City to city
New York to Charleston by Train
You can travel directly from New York to Charleston on the Amtrak Silver Meteor or Palmetto trains, with the journey taking about 12 to 16 hours depending on the service you choose.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Meteor | about 13 to 16 hours | Daily in each direction | Yes | No, direct |
| Palmetto | about 12 hours to 14 hours 30 minutes | Daily in each direction, daytime | No | No, direct |
Taking the train from the Northeast down to South Carolina is a straightforward trip. Both the Silver Meteor and the Palmetto offer direct service between New York and Charleston. As of 2026, both trains operate daily in each direction. You do not need to change trains at any point. The route takes you down the eastern seaboard, passing through major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC, before heading into the Carolinas. Whether you prefer a daytime ride or an overnight journey in a sleeper car, Amtrak provides options to suit your schedule.
Your train options
Two daily trains run on this route as of 2026. The Palmetto is a daytime service that takes about 12 hours to 14 hours 30 minutes. It is a long day train with no sleeping cars. Passengers can choose between Coach and Business Class, and there is a Café car for food and drinks.
The Silver Meteor takes about 13 to 16 hours and involves an overnight trip. This train offers Coach seats as well as private sleeping accommodations, including the Viewliner Roomette, Viewliner Bedroom and Accessible Bedroom. Silver Meteor passengers also have access to a Dining car.
If you want to watch the scenery go by and save money, the Palmetto is a good choice. If you prefer to sleep through a portion of the journey and want a bed, you should book a room on the Silver Meteor. You can read more about Amtrak roomettes and bedrooms explained to help you decide.
The journey
The journey begins on the busy Northeast Corridor. Between New York and Washington, DC, you pass through New Jersey, Philadelphia and Baltimore. On the Palmetto, you will see this stretch in daylight. If you take the Silver Meteor, the time of day for specific scenery depends on the schedule and time of year.
South of Washington, the route crosses into Northern Virginia. You will cross the Rappahannock River at Fredericksburg before reaching Richmond. From Richmond down to Florence, the train travels through the tobacco country and pine woods of eastern North Carolina.
Major stops along the way include Newark, Trenton, Wilmington, Alexandria, Petersburg, Rocky Mount and Fayetteville. The Palmetto makes a few extra stops in North Carolina and South Carolina, such as Wilson, Selma and Dillon. Eventually, the train approaches the station in North Charleston.
The stations
Trains depart from New York Penn Station and the connected Moynihan Train Hall, which opened in 2021 across Eighth Avenue. The complex sits under Madison Square Garden in Midtown Manhattan. It is the busiest Amtrak station in the country. You can connect here to subway lines, NJ Transit and Long Island Rail Road trains. Note that Grand Central Terminal is a separate station used for Metro-North commuter trains.
You will arrive at the Charleston station, located in North Charleston. This station is about 9 miles from the historic downtown area and is served by both the Silver Meteor and the Palmetto.
Tips
- Book your tickets early for the best prices and availability on sleeper rooms.
- Review our guide on first time on Amtrak if you are unfamiliar with train travel in the USA.
- Bring a blanket or warm clothing if you plan on sleeping in coach overnight on the Silver Meteor.
- Remember that the Charleston station is 9 miles from downtown, so plan your onward transport in advance.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need to change trains between New York and Charleston?
No, you do not need to change trains. Both the Silver Meteor and the Palmetto offer direct service from New York to Charleston. You can stay on the same train for the entire journey.
Are there sleeping cars on the train to Charleston?
The Silver Meteor has sleeping cars with Viewliner Roomettes and Bedrooms, as it is an overnight train. The Palmetto is a daytime train and does not have sleeping cars, offering only Coach and Business Class seating.