Raleigh - Families can ring in the holiday season this year with an early visit from Santa Claus. North Carolina's Amtrak will offer its popular Santa Train on Dec. 5 with routes in Charlotte and Raleigh.
It's a fun journey for the whole family, featuring Mrs. Claus, carolers, refreshments and the big man himself.
There are two options to take the Santa Train:
Depart from Raleigh
Santa Train Raleigh travels to Greensboro and back with a brief layover. To get on board, book a seat on the Piedmont #75 departing Raleigh at 11:45 a.m., with stops at Cary, Durham and Burlington. Passengers should book a return trip on the Piedmont #74 departing Greensboro at 1:34 p.m. and arriving back in Raleigh at 3:11 p.m.
| Train 75 |
Train 74 |
| Departs Raleigh at 11:45 a.m. |
Departs Greensboro at 1:34 p.m. |
| Departs Cary at 11:57a.m. |
Arrives at Burlington at 1:55 p.m. |
| Departs Durham at 12:17 p.m. |
Arrives at Durham at 2:33 p.m. |
| Departs Burlington at 12:53 p.m. |
Arrives at Cary at 2:53 p.m. |
| Arrives at Greensboro at 1:18 p.m. |
Arrives at Raleigh at 3:11 p.m. |
Depart from Charlotte
Santa Train Charlotte travels to High Point and back with a brief layover. To get on board, book a seat on the Piedmont #74 departing Charlotte at noon, with stops at Kannapolis and Salisbury. Passengers should book a return trip on the Piedmont #75 departing High Point at 1:34 p.m. and arriving back in Charlotte at 2:55p.m.
| Train 74 |
Train 75 |
| Departs Charlotte at noon |
Departs High Point at 1:34 p.m. |
| Departs Kannapolis at 12:25 p.m. |
Arrives at Salisbury at 2:08 p.m |
| Departs Salisbury at 12:41 p.m. |
Arrives at Kannapolis at 2:24 p.m |
| Arrive in High Point at 1:14 p.m. |
Arrives at Charlotte at 2:55 p.m. |
Tickets can be purchased online through
North Carolina's Amtrak website or by calling 800-872-7245. Tickets are limited and are expected sell out quickly. Book early to reserve your seats!