All aboard: How to ride Amtrak in Greenville

Taking the train isn’t just for commuters — it’s also a method of leisure travel that’s growing in popularity.

GVL_Amtrak_NOV2024

How to ride Amtrak in Greenville was our most-clicked article to round out the year.
Photo by Amtrak

Train travel is booming. A 2025 study found that 31% of 11,000 people worldwide anticipate relying more on rail transportation in the future.

In the last year, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) has set an all-time ridership record, serving 32.8 million customers, and in 2024, Greenville’s station served 9,013.

The more sustainable, often scenic, and middle seat-less cousin to flying, train travel could play a part in your next vacation — here’s how to do it locally.

Meet the Crescent

If you’re leaving from Greenville’s station, you’ll be riding on the Crescent with service from New York to New Orleans:

  • WiFi | There is free WiFi, and you are allowed to use your phone the entire ride. Pro tip: Outlets are more accessible in first or business class + sleeper cars.
  • Food + Drink | This train offers flexible dining (complimentary meals for private room travelers) and cafe service (snacks and drinks for purchase).
  • Accommodations | The Crescent features coach seats and various private roomettes and bedrooms.

Where it takes you

Maybe you’ll take the midnight train, but you don’t wanna go just anywhere. Check out a few places you can get from Greenville. Prices may vary.

  • Atlanta | ~3-hour trip | Coach: $37+ | Private rooms: $341+
  • Washington, DC | ~11.5-hour trip | Coach: $94+ | Private rooms: $538+
  • Philadelphia | ~14-hour trip | Coach: $140+ | Private rooms: $596+

First stop: The ticket counter

Purchase one-way tickets online or buy a pass. The $499 USA Rail Pass, for instance, gets you 10 rides over 30 days.

Next — getting to the station. Greenville’s includes daily and overnight parking.

More from GVLtoday
A local nonprofit gives new life to old pianos by teaming up with local artists across Greenville.
Greenville’s Design Review Board approved plans for a mixed-use development on the site of the former Municipal Court Building and the former American Legion building.
Here are 10 must-do activities for your Greenville spring bucket list that are unique to the Upstate and the spring season.
We’re putting our city’s vibrant ecosystem front-and-center in this new series.
Sponsored
Greenville is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.
From upgraded suites to all-new menus around the ballpark, 2026 is all about celebrating the Upstate’s “Home Team.”
The road to the Final Four could start in Greenville, either for the Furman Paladins looking to shine their glass slippers or one of the teams starting the NCAA Tournament here for rounds one and two.
Grab a blanket and settle in to see these artists at local outdoor venues in Greenville.
Each week, GVLtoday and CLTtoday will recap “Top Chef: Carolinas” with fun facts we’ve learned from our reporting behind the scenes and our pro tips about venues featured in each of our cities.