It was my first time in memory riding the train from Charleston SC to Deland Florida. I wish I had brought a blanket and pillow because early in the morning the train car was comfortable and cool. After a while, cool becomes cold with only short sleeves and cargo shorts on. I did ask but they no longer provide pillows and blankets. A word to the prepper, bring whatever you think you might need. The train car was clean and there were 2 restrooms (one for handicapped). I didn't op for a sleeping car but there were 32 sleepers on the train. Most stops were only drop offs or pick ups. We did have one stop that was about 20 minutes long. Altogether it was a novel experience and much more economical than flying provided you have the time. read more

Bathrooms were very clean and staff was nice. I mostly felt safe here, much better than the old terminal. There were a few people hanging around that did not have a ticket and were harassing the staff, but they left the passengers alone. read more

Very clean and organized. The bathrooms were clean and the general areas as well. Everyone was social distancing and attendants were making sure that every complied. Keep it up Charleston! read more

Amtrak - Train Stations Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

Beautiful new facility with ample space for passenger waiting in the terminal, and ample parking. I must have come in on the last train that night because most staff, except the Security Guard (who was NOT wearing a mask!). Restrooms were spotless. I don't ride the train that often, but when I do, I find it enjoyable and overall this station tops most I have been to. read more

My first train ride and I got to say, glorious! I can look out the window! Drink wine (no dui!) and walk around to stretch my bones, if need be. I took the train to DC from Charleston. The staff were friendly and efficient. I rode in business class, which offers bigger seats and extra leg room. I was comfortable and felt safe during my journey. It doesn't hurt there is a food cart to visit when munchies are needed. All in all, I would totally take a train ride again. Much easier than going to an airport where people seem to be in a rush and entitled. Thanks Amtrak! read more

See all

This is a smaller Amtrak station, but there are plenty of comfortable seats with outlets for charging your phone and train schedule screens positioned so that you can see one from any seat. Food options are limited, but there is coffee and a few vending machines that actually provide a good variety of snacks and drinks. When the train arrives the staff is very helpful with getting everyone out to the train and then even calling out my name to direct me on where to stand for the sleeper car. That was much appreciated. There is also a big information desk in the center of the station. As far as small Amtrak stations go this is one of the better ones. But it doesn't hold a candle to the bigger stations in big cities. read more

(Written by my husband, Michael Malec) Amtrak- thank you for an amazing train ride through and through! We enjoyed the lounge car, see my wife Ashley below, and your wonderful amenities on the Palmetto 90. But most of all, we enjoyed the amazing customer service your warm staff provided us! Thank you again for a great trip and we look forward to the train ride home! Because of our wonderful experience, we're now planning to take more train excursions in our near future. We've already recommended train travel to our friends, and na Uber driver or two! Thank you again for your hospitality, and safe and comfortable trip. read more

Amtrak - Lounge car lounging - Train Stations Near Me - North Charleston, South Carolina

It went smoothly. The train was slightly delayed but we got a text letting us know that it was running behind. That way we didn't get there too early and cause a long wait. read more

Charleston, you asked for something shiny and you got it! You only had to wait what 40 years?! The old station complete with the sad remnants of segregation era rules with separate waiting rooms and bathrooms for whites and blacks is finally nothing but dust! I'm so glad to see that vestigial building is now longer what train riders see when they first arrive to Charleston. The new building has a fairly plain/school-like exterior. It is just a nice commercial building with a coastal nod in the metal roof and many palm trees. The parking was VERY confusing and you have to take an incredibly sharp right turn to get into the first little parking/loading area. There is also a much bigger parking area to the left of the building but the entrance was blocked by barricades. Basically there was no where to legally park when I arrived so I parked in a loading zone. (I'm assuming the parking will get better as their construction and signage is completed). There also appears to be a long loading area to the left of the building that I presume would be for uber/taxis and other folks not needing to park. The baggage claim set-up has changed from the old station too. You used to go to an outdoor area and show a ticket to get your bag. Now you wait inside and they put the bags in a large storage area and you get hand your ticket inside to the employee. This is a nicer set-up since you'll be inside where it is cooler and less buggy. The interior had plenty of airport-style seating. I didn't see very many outlets or ways to charge up devices, but perhaps those are still being installed. read more

See all

Station was clean and staff was helpful. Took train to Savanna, GA with Amtrak personnel making trip easy. It was a smooth train ride and the seats were comfortable. read more

Having to wait for the train at night here was very unnerving. The Amtrak workers must have been on break because I didn't see anyone for a good 20 minutes. And there were some very unsavory characters walking around in the station. My trip to Charleston was great other than this experience. read more

First, this Amtrak station is being rebuilt. Read to the end to see why I gave it 5 stars. The building is mostly finished but they are doing the landscaping and finishing the platform at this time. The station itself is in a BAD part of town. The route to get to the station has been changed, with the original route now cut off by a barrier. My train down to Charleston from Virginia arrived at around 5am. I travel with a medium sized service dog, and once we stepped off the train I found there was nowhere she could relieve herself because of the remodel going on. It was a sea of sandy mud because the landscaping is totally torn up. I had to drag my bags off the property in the dark in a BAD section of town to find a small square of grass she could pee on. My cab driver that took me to my hotel told me in his 35 years as a cab driver, he's been shot twice. Once was in the parking lot of the Amtrak station. I would NOT recommend to anyone to leave the building at night unless your ride is there. On my return, my train was departing the station at 9:17pm. I got late dropping my rental car at the Charleston airport and was in a hurry. My Uber driver couldn't find the right way to the station. As we followed the incorrect GPS instructions, we were passed by 9 police cars flying down the road toward the train station area. While we turned around and went back to make a second attempt at locating the station, another 6 cars joined the mob, for a total of 15 police cars in the area with lights and sirens. I have no idea what was going on, but it's not a coincidence...that's a bad area of north Charleston. The reason for the 5 star review: I got there just in time to get my train. I have several health issues that require medication at strict intervals. As I went to check in, I tried to take my evening dose of one of them. Quickly realized my purse had fallen over in the rental car and my locked medication box was gone. I couldn't get on the train without it. I fell apart in the train station. One of those medications regulates my blood sugar, and I'd already delayed taking it by an hour because I didn't have time to stop for food in my hurry to make the train. I was sweating and going pale as my blood sugar dropped and my service dog was frantically trying to "alert" me that I was in trouble. The ladies working the desk there at the Charleston Amtrak station were SO KIND! As I began to panic, realizing I wasn't going home on that train and didn't even know 100% for sure where my med box was, they tried so hard to help me. As things got bad for me, they called their reservations desk and re-scheduled my trip home for the next day. I had a sleeping car, so it wasn't guaranteed there would be one available. One helped me get my bags together, and they checked to make sure I had found an Uber to get me from there back to the Charleston airport where I'd rented the car from so I could look for my medication box. After 3 Uber drivers cancelled (yes, bad area of town!), one finally found the station and picked me up. She drove me to the airport and waited with my dog while i went in to get the keys to the rental I'd just left. Fortunately my med box WAS in that car, under the seat. After I'd found the box and taken my meds with some food, my cell phone rang. It was one of the ladies from the Amtrak station, calling to make sure I was ok, had found my meds and had found a hotel for the night! She was worried about me. They were VERY caring and helpful. When I went back the next night to catch my rescheduled train home, both ladies were there again. As I walked up to the desk to check in with my bags, my dog, my purse, etc., they both made it clear they cared about me as a person, not just as a passenger or money in Amtrak's pocket. Not many people go out of their way anymore, and these ladies didn't have to help me. The station was busy and they had a train to work, but they still called and helped me move my train home to the next night. They could have just given me the 800 number, told me to call them to fix it and went on about their business. Instead, they went above and beyond. Calling me later to ensure I was safe, had my meds, had a hotel room for the night and had eaten was really above and beyond. I DID send an email to Amtrak hoping they will be recognized by their company for being excellent, but I wanted to write a public review as well. This station may be in a bad part of town, but the people who work it have hearts of gold. 5 stars because they made it a 5 star place! read more

I'm giving the train station four stars because it's extremely convenient to hop on the train in Charleston and end up in Fayetteville, NC three hours later. The station does need a facelift, and after dark it can be a little sketchy, but overall, this is a real convenient train station to access and use. With Amtrak, I would always upgrade to business or preferred Coach because of the legroom and mobility. Luggage has always been treated well by the handlers, and I'm happy to report that a special bottle of cider from Vermont was not shattered on the last trip. Service here is friendly, and they let you out on the platform to say goodbye to your departures and welcome in your arrivals. read more

The train was delayed by 3hrs so I became quite aquatinted with this little slice of Americana by the time my train did arrive. I watched 'family feud' presented by an avuncular chap with a big moustache who thought everyone's answers were hilarious, I got bitten countless times by mosquitoes and I used the vending machines liberally. The staff were extremely pleasant and helpful, not exactly big city hustle in here, just a somewhat surreal way to pass an evening, as an experience recommended. read more

See all

I arrived at the North Charleston SC terminal on 4565 Gaynor Ave. I had already purchased my ticket online so I just needed to get the actual ticket. I waited at the counter for 20minutes for someone to assist me. After 20minutes I went to another counter and asked the employee is there anyone at the other desk to print my ticket. The employee simply said "someone should be over there" So went BACK to the counter and waited another 10minutes for someone, still nothing. So again I went to the other counter where the employee was and said "I've been waiting a long time no one has showed up. Can anyone else assist me my bus is leaving soon" the employee said "no I can't if it's for the bus, this is the Amtrak side" So I asked is there anyway at all they can contact the person who's supposed to be at that counter. The employee said no. There were two men employee and not one of them tried to assist or even contact the right person for me. Both of the employees were playing on there the entire time! Didn't even get up to see maybe the person is in the restroom or anything! They both sat there continuing to play on their phone and refused to even budge! I waited for a long time with no one at all trying to help and did not care if I missed my bus! The employee who FINALLY after 30minutes came to the counter with attitude as if I was being a bother! I am extremely disappointed and dissatisfied the manner of all the employees at this location! They have no care or concern, and obviously use to doing NOTHING except playing on their cell phones. This should not ever happen! read more

Helpful friendly staff at ticket office that were very courteous to me on my first time riding Amtrak. Waiting room was a little old and outdated, but there are vending machines, outlets, and lots of seating. Expect delays at the end of the line (my train from CHS to Savannah was an hour late). Coming back, however, it was right on time. Checked bags (50 lbs or less) are free of charge. Must check in baggage 45 min prior to departure. read more

First of all, I have never taken a train out of or to Charleston before (TBH until a couple of weeks ago, I didn't even know Charleston had a train station), but flights to CHS from DC for thanksgiving were outrageously expensive and I was able to get a roundtrip ticket on Amtrak for under $200. The train has some issues, but as far as the Charleston terminal goes, it's wonderful (especially compared to the dingy, unorganized Union Station in DC). Everything is clean and well-lit, and they were really good at getting us organized on the busy travel day. It would be nice if there were some real food options, but they have a few vending machines, plus free Keurig coffee available while you wait. The process of checking a bag was super easy and they staff was very friendly. I loved walking around while I waited to see little bits of Charleston history and Lowcountry culture. Plus, there are sooo many outlets available for charging all of your devices. My one complaint is that the bathroom stalls were a bit small to maneuver with all of my baggage, but otherwise a top notch experience. read more

Major delays on our train from Charleston to Savannah. We could have stayed a little longer in town. No pre warnings or emails about the delay. You are to check on your own and expect they will be delayed. Will be missing a hard to acquire dinner reservation because of it at old pink mansion in savannah. read more

This train station is beautiful!! We took the train from North Charleston to Savannah a few years ago before the renovations to the station. We still loved it just because we love train travel and we are baffled as to why it isn't more popular in the US, but at the time the station was dark and looked in need of a lot of work. Fast forward to this weekend and we wanted to take a trip again, but this time we were blown away by the station. It is so nice... beautifully updated, clean and has ample seating. There are gorgeous pictures posted throughout the station featuring North Charleston. We are highly impressed and will definitely travel via train (and specifically this station) again soon. Why drive when you can kick back and relax, use the restroom any time without stopping, or have a few drinks in the bar car! read more

Boy, I am one of those people who love the idea of Amtrak, but would really love for it to be better! This place is the pits - and a two hour delay for a train that supposed to get in at 9:30 PM (?!) just adds insult to injury. Please Congress, give these guys the funding to make this a rail system America deserves. read more

Good train station. Good snacks on the train also I would recommend getting the rail pass

The station kinda off the beaten path in North Charleston. My only problem with the outside of the station is just too dark. I had no problems or incidents, but I wouldn't want to be waiting for someone outside of the station. If you just need to get out quick, there are usually more than a few taxi cabs in front waiting to take you where ever you need to go. read more

This was the first time I went on a train trip since I was 11. First time using a sleeper also. I enjoyed the trip, but it was tiring. I had to change trains once going and once coming back. Longer than an airplane, it had a better view. I'd do it again, but maybe with someone. read more

Smoothest process I ever bern through. First time riding a train and it is pretty smooth going. I def still have a lot to learn but I do know this it's nothing like taking a plane As far as all the rules and dos and don't. I guess that's a good and a bad thing I suppose . None the less it beats driving and fairly cheap, even if you purchase a ticket relatively at the last minute. Spacious, quite a little cold but that's an easy fix. read more

Not in the best place in Charleston. You'll see different gang tags along the way, ie Bloods, Folk Nation, Crips, etc... So I guess it's educational in that faction. I'm a big dude who deals with these knuckle heads on a regular basis, so I'm not really scared of them, but I still wouldn't walk around outside the station, I value my life. There's a difference between scared and smart. It does get 2 stars, because train tickets are usually cheap. At least it was when we went to Orlando. Just don't fall a sleep. We were firmly warned by the conductor, that we would "end up in Miami". Not that it's a bad thing. read more

It's a train station. I wasn't expecting much from this place. Trains have been around for years and I'm sure that the cost to repair and/or update them is through the roof. I just thought they would be much nicer but wasn't expecting much. The seats are comfortable and they recline! Much like an airplane but more space and more leniency to move on or about the train. I will be taking another train ride, heck, it beats driving 6 - 7 hours. read more

Never again. For many reasons, I was roped into using the Amtrak for a trip to Virginia. And the one good thing I will say is the fare was pretty cheap. However, I am certainly willing to pay the extra money/time to fly/drive. The station itself was like going back in time. If anyone wants to see a pay phone, Amtrak has a few. The station smells like a mix of trash and urine. The train I was on did not have air conditioning and it August. The other patrons can be a tad scary. I understand the Amtrak service is meant for a certain clientele, I suppose I just don't fit in. read more

It's a small station with an indoor waiting area, no additional amenities available so bring everything you need prior to arrival. There is staff available, very polite and happy to help with checked baggage if applicable. read more

The Charleston Amtrak station is not the most beautiful place in Charleston by any stretch of the imagination, but it is interesting because it gives an idea of what things were like here many decades ago. The Amtrak workers are polite, knowledgeable and helpful. I go business class, and it is somewhat less crowded. I take it to North Carolina about 4-5 times a year, and find it so much better than driving. Just bring your own pillow if you want one for a long trip, because they are no longer provided on this line. The trains are usually pretty crowded, so Amtrak is providing a service that people want and need. It is too bad that the government is not giving them enough money. Driving and/or flying are not options for everyone. read more