Raleigh, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) marked a major milestone last week, celebrating over three decades of NC By Train intercity passenger rail service at a special event held at Raleigh Union Station.
“We are excited to be here today to celebrate over 30 years of NC By Train intercity passenger rail service,” said Joey Hopkins, NCDOT Secretary of Transportation. “We are grateful for the support of our passengers, partners, and elected officials that have made the service a success and look forward to the continued growth and development of passenger rail service in the state.”
The celebration featured the unveiling of a special NC By Train locomotive painted in the original Piedmont train design, paying tribute to the rail line’s legacy. The event welcomed elected officials, stakeholders, and transportation partners who have supported passenger rail expansion in North Carolina.
This year marks two major anniversaries for NC By Train:
- 35 years of Carolinian service, NCDOT’s first state-supported partnership with Amtrak, offering routes between Charlotte and Raleigh with connections to the Northeast.
- 30 years of Piedmont service, which began in 1995 to provide daily, direct service between Raleigh and Charlotte, expanding transit options for North Carolinians seeking convenient, reliable alternatives to driving.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Piedmont, NC By Train is offering 30% off tickets for in-state travel on both the Carolinian and Piedmont routes. The promotion runs through June 16 for travel dates through June 30. Details are available on the NC By Train website.
Since its inception, NC By Train has grown from one daily round trip to five, and has seen record-breaking ridership for the last three consecutive years, including nearly 721,000 passengers in 2024.
The service continues to promote a safe, convenient, and affordable travel experience, with modern amenities including spacious seating, charging outlets at every seat, and free Wi-Fi.
For more information, to plan a trip, or to purchase tickets, visit NC By Train.
