How to travel from Raleigh to Charlotte, United States of America

The distance between Raleigh and Charlotte is around 164 miles (265km) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 50m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Raleigh to Charlotte by train, bus, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out CharlotteRaleigh if you're planning a return trip.

1
bus
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plane
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Bus and Plane

Take the bus to Fayetteville then fly from Fayetteville Municipal (FAY) to Charlotte (CLT).

  • Duration2h 55m
  • Flight time1h 15m
  • Typical cost
    $425
Operated by

Multiple operators

2
train
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Train

Take the train to Charlotte Amtrak Station.

  • Duration3h 10m
  • Departs5 times a day
  • Typical cost
    $40
💰 Cheapest
3
bus
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Durham Station and then to Charlotte.

  • Duration3h 15m
  • Departs4 times a week
  • Typical cost
    $14
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

🚀 Fastest
4
car
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Drive

Drive to Charlotte.

  • Duration2h 50m
  • Distance164 miles (265km)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Raleigh and Charlotte

There are several options for getting from Raleigh to Charlotte by train, bus, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around $14 and will take around 3h 15m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 50m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately $17.

The distance between Raleigh and Charlotte is around 164 miles (265km). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 130 miles (209km)

It takes around 3h 10m to get from Raleigh and Charlotte by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 50m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Raleigh to Charlotte is to drive which takes around 2h 50m and will set you back approx $17.

The cheapest way to travel between Raleigh and Charlotte, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around $14 for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Raleigh and Charlotte. It typically takes around 3h 10m and departs 5 times a day.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Raleigh and Charlotte with no changeovers required. The train runs 5 times a day and takes 3h 10m.

Amtrak run train services between Raleigh and Charlotte. Trains depart 5 times a day and will take around 3h 10m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Raleigh and Charlotte. It typically takes around 3h 15m and departs 4 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Raleigh to Charlotte. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Durham Station. These services run 4 times a week and will take a minimum of 3h 15m.

Go Triangle, Flixbus USA and Greyhound USA run regular bus services between Raleigh and Charlotte. Buses run 4 times a week and take around 3h 15m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Raleigh to Charlotte. We recommend that you take the bus to Fayetteville then fly from Fayetteville Municipal (FAY) to Charlotte (CLT). instead which will take 2h 55m.

The closest major airport to Charlotte is Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT) (CLT) which is approximately 8km (5 miles) from Charlotte. Concord Regional Airport (USA) (USA) and Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) (GSO) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Raleigh and Charlotte. The distance is around 164 miles (265km) by road and it will take around 2h 50m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Raleigh to Charlotte is to take the train which takes, on average, 3h 10m and will usually cost around $40.

How do I get from Raleigh to Charlotte

Compare travel optionsbetween Raleigh and Charlotte

Transport options from Raleigh to Charlotte
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus and Plane
2h 55m
$425
twice daily315km (196 miles)
Train
3h 10m
$40
5 times a day278km (172 miles)
Bus + 1 similar
3h 15m
$14
4 times a week271km (168 miles)
Bus to Charlotte3h 45m
$32
4 times a day275km (171 miles)
Drive
2h 50m
$17
on demand265km (164 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Raleigh and Charlotte

Bus companies

Train operators

Airlines

Airports near Charlotte

The following major airports near Charlotte offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United States of America and internationally.

CLT
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT)
International Airport
Distance
5 miles (8km) from Charlotte
USA
Concord Regional Airport (USA)
Domestic Airport
Distance
13 miles (21km) from Charlotte
GSO
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
International Airport
Distance
79 miles (127km) from Charlotte