutes before your train if you don’t require assistance and baggage check, and 60 minutes if you do.

When it’s the end of the line for your time in Durham, be sure to get on the fast track for a return ticket. There’s so much to do in Durham, and it’s just a train ride away.