Charlotte’s public transportation system includes a light rail network and Amtrak services, but there isn’t a specific ‘Charlotte Train Station South Blvd’. The closest relevant locations are the main Charlotte Amtrak station and the I-485/South Blvd Light Rail Station. This guide provides detailed information about these stations, including schedules, parking options, and directions, to help you navigate Charlotte’s train system effectively.
What are the Key Features of Charlotte’s Train Stations?
Charlotte’s train system comprises two main components:
- Charlotte Amtrak Station: Located at 1914 N. Tryon St., this station serves long-distance and regional trains.
- LYNX Blue Line: A light rail system with multiple stations, including the I-485/South Blvd Station.
Let’s explore these in more detail.
What is the Schedule for Charlotte’s Train Services?
Charlotte Amtrak Station Schedule
The Charlotte Amtrak station serves several routes:
Southbound Trains:
- Crescent (#19): Arrives 2:55 a.m. (New York to New Orleans)
- Piedmont (#71): Arrives 9:28 a.m. (Raleigh to Charlotte)
- Piedmont (#73): Arrives 1:10 p.m. (Raleigh to Charlotte)
- Piedmont (#75): Arrives 4:10 p.m. (Raleigh to Charlotte)
- Piedmont (#77): Arrives 6:21 p.m. (Raleigh to Charlotte)
- Carolinian (#79): Arrives 8:56 p.m. (New York to Charlotte)
Northbound Trains:
- Crescent (#20): Departs 5:31 a.m. (New Orleans to New York)
- Carolinian (#80): Departs 6:45 a.m. (Charlotte to New York)
- Piedmont (#72): Departs 10:25 a.m. (Charlotte to Raleigh)
- Piedmont (#74): Departs 2:20 p.m. (Charlotte to Raleigh)
- Piedmont (#76): Departs 5:30 p.m. (Charlotte to Raleigh)
- Piedmont (#78): Departs 7:45 p.m. (Charlotte to Raleigh)
LYNX Blue Line Schedule
The LYNX Blue Line operates frequently throughout the day. Trains typically run:
- Every 7.5 minutes during peak hours
- Every 15 minutes during off-peak hours
- Every 20-30 minutes during late night hours
For specific times, it’s best to check the official CATS (Charlotte Area Transit System) website or use their real-time tracking app.
Where Can I Park at Charlotte’s Train Stations?
Parking options vary depending on the station:
Charlotte Amtrak Station
- Limited free short-term and long-term parking available
- Spaces are first-come, first-served
I-485/South Blvd Light Rail Station
- Large Park & Ride facility
- Free parking for light rail users
- Over 1,100 parking spaces available
Other LYNX Blue Line Stations
- 11 Park & Ride stations along the line
- Most offer free parking
- Some stations (e.g., J.W. Clay/UNC Charlotte and University City Boulevard) charge a $10 exit fee unless you have a valid CATS pass
How Do I Get to Charlotte’s Train Stations?
Directions to Charlotte Amtrak Station
From Downtown Charlotte:
1. By Car:
– Head north on N Tryon St for about 2 miles
– The station will be on your right at 1914 N. Tryon St.
– Approximate drive time: 10-15 minutes (traffic dependent)
- By Public Transport:
- Take CATS bus Route 11 from uptown Charlotte
- The bus stops directly at the Amtrak station
Directions to I-485/South Blvd Light Rail Station
From Downtown Charlotte:
1. By Car:
– Take I-77 South to I-485 East
– Exit onto South Blvd and head north
– The station will be on your left at 9508 South Blvd.
– Approximate drive time: 20 minutes
- By Public Transport:
- Take the LYNX Blue Line from any downtown station
- Ride to the end of the line (I-485/South Blvd Station)
From UNC Charlotte:
1. By Car:
– Take I-85 South to I-485 West
– Exit onto South Blvd and head north
– The station will be on your left
– Approximate drive time: 20-25 minutes
- By Public Transport:
- Take the LYNX Blue Line from UNC Charlotte Main Station
- Ride to the end of the line (I-485/South Blvd Station)
How Can I Connect from the Amtrak Station to UNC Charlotte?
There’s no direct link between the Amtrak station and the LYNX Blue Line. However, you have two main options:
- Ride-sharing service:
- Take a ride-sharing service from the Amtrak station to Parkwood Station via 16th Street
-
From Parkwood Station, take the LYNX Blue Line to UNC Charlotte
-
CATS bus:
- Take CATS bus Route 11 (North Tryon) from the Amtrak station
- Get off at either:
a) Charlotte Transportation Center in uptown (to transfer to the Blue Line)
b) J.W. Clay/UNC Charlotte Station (to directly access the campus)
What Amenities are Available at Charlotte’s Train Stations?
Charlotte Amtrak Station
- Ticket office
- Waiting area
- Vending machines
- Restrooms
- Free Wi-Fi
I-485/South Blvd Light Rail Station
- Ticket vending machines
- Covered waiting areas
- Bike racks
- Park & Ride facility
- Real-time train arrival information
How Much Do Train Tickets Cost in Charlotte?
Amtrak Fares
Amtrak fares vary depending on the route, class of service, and how far in advance you book. As an example:
| Route | Typical Fare Range |
|---|---|
| Charlotte to Raleigh | $30 – $50 |
| Charlotte to New York | $90 – $200 |
| Charlotte to New Orleans | $100 – $250 |
LYNX Blue Line Fares
CATS offers several fare options for the light rail:
- One-way ticket: $2.20
- Round-trip ticket: $4.40
- Day pass: $6.60
- Weekly pass: $30.80
- Monthly pass: $88.00
Discounted fares are available for seniors, students, and individuals with disabilities.
Remember to always check the official websites for the most up-to-date information on schedules, fares, and services. Charlotte’s train system, while not having a specific ‘Charlotte Train Station South Blvd’, offers comprehensive transportation options through its Amtrak services and light rail network.
References:
1. https://www.ncbytrain.org/stations/charlotte/Pages/default.aspx
2. https://www.charlottenc.gov/CATS/Rail/Stations-and-Park-and-Rides/I-485South-Blvd-Station
3. https://pats.charlotte.edu/transportation/light-rail/