Traveling NC By Train is a special experience and if you’re planning to climb aboard soon, there are a few things you should know first.
Our family spent a day exploring Amtrak’s Piedmont Line together. We decided to take our sons on a one and a half hour train ride from Raleigh to Greensboro. It was the perfect way to add some excitement to our day trip and our kids thought it was so fun!
The Greensboro Station is located downtown where there are plenty of restaurants and a children’s museum within walking distance. We had a wonderful time traveling NC By Train and learned a few things along the way!
arrive early when traveling nc by train
As is the case with any kind of travel, you want to plan to arrive early. You’ll need time to park the car (at many stations, you’ll have to park off-site), check bags if needed, navigate the large stations, show your tickets, and board before they clear the platform.
I recommend arriving 30 min to an hour before your departure time.
Kids ride half-price!
Kids tickets are half-price every single day. As parents of two young kids, we love affordable family outings and greatly appreciate that NC By Train encourages families to ride together.
Taking the train on our day trip instead of the car was incredibly exciting for our kids. In addition to being an affordable, convenient travel option, it will also make you Parent-of-the-Year!
Free WIFI For All
Each train has free WIFI for passengers to use which we found so helpful for a couple of reasons. First, we were able to get a lot of work done during the ride. Without having to drive, we were able to whip our laptops out and utilize that hour and a half ride to knock out a bunch of deadlines.
Second, we were able to stream videos to entertain our kids during the ride. We pulled up their favorite shows and enjoyed a peaceful and productive journey.
complimentary coffee
Each train is equipped with complimentary coffee and cold water for your enjoyment. They also had cash vending machines and our boys were thrilled to choose a favorite snack to munch on. You’re also invited to bring your own food and beverages on the train and you’ll find convenient fold-out tables on the chair in front of you.
Take Time to Explore the Stations
NC By Train has stations across the state and each one is a fun representation of their respective city. Raleigh Union Station, for example, is a large modern building in the heart of Downtown Raleigh with a beautiful design.
The Greensboro Station was particularly fun to explore as it dates back to the 1920’s. The historic design was neat to experience.
I highly suggest taking some time to research the stations you’ll be visiting to learn their history. It makes the trip that much more fun and is a great opportunity to learn a thing or two during your journey!
Have any tips to add?
If you’ve traveled NC By Train before, be sure to leave a comment with your best tips for enjoying the journey!
I travel frequently to Florida on the train from Raleigh. I leave the Raleigh station at 9:00 pm and arrive at my destination in Florida just in time for breakfast with my son and his family!
You should have included a picture of the 1920s era map in the Greensboro Station. By the way, Greensboro is ranked as one of the most beautiful stations in the country, along with the large markets stations such as stations in DC, LA, Philadelphia.
Great Article!!! Are there any Day trips from Durham?? We were just discussing taking a day trip last week, because I’ve been on everything except a train and would love to do a round trip day trip for starters just for the experience.
Hi Ruth! I’m glad you enjoyed the article. The Piedmont line makes stops in Greensboro, High Point, Salisbury and Charlotte. All would be great destinations for a day trip from Durham. Hope that helps!
if you do a day trip, check on your ride back, some are only a few hrs apart limiting you time in town. I took snacks with me, saved on the cost of the vending machine. check on stations accessibility, some platforms are not flush with train doors. I took dramaine for motion sickness. longer trips upgrade to business class, it’s worth it.
All good things to keep in mind! Thanks, Carrie.
Keep an eye out on the NC by Train website for different promotions. Particularly in the summer months you may see things like 5 dollar kids tickets. It makes for a great introduction to the service.
Good to know! Thanks, Joshua. I will keep an eye out!
I just saw this Insta post and came hear to read more. I’ll def take my daughter to G’Boro now and to the kids museum when she’s tracked out. Thanks for sharing this great idea!
We had so much fun. I’m sure you and your daughter will too!
Hello, thanks for this great article.
Can you tell me please, is Greensboro walkable when you get there or do you need a taxi to get to downtown/restaurant/musems etc?
Thanks!
Hi Wendy! Once we got off the train we were able to walk everywhere we visited. Plenty of crosswalks and sidewalks to push our stroller on. Hope that helps!