Traveling from Burlington to Raleigh by Amtrak is a quick and comfortable option for anyone exploring central North Carolina. With daily service on the Piedmont and Carolinian lines, the journey takes just about 1 hour and 20 minutes, offering spacious seating, affordable fares starting around $12, and convenient departure times throughout the day. Passengers board at Burlington Station and arrive at Raleigh Union Station, both centrally located and easily accessible. Whether you’re commuting, visiting colleges, or planning a weekend getaway, Amtrak Burlington to Raleigh Route provides a scenic and stress-free ride that’s perfect for all types of travelers.

Overview of Amtrak Burlington to Raleigh
Traveling from Burlington to Raleigh by Amtrak is a quick, easy, and comfortable option for both daily commuters and travelers. The route is served by Amtrak’s Piedmont and Carolinian trains, offering multiple daily departures to fit your schedule. The ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and includes amenities like free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, restrooms, and helpful staff. You’ll arrive at Raleigh Union Station, located in the heart of downtown, with convenient access to local attractions, dining, hotels, and public transportation. Whether you’re visiting for business, school, or leisure, Amtrak provides a reliable and stress-free way to travel.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Burlington, NC (BNC) ➝ Raleigh, NC (RGH) |
| Train Services | Amtrak Piedmont, Amtrak Carolinian |
| Travel Time | Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Distance | About 60 miles (97 kilometers) |
| Number of Daily Trains | 3 to 4 departures per day (check schedule for latest times) |
| Typical Departure Times | Morning, Midday, and Evening options |
| Departure Station Address | Burlington Station: 101 N Main St, Burlington, NC 27217 |
| Arrival Station Address | Raleigh Union Station: 510 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601 |
| Onboard Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, reclining seats, power outlets, restrooms, luggage storage |
| Checked Baggage | Available on select trains (check service availability in advance) |
| Carry-On Baggage | 2 personal items + 2 carry-ons per passenger (standard Amtrak baggage policy) |
| Ticket Price Range | Usually $6 – $15 (varies by time, day, and how early you book) |
| Booking Options | Amtrak.com, Amtrak mobile app, station ticket counter, or kiosks |
| Discounts Available | Student, Senior, Military, Children, Group, AAA, and Saver fares |
| Accessibility | Fully ADA-compliant stations and trains |
| Travel Tip | Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure; 45 minutes if checking baggage |
| Parking at Stations | Free short-term and long-term parking available at Burlington; paid parking in Raleigh |
| Connecting Transit Options | Bus, rideshare, and local public transit available at Raleigh Union Station |
Amtrak Burlington to Raleigh Routes
The Amtrak Burlington to Raleigh route is a popular and convenient train service in North Carolina, connecting two key cities with comfort and ease. Operated by the Piedmont and Carolinian lines, this route offers multiple daily departures, making it ideal for commuters, students, and travelers. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with affordable tickets. Passengers enjoy spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and scenic views along the way. Departing from Burlington Station and arriving at Raleigh Union Station, this Amtrak route is a reliable and stress-free way to travel between Burlington and Raleigh.
| Route | Train Service | Service Type | Departure Station | Arrival Station | Estimated Duration | Ticket Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington to Raleigh | Piedmont (Trains 73–76) | Regional / Direct | Burlington, NC (BNC) | Raleigh, NC (RGH) | Approx. 1 hr 10–20 mins | Saver, Value, Flexible, Business Class |
| Burlington to Raleigh | Carolinian (Train 79/80) | Long-Distance / Direct | Burlington, NC (BNC) | Raleigh, NC (RGH) | Approx. 1 hr 20–30 mins | Saver, Value, Flexible, Business Class |
| Burlington to Raleigh | Piedmont + Carolinian | Mixed / Connecting | Burlington, NC (BNC) | Raleigh, NC (RGH) | Approx. 1.5 hours | One-way, Round-trip, Business Class |
| Burlington to Raleigh | Carolinian (via Greensboro) | Indirect Regional | Burlington, NC (BNC) | Raleigh, NC (RGH) | Approx. 1.5 hours | Mobile tickets, Value, Flexible |
Amtrak Burlington to Raleigh Schedule
The Amtrak schedule from Burlington, NC to Raleigh, NC offers multiple daily departures, making it easy to find a time that fits your travel plans. Trains are operated by the Piedmont and Carolinian services, with morning, midday, and evening options available. The trip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, providing a fast and comfortable way to reach downtown Raleigh. Whether you’re commuting or traveling for leisure, Amtrak’s reliable schedule and convenient departure times make it a top choice for getting from Burlington to Raleigh.
| Train # / Service | Depart Burlington (BNC) | Arrive Raleigh (RGH) | Approx. Duration | Transfers Required | Service Type | Ticket Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train 80 / Carolinian | 8:46 AM | 10:13 AM | 1 hr 27 min | None | Long-Distance / Direct | Saver, Value, Flexible, Business Class |
| Train 72 / Piedmont | 12:21 PM | 1:41 PM | 1 hr 20 min | None | Regional / Direct | Saver, Value, Flexible, Business Class |
| Train 74 / Piedmont | 4:15 PM | 5:36 PM | 1 hr 21 min | None | Regional / Direct | Saver, Value, Flexible, Business Class |
| Train 79 / Carolinian | 6:41 PM | 8:56 PM | 2 hr 15 min | None | Long-Distance / Direct | Saver, Value, Flexible, Business Class |
Amtrak Burlington to Raleigh Ticket Prices
If you’re planning a train trip from Burlington to Raleigh, Amtrak provides affordable fares on its Piedmont and Carolinian routes, with prices typically ranging from $12 to $14 depending on the time of booking and travel date. Tickets can be purchased online, through the Amtrak app, or at the station, and discounts are available for seniors, students, and children. For the best deals, it’s recommended to book early and check for seasonal promotions or group travel offers. With spacious seating and onboard amenities, Amtrak makes traveling between Burlington and Raleigh both easy and affordable.
| Route | Train Service | Ticket Type | Price Range (USD) | Booking Flexibility | Discounts Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington to Raleigh | Piedmont | Saver | $10 – $15 | Non-refundable, limited changes | Senior, Military, Student, AAA discounts |
| Burlington to Raleigh | Piedmont | Value | $15 – $20 | Refundable with fee | Senior, Military, Student, AAA discounts |
| Burlington to Raleigh | Piedmont | Flexible | $20 – $25 | Fully refundable, flexible | Senior, Military, Student, AAA discounts |
| Burlington to Raleigh | Carolinian | Saver | $12 – $18 | Non-refundable, limited changes | Senior, Military, Student, AAA discounts |
| Burlington to Raleigh | Carolinian | Value | $18 – $22 | Refundable with fee | Senior, Military, Student, AAA discounts |
| Burlington to Raleigh | Carolinian | Flexible | $22 – $30 | Fully refundable, flexible | Senior, Military, Student, AAA discounts |
| Burlington to Raleigh | Carolinian | Business Class | $30 – $40 | Flexible, refundable | Senior, Military, Student, AAA discounts |
Amtrak Comfort: Burlington to Raleigh
Traveling from Burlington to Raleigh with Amtrak is a relaxing and convenient experience. The Piedmont and Carolinian trains offer spacious seats, free Wi-Fi, and clean restrooms, making your journey smooth and enjoyable. With a travel time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes, you can sit back and enjoy the scenic ride without the stress of traffic. Whether you’re commuting or taking a short trip, Amtrak ensures comfort every mile of the way.
- Spacious and comfortable seating: Enjoy wide, reclining seats with plenty of legroom, perfect for relaxing or getting work done during your short journey.
- Free onboard Wi-Fi: Stay connected while you travel with complimentary internet access, ideal for checking emails, streaming music, or browsing the web.
- Clean restrooms and well-maintained coaches: Amtrak trains are known for their cleanliness and attention to passenger comfort, making your ride pleasant from start to finish.
- Quiet cars available: Need a peaceful environment? Choose a quiet car to read, work, or simply unwind without distractions.
- Scenic North Carolina views: Take in the beautiful landscapes of central North Carolina as you travel from Burlington to Raleigh in just about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- No traffic or parking stress: Skip the hassle of driving and parking—Amtrak lets you sit back and enjoy the ride.
- Multiple daily departures: With several trains running each day, you can choose a time that fits your schedule, whether you’re commuting or planning a day trip.
- Affordable ticket prices: Fares typically start around $12, making it a budget-friendly option for students, professionals, and families.
- Easy station access: Both Burlington Station and Raleigh Union Station are centrally located and easy to reach by car, bus, or rideshare.
- Eco-friendly travel: Train travel is one of the most sustainable ways to get around, helping reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying a smooth ride.
Amtrak Burlington to Raleigh vs. Other Travel Options
When comparing travel options from Burlington to Raleigh, Amtrak stands out for its convenience and value. The train ride takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with ticket prices starting around $12, making it both time-efficient and budget-friendly. Unlike driving, which takes roughly 1 hour and 4 minutes and may cost more in fuel, tolls, and parking, Amtrak allows you to relax, avoid traffic, and enjoy onboard amenities like free Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and clean restrooms
| Travel Option | Duration | Cost (USD) | Convenience | Comfort & Amenities | Environmental Impact | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak (Piedmont / Carolinian) | 1 hr 10–30 min | $10 – $30 | High – Direct route with multiple daily departures | Free Wi-Fi, spacious seating, restrooms | Low – Electric-powered trains | Commuters, students, eco-conscious travelers |
| Driving (Car) | 1 hr 2 min | $5 – $9 (gas) | Moderate – Flexible schedule, parking needed | Moderate – Depends on vehicle comfort | Moderate – Gasoline consumption | Solo travelers, families with luggage |
| Bus (Greyhound / Megabus) | 1.5 – 2 hrs | $10 – $20 | Moderate – Less frequent departures | Basic – Limited amenities | Moderate – Diesel-powered buses | Budget travelers, those without vehicle access |
| Flying (RDU Airport) | 1 hr flight + 1 hr airport time | $100 – $200+ | Low – Requires airport security and transit | High – In-flight services, lounges | High – Jet fuel emissions | Business travelers, those with tight schedules |
Amtrak Burlington to Raleigh Travel Tips
To have a smooth trip on Amtrak from Burlington to Raleigh, book your tickets early to get the best prices and check the train schedule before you go. Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes early with your ticket and ID. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating onboard. When you arrive in Raleigh, use local buses or rideshares to reach your final destination. Don’t forget to look for discounts if you qualify!
- Book early for the best fares: Ticket prices usually start around $12, but booking in advance can help you secure the lowest rates.
- Check the schedule ahead of time: Trains like the Piedmont and Carolinian run daily with multiple departure times choose one that fits your plans.
- Arrive at the station early: Get to Burlington Station at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for boarding and finding your seat.
- Travel light: Amtrak allows carry-on bags, so pack smart for a quick and easy boarding process.
- Bring snacks and water: While some trains may offer vending options, having your own refreshments is always a good idea.
- Use the Amtrak app: Track your train in real time, manage your tickets, and get updates on delays or platform changes.
- Choose your seat wisely: If you prefer a quieter ride, look for quiet car options where phone use and loud conversations are limited.
- Keep your ID handy: Especially if you’re using a discounted fare (student, senior, etc.), you’ll need to show valid identification.
- Enjoy the ride: With free Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and scenic views, your 1 hour and 20-minute trip will fly by.
Some Other Amtrak Routes
Conclusion
In conclusion, traveling from Burlington to Raleigh by Amtrak is a smart, affordable, and comfortable choice especially when you follow a few simple travel tips. Booking early, arriving on time, packing light, and using the Amtrak app can make your journey smooth and stress-free. With spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and scenic views, Amtrak offers a relaxing way to travel between these two North Carolina cities. Whether you’re commuting or planning a quick getaway, these tips will help you get the most out of your Amtrak experience.
FAQs on Amtrak Burlington to Raleigh
Amtrak’s Piedmont and Carolinian routes serve this corridor daily.
The average travel time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Ticket prices typically range from $12 to $14, depending on the train and time of booking.
There are multiple daily departures, including morning, afternoon, and evening options.
The station is at 101 N. Main St., Burlington, NC 27217.
Trains arrive at Raleigh Union Station, located downtown.
Yes, Amtrak offers discounts for students, seniors, children, and groups.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available on most Piedmont and Carolinian trains.
Yes, all trains have clean and accessible restrooms.
Amtrak allows carry-on and checked baggage, with size and weight limits.
Some trains may offer vending machines or snack options, but it’s best to bring your own.
Yes, a valid photo ID is required, especially for discounted fares.
