There are currently no direct Amtrak options from Charlotte to Orlando. The route requires a connection, usually in either Raleigh or Cary, North Carolina. From either of those locations, you can pick up the Floridian train and continue to Orlando. The total travel time is between 17 and 21 hours and covers around 466 miles.
Traveling by train from the Carolinas to Florida is generally a long but scenic and relaxing trip. This guide will explain everything you need to know for planning and taking this trip.
Why Take a Train From Charlotte to Orlando? Top Reasons to Choose Rail Travel
Most people drive or fly between these two cities. There are good reasons to take the train instead.
- No Driving Stress: You won’t get tied up in the I-95 or I-26 rush hour traffic or get stuck in long hours of driving.
- Overnight Travel: The long leg of the trip is overnight, so you can get some sleep and wake up in Florida.
- More Luggage: Amtrak allows more bags than airlines, which is great for families going to the theme parks.
- Less Hassle: There are no Security Lines, Baggage Fees, or cramped Middle Seats.
- Nice Views: You get to see the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida pass by your window.
- Affordable: Book early? It can be cheaper than last-minute flights or a gas/hotel combination.
If comfort is your main concern, the train is a better option.
Which Train From Charlotte to Orlando? Major Rail Services Explained
Three Amtrak services make this trip possible.
| Train | Route | Role in your trip |
| Piedmont | Charlotte – Raleigh | Short daily regional train, state-supported |
| Carolinian | Charlotte – New York | Also runs Charlotte to Raleigh, then north |
| Floridian | Chicago – Raleigh – Orlando – Miami | Long-distance train that takes you to Orlando |
Piedmont: This is probably the easiest first leg. It runs several round trips daily between Charlotte and Raleigh, stopping along the way at Kannapolis, Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham, and Cary.
Carolinian: This line serves the same corridor and goes to Washington, D.C., and New York. It also serves the Charlotte to Raleigh leg.
Floridian: Beginning November 2024, the Floridian takes over what was the Silver Star south of Washington. It serves Raleigh, Cary, and Orlando and Kissimmee and is the only train that provides service directly to Florida.
Note that the Silver Meteor also serves Orlando, but doesn’t stop in Raleigh or Charlotte so it’s not part of this route.
Popular Train Routes to Charlotte and Orlando From Major US Cities
Many travelers make connections through large cities like Charlotte or Orlando. The following are typical rail connections.
| From | To | How it works |
| New York City | Orlando | Silver Meteor, one overnight train |
| Washington, D.C. | Orlando | Floridian or Silver Meteor |
| Washington, D.C. | Charlotte | Carolinian or Crescent |
| New York City | Charlotte | Carolinian, direct |
| Atlanta | Charlotte | Crescent, direct |
| Raleigh | Orlando | Floridian, direct |
| Greensboro | Orlando | Piedmont to Cary, then Floridian |
As the Crescent line passes through Charlotte, you can also access the city from the north or the Deep South and connect to Orlando by changing trains in Raleigh.
Train From Charlotte to Orlando: Schedule, Duration & Ticket Tips
How the trip flows
- Evening: arrive in Cary or Raleigh around 3 hours later. There, board the Floridian. Currently, it leaves Raleigh around 7:54 PM and Cary around 8:16 PM. However, note that schedules can be subject to change.
- Next morning: arrive in Orlando around 10:19 AM, and shortly after that, Kissimmee.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance | About 466 miles |
| Total travel time | Roughly 17 to 21 hours with a transfer |
| Number of trains | 2 (one transfer) |
| Transfer point | Cary or Raleigh Union Station |
| Overnight | Yes, on the Floridian |
| Arrival | Morning in Orlando |
Ticket tips:
- Make both legs of your trip on the same reservation at Amtrak.com. This will protect your connection in case your first leg of the trip is delayed.
- Choose the Cary transfer if you want a shorter wait, since the Floridian reaches Cary after Raleigh.
- Look at the schedule for your travel date. Amtrak posts schedule changes because of track work.
- Reservations are required for the Floridian, so make your reservation as early as you can.
Train From Charlotte to Orlando: Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers
- Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early at Charlotte Station: Boarding is fairly quick, but you will want additional time to check bags.
- Always have ID and your electronic ticket: It’s a good idea to download your e-ticket to the Amtrak app.
- Pack an overnight bag and keep a small bag with snacks and a neck pillow, blanket, and charger within easy reach.
- Familiarize yourself with Amtrak’s baggage rules: Carry-on and checked bags are available at select stations.
- If you have a long layover, plan what to do at Raleigh station and what food is available nearby.
- Crew members often announce boarding steps at Raleigh.
- Layer your clothes for the journey, as the cars can get chilly at night.
- Download movies or games to your phone or tablet to entertain yourself, as the Wi-Fi on long-distance trains is often spotty.
Direct and Connecting Train Routes to Charlotte and Orlando
Direct: Currently, there’s no one-seat, direct ride between the two cities. If you see a website advertising a “direct” ticket, expect you will have connecting trains in the same itinerary.
Connecting options:
| Option | Legs | Notes |
| Piedmont + Floridian (via Cary) | Charlotte → Cary → Orlando | Most common, shortest wait |
| Piedmont + Floridian (via Raleigh) | Charlotte → Raleigh → Orlando | Slightly earlier transfer |
| Carolinian + Floridian | Charlotte → Raleigh → Orlando | Useful when timings fit better |
Since the Floridian runs once a day in each direction, the time you have to make your connection relies on which first leg train you choose. Pick the more comfortable option.
Business Class vs Coach on Train From Charlotte to Orlando
Amtrak offers different seat types on each leg.
| Feature | Coach | Business Class | Sleeping Car |
| Where available | Piedmont, Carolinian, Floridian | Carolinian | Floridian |
| Seat space | Standard, reclining | Extra legroom | Private room |
| Best for | Budget travelers | Short comfort upgrade | Overnight comfort |
| Price | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
Coach is the best option for most travelers: Seats have footrests and recline on long trips.
On the Carolinian, Business class offers more legroom on the Charlotte-Raleigh stretch.
Sleeping cars (Roomette or Bedroom) on the Floridian are worth the expense for the overnight leg. You get your own bed and often meal service. For a 14-hour overnight trip, many passengers prefer this option.
Everything You Need to Know About Charlotte Station and Orlando Station
Charlotte Amtrak Station
- Address: 1914 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
- Serves: Piedmont, Carolinian, Crescent
- Facilities: waiting room, ticket office, restrooms, parking nearby
- Getting there: Taxi, rideshare or city bus from downtown
Transfer stations
- Cary Station: Small, convenient, serves Floridian, Carolinian and Piedmont.
- Raleigh Union Station: A modern intermodal hub at 510 West Martin Street, with shops, food, and bus links.
Orlando Station
- Address: 1400 Sligh Blvd, Orlando, FL
- Serves: Floridian and Silver Meteor
- Connections: SunRail and Lynx buses, plus Amtrak Thruway buses
- Tip: Use Kissimmee Station if you are staying near Disney or south Orlando.
| Station | City | Why it matters |
| Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Starting point |
| Cary | Cary, NC | Transfer to Floridian |
| Raleigh Union | Raleigh, NC | Alternate transfer |
| Orlando | Orlando, FL | Main arrival |
| Kissimmee | Kissimmee, FL | Better for resorts |
How to Book Train Tickets From Charlotte to Orlando: Step-by-Step Guide
- Open Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app.
- Enter Charlotte, NC (CLT) as the origin and Orlando, FL (ORL) as the destination.
- Pick your travel date. Booking up to 11 months ahead is usually possible.
- Review the results. Choose a connection that gives at least 60 to 90 minutes at the transfer.
- Select your fare and seat type (Coach, Business, or Sleeper).
- Add passenger details and any discounts, such as child, senior or student fares.
- Pay and receive your e-ticket by email.
- Save the ticket in the Amtrak app for easy boarding.
Extra booking tips
- Book as one itinerary, not two separate tickets.
- Use Amtrak’s flexible fare options if your plans might change.
- Check for sales and discounts regularly.
Charlotte to Orlando Train Ticket Price: How Much Does It Cost and How to Save Money
Prices fluctuate by date and demand and can vary based on seat type. Based on prices listed on travel comparison sites, coach tickets for connected Charlotte to Orlando itineraries can be in the high double digits to a few hundred dollars. Sleeping cars are significantly more.
| Seat type | Typical level |
| Coach (advance) | Lowest |
| Coach (last-minute) | Higher |
| Business (Carolinian leg) | Moderate |
| Roomette / Bedroom | Highest |
Ways to save money
- Book early. Amtrak fares generally rise as seats fill.
- Travel midweek. Tuesday and Wednesday are often cheaper.
- Pick off-peak seasons. Avoid holidays and school breaks when possible.
- Use discounts. Children, seniors, students, and AAA members may qualify.
- Choose coach. Skip the sleeper if budget matters.
- Watch for sales. Amtrak runs promotions through the year.
- Bring food. Snacks and drinks from home reduce onboard costs.
Always check Amtrak.com for the live price on your date.
Best Time to Visit Charlotte to Orlando by Train: Seasonal Travel Tips
| Season | What to expect |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Pleasant weather, moderate prices, busy around spring break |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Peak theme park crowds, higher heat and rain, higher demand |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Cooler weather, good deals, hurricane season early in this period |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Mild Florida weather, holiday crowds, higher fares near holidays |
Check Amtrak.com for current prices for your travel dates.
Best overall: After Thanksgiving (before the Xmas rush) and early Spring provide reasonable prices and comfortable travel weather. Avoid all major holidays (unless you book waaaay in advance).
Hurricane season (June to Nov): Flexibility is key. Have a backup plan. Keep an eye on Amtrak service alerts.
Train vs Bus vs Car to Charlotte to Orlando: Which Is the Best Way to Travel?
| Factor | Train | Bus | Car | Flight |
| Time | About 17–21 hours | About 12–13 hours | About 7–8 hours | About 1.5 hours |
| Cost | Moderate | Often cheapest | Gas, tolls, possible hotel | Varies widely |
| Comfort | High, can sleep | Moderate | Depends on driving | Cramped but fast |
| Stress | Low | Low to moderate | High (traffic) | Airport hassle |
| Luggage | Generous | Limited | Lots of space | Fees apply |
| Scenery | Good | Highway views | Highway views | None |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a direct train from Charlotte to Orlando?
No. You change trains in Raleigh or Cary.
2. How long does the trip take?
Around 17-21 hours, depending on the layover.
3. Which trains do I need?
Piedmont or Carolinian, then the Floridian.
4. Is the journey overnight?
Yes, the Floridian runs overnight.
5. How far is Charlotte from Orlando?
About 466 miles.
6. Where do I board in Charlotte?
Charlotte Amtrak Station, 1914 N Tryon Street.
7. Can I book both trains together?
Yes, in one Amtrak itinerary.
8. Are sleeping cars available?
Yes, on the Floridian.
9. Which Orlando station should I use?
Orlando Station or Kissimmee for resorts.
10. Is the train cheaper than flying?
Sometimes, especially if booked early.