The state-supported intercity passenger rail service experienced its single highest ridership month in 35 years of service in October, when NC By Train carried 74,400 passengers – an almost 10 percent increase over ridership in October 2024.
“We’re thrilled to see passenger rail ridership continue to grow across North Carolina as more people experience the convenience and benefits of train travel,” said NCDOT Rail Division director Jason Orthner. “Whether you are traveling for business, sporting events, school, to visit family or just for fun, NC By Train is a comfortable, affordable, and stress-free way to get to your destination.”
NC By Train has seen an overall four percent increase in ridership for 2025 thus far. Ridership totaled 608,300 passengers between January and October 2025 compared to 584,600 during the same period in 2024.
NC By Train’s growth since 2022 has been astounding, carrying 522,000 passengers in 2022, 641,000 passengers in 2023 and over 720,000 passengers in 2024, and is on track to break its ridership record again in 2025.
The service’s popularity continues to grow as more people learn how easy and stress-free it is to use, the affordability of tickets, and other benefits of traveling by train. Increased availability of daily trip options introduced in July 2023, special trains and stops to iconic N.C. events and increased collaboration with partners on projects like the Ale Trail by Rail have all contributed to the ridership growth.
NC By Train also adjusts its schedules to get football fans to Charlotte for Carolina Panthers’ home games starting at 1 p.m. This year, there are still two opportunities to take NC By Train to home football games in Charlotte on Nov. 30 and Dec. 21.
NCDOT encourages people to take advantage of the safe, comfortable and convenient transportation available on NC By Train with its large seats, charging outlets at each seat and free WiFi. NC By Train offers a variety of everyday discounts for children, students, active military personnel, veterans and seniors. The service also offers Share Fare, which allows groups of up to eight people to save money with each additional ticket that is purchased.
Visit NC By Train for more information, to plan a trip and to buy tickets.
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