The Least Used Amtrak Station in North Carolina as of 2023

Photo byElijah MearsonUnsplash

DURHAM, NC - Amtrak ridership in North Carolina saw significant activity in FY 2023, with 16 trains operating daily across the state.

The trains are part of both long-distance and state-supported routes, including the Crescent, Palmetto, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Carolinian, and Piedmont.

According to Amtrak, these routes connect major cities such as Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro to destinations throughout the Southeast and beyond.

According to Amtrak, North Carolina’s Amtrak stations collectively served over 1.15 million passengers in FY 2023. The busiest station in the state was Charlotte (CLT), with a ridership of 261,510, reflecting the city’s role as a major hub for rail travel. Raleigh (RGH) also saw substantial usage, with 219,538 passengers.

However, not all stations experienced the same level of activity. The least-used station in North Carolina was Gastonia (GAS), which recorded only 1,818 passengers throughout the year. This stark contrast highlights the varying levels of demand for rail services across different parts of the state, according to Amtrak.

Amtrak continues to play a crucial role in providing transportation options across North Carolina, with a mix of long-distance and state-supported routes ensuring connectivity for both large cities and smaller communities.

Despite challenges such as on-time performance issues due to reliance on host railroads, Amtrak remains a vital part of North Carolina's transportation infrastructure.