Raleigh Union Station Guide

Raleigh Union Station is the primary passenger rail facility for the capital of North Carolina. The building opened in 2018, replacing an older facility and bringing modern amenities to the downtown area. It handles regional and long distance trains operated by Amtrak, connecting the city to major destinations along the East Coast and into the Midwest. Passengers use the station for daily commutes, regional travel within the state and longer journeys. The architecture reflects the industrial history of its location. Travelers will find a spacious waiting area and clear signage for train departures. If this is your first time on Amtrak, the station layout is easy to navigate.

Trains from Raleigh

Raleigh Union Station is served by three Amtrak routes as of 2026. The Floridian provides a daily overnight service running from Chicago to Miami. This temporary route takes roughly 45 to 48 hours end to end. It replaces the Silver Star, which was suspended as a separate train in November 2024. The Carolinian runs daily in each direction between New York and Charlotte. A full trip on the Carolinian takes about 13 hours end to end. For regional travel, the Piedmont connects Raleigh to Charlotte with several round trips a day. The Piedmont journey takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. Popular direct trips include Chicago to Raleigh in about 21 to 25 hours and New York to Raleigh in about 9 to 11 hours.

Getting to and from the station

Raleigh Union Station is located downtown in the Warehouse District. Passengers arriving by car or taxi will find drop off points near the main entrance. Since the station is centrally located, it is easy to reach from most parts of the city. Local transit options connect the station to surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs. Travelers should check local transit websites for current bus schedules and routes. Allow extra time to reach the station during morning and evening rush hours. If you need special assistance, review the guidelines for accessible train travel before your departure.

Around the station

The station sits in the Warehouse District of downtown Raleigh. This area features a mix of commercial spaces, offices and residential buildings. Visitors can easily walk to nearby hotels, restaurants and cultural venues in the city center. Raleigh is the state capital, so government buildings and state museums are located within a short distance of the station. The central location makes it convenient for arriving passengers to explore the downtown area on foot or by a short taxi ride.