N.C. Ale Trail By Rail

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NC By Train in partnership with the N.C. Craft Bre​wers Guild presents N.C. Ale Trail By Rail. Explore the craft brewery scene on the Piedmont and Carolinian​ routes with 10 daily trips between Raleigh and Charlotte.

How to Book Tickets 

1. Click the"Book Tickets Button"​ link below. 
   
2. Choose “Round Trip” and click on “Multi-City.” This will take you to the Amtrak website where you can view what trips are available and purchase your tickets.

Watch a video​ on how to book tickets. 

​​​​Book Tick​ets Now​​​

Perfect for day trips, overnight getaways or a weekend of whistle-stop crawls, N.C. Ale Trail By Rail allows travelers to enjoy locally crafted beers while discovering vibrant communities along the way.

Alcohol is not available for purchase on Piedmont trains and no open containers of alcohol are allowed on NC By Train and Amtrak services.​

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Videos​

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

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• What stops are on the NC Ale Trail by Rail?

  ​The nine stops on the Ale Trail by Rail route include Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Burlington, Greensboro, High Point, Salisbury, Kannapolis and Charlotte. Visit NC By Train’s Stations ​webpage​ to learn more.​ 
  

• What are the participating breweries on the NC Ale Trail by Rail?
  Go to NC Ale Trail By Rail — North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild​ to learn about  participating breweries. ​
  
• Is there a pre-determined itinerary or a special ticket I must purchase?
  ​No. The NC Ale Trail by Rail is a self-directed tour of the breweries along the Piedmont and Carolinian routes between Raleigh and Charlotte. Passengers build their own itineraries to visit the breweries. Go to NC Ale Trail By Rail — North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild​ to find some pre-planned stops in the participating communities. 
  
• How much do tickets cost for NC Ale Trail by Rail?
  Tickets can range from approximately $6 to $29 with business-class tickets on the Carolinian​ being more expensive because you can reserve your seat. Go to NC By Train’s Tickets webpage​ to learn more.  
  

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• How often do the trains run for NC Ale Trail by Rail?

  ​There are 10 daily trips between Raleigh and Charlotte. Go to NC By Train’s Schedules webpage​ to learn more. 
  

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• Is there a shuttle once you get off the train?

  ​No, there is no additional transportation once you leave the train station but several of the breweries are within walking distance from each stop.. ​
  

• Is alcohol permitted on the train?
  ​No, you cannot take an open container of alcohol on the train. If you purchase a closed container at a brewery, you may travel with it.
  
• Is there a package or do I have to buy tickets for each stop?

  ​You must purchase tickets for each train stop. Watch this video​ to learn more. .
  

• Where do I start my NC Ale Trail by Rail experience?

  ​Passengers can start anywhere along the Piedmont corridor which includes Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Burlington, Greensboro, High Point Salisbury, Kannapolis and Charlotte.
  

• Can you bring pets on the train?

  ​Dogs and cats that weigh 20 pounds or less are allowed on the train. Restrictions apply, please visit NCByTrain.org​ or Amtrak​.com to learn more.
  

11/20/2025 10:51 AM