N.C. State Fair

NC By Train and Amtrak are making it easier than ever for families to get to the N.C. State Fair​ through a special stop right at the fairgrounds in Raleigh from Thursday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 26.

Passengers can board at any of these stations: Charlotte, Kannapolis, Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham and Cary.

Book tickets online using station code NSF and get ready to enjoy all that the fair has to offer this year! Seats are limited, so don’t wait.

Only Piedmont Train 72 and Carolinian Train 79 will stop at the fairgrounds on Oct. 16.

Getting to and from the State Fair:

• Take Carolinian train 80 departing Charlotte at 6:45 a.m., arriving at the fairgrounds at 10:05 a.m.
  
  
• Take Piedmont train 72 departing Charlotte at 10:25 a.m., arriving at faigrounds at 1:46 p.m.
  

• Board Piedmont train 77 departing the fairgrounds at 3:33 p.m., arriving in Charlotte at 6:35 p.m.
  
  
• Board Carolinian train 79 departing the fairgrounds at 5:48 p.m., arriving in Charlotte at 9:10 p.m.​​
  

At the State Fair:

Passengers must be at the Amtrak hospitality tent no later than 20 minutes before scheduled departure time for pre-boarding and check in. Passengers are also responsible for knowing train status in the event of delays.

• Piedmont train 77 will begin boarding at 3:13 p.m.
  
• Carolinian train 79 will begin boarding at 5:28 p.m.
• Trains 77 & 79 are not interchangeable.  

Passengers who have reservations for Piedmont train 77, will not be permitted to board train 79, and vice-versa.  

Passengers must make sure their return ticket is departing from NSF (North Carolina State Fair), not RGH (Raleigh Union Station). Call 800-USA-Rail if you need to change your departure station before your train arrives.     

Passengers should also have hand stamped for re-entry before you leave the State Fair in case of delays.

Listen for announcements over the loudspeakers at the State Fair or check the status of your train at the Amtrak website​.

Schedules