On my study-abroad trips to Europe, one of my favorite things to do was traveling by train. It always felt so adventurous and sophisticated.
Many years later, I realized it was a shame I’d never ridden a train in the states. I began researching the options in North Carolina so my family and I could take our own train adventure.
I traveled with my husband and our two youngest daughters, both under the age of 2, roundtrip from High Point to Raleigh. We were very pleased not just by how well they did on the trains but what a great method of transportation it was for our family.
The trip really surprised me, in a good way! It completely dispelled such myths as trains aren’t clean enough and that it’s a dying mode of transportation.
Our journey began at High Point Station on W. High Avenue. It's a cute, simple and historic station. It felt like something out of an old Hollywood style movie.
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They do not allow people on the platform until a few minutes before the train is set to arrive. However, the setup at this station allows you to see the tracks right below. We had a great view to watch a freight train pulling into the station while we waited.
After our train, the Carolinian, arrived, the staff was wonderful in helping us board. We had our hands full with the two kids and their folded-up strollers. The train attendant quickly offered to hold the strollers until we boarded and could take them back.
One of the best things about both train trips was how friendly and helpful the entire train staff was. They even gave both our girls stickers saying they rode the train, which made our toddlers’ day.
After we got settled in, I looked around and was reminded of another reason I really enjoyed traveling by train in Europe. It provides a sense of connection among people that other transportation methods do not. People actually smiled at each other, patiently handed back toys that our oh so sweet children kept dropping, and generally just seemed to be more relaxed and friendly than anything I ever see on the roads or airplanes.
On both our ride to Raleigh and back to High Point, the trains were pretty packed. Not completely booked in every seat like today's airlines but clearly bustling.
We had four stops along the trip, all very quick. Trains certainly are one of the most efficient modes of transportation when it comes to loading and unloading passengers.
One tip from Kimberly Woods, Amtrak spokesperson, is to arrive 45 minutes before departure. I always feel my growing impatience when I wait to board an airplane, but that was not a problem at all with train travel. I clocked the time our train arrived in High Point to when it departed at under 4 minutes.
Train travel has a lower carbon footprint than other methods of transportation, Woods says. “Traveling on Amtrak emits up to 83% fewer greenhouse gasses than driving and up to 73% fewer than flying.”
Liz Macam, communications officer for NCDOT’s Rail Division, shares some other big benefits of traveling by train: “Unlike driving, traveling by train gives you the opportunity to be productive during your travel time. You can catch up on work, read a book or binge watch your favorite TV show, or you can sit back, relax and even take a nap.”
Our 10-month-old concurred, grabbing a nap on the trip to Raleigh.
If you plan to work on the train, you’ll be happy to hear that the trains provide free Wi-Fi and onboard electrical outlets at every seat.
The approximately two-hour trip went by quickly. Watching the scenery was a huge highlight for us. It amazed both our girls. It also helped that the seats were spacious and there was plenty of leg room.
We didn’t leave our train car, but the Carolinian and Piedmont trains offer complimentary water and coffee. There are also vending opportunities and tables for sitting. These lounge cards are normally located between the coaches and a locomotive, Macam says.
Upon arriving at Raleigh Union Station, on W. Martin Street, we found a very modern, family-friendly train station. It is one of the newer North Carolina stations, opened in 2018. There were couches, benches with outlets above for charging, two family bathrooms and even a bar.
It’s also an event venue, They were setting up a wedding and reception while we were there. Even as a local wedding writer I've not heard of someone getting married at a train station, but now that I know it's a “thing,” I'm so curious to see one!
The train station is only a few blocks from so many great places in downtown Raleigh.
We had fun at the Marbles Museum that morning. On our walk there from the station, we discovered that the Cuegrass Festival was happening that day, so we got to enjoy barbecue and music for lunch. We had some time to kill before our train home, so found a nearby chocolate factory, Videri. The chocolate ice cream there was amazing!
The train ride home on the Piedmont was just as smooth as the ride there. This time, the almost 2-year-old took a snooze on the trip. We really enjoyed every part of the journey and plan to take the train again soon to one of the other great NC stops available or even beyond NC. Plus, it is such an economical way to travel over airplanes or even by car with today’s gas prices.
I completely agree with Macam on her final tip to train travelers, “Just enjoy the convenience and comfort traveling by train offers. It’s a chance to enjoy the journey as well as the destination.”
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