Take Amtrak (or a bus) to get dropped off directly at the NC State Fair. Here’s how

The countdown is on to the 2024 N.C. State Fair . If you want to skip the drive, you’ll be able to get dropped off directly at the fairgrounds.

This year’s fair will be returning to the capital city Oct. 17-27. Once again, NC By Train and GoRaleigh will be offering special routes for those living or traveling to the Triangle area to experience carnival rides and roller coasters, family-friendly activities and deep-fried foods.

Train routes to 2024 NC State Fair

Beginning Oct. 18, NC By Train will make multiple stops at the state fairgrounds everyday for guests departing from Charlotte, Kannapolis, Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham and Cary.

Here’s a breakdown of the four special routes for getting to and from the fair:

• Take Carolinian train 80 from Charlotte at 6:45 a.m. to get to fairgrounds at 9:53 a.m.

• Take Piedmont train 72 from Charlotte at 10:25 a.m. to get to fairgrounds at 1:37 p.m.

• Take Piedmont train 77 from the fairgrounds at 3:33 p.m. to get to Charlotte at 6:33 p.m.

• Take Carolinian train 79 from the fairgrounds at 5:48 p.m. to get to Charlotte at 9:08 p.m.

The trains departing from the fairgrounds will not be interchangeable to ride, and passengers must be at the Amtrak hospitality tent for pre-boarding and check in no later than 20 minutes before departure.

You can find more information online at ncbytrain.org .

How to book train tickets

Train tickets to get dropped off at the fairgrounds can be booked online at ncbytrain.org .

Make sure you select NSF (North Carolina State Fair) as the destination — not RGH (Raleigh Union Station).

Prices from Charlotte start at $27. Tickets are limited, so it’s best to buy as soon as possible.

How to take a bus to the NC State Fair

If you’re already in the Triangle, you can also count on Raleigh’s bus system to get you to the fairgrounds.

GoRaleigh shuttles will have additional routes to the state fair from the Triangle Town Center Shopping Mall during the entirety of the fair’s 11-day run. Pick-up will be near the Dillard’s parking lot for passengers to get dropped off at Gate 1 of the fairgrounds.

From Oct. 17-27, the non-stop express shuttle will be picking up guests every 30 minutes from 8:30 a.m. until the fair closes.

How to book bus tickets

Shuttle bus tickets can be purchased in-person at the GoRaleigh operations facility or at GoRaleigh Station downtown beginning Oct. 2. You can also buy a ticket online with the UMO mobile app.

One-way tickets will be $4 and round-trip fare will be $5. Seniors 65+ and those with disabilities can get 50% off tickets. Children under 40-inches tall can ride free.

You can find more information online at goraleigh.org .

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