To experience the thrill of a train ride during a short, half-day excursion, try one of these quick "out and back" trips.

When the layover between two trains is less than one hour, you can only purchase tickets at staffed stations. Amtrak's online and toll-free reservation systems cannot sell these tickets.

Raleigh, Cary or Durham to Burlington and back
Morning Trip
Depart Raleigh at 6:50am, Cary at 7:02am or Durham at 7:22am on the Piedmont Train 73. Arrive in Burlington at 7:58am. Depart Burlington at 9:43am on the Carolinian Train 80. Arrive back in Durham at 10:23am, Cary at 10:43am or Raleigh at 10:58am.

During the layover: Visit the North Carolina Railroad's Whistlestop exhibit in the station lobby. Learn how the North Carolina Railroad shaped the growth of the state. See a model of the railroad's repair shop in downtown Burlington in the late 1800s.

Raleigh, Cary or Durham to Greensboro and back
Morning Trip
Depart Raleigh at 6:50am, Cary at 7:02am or Durham at 7:22am on the Piedmont Train 73. Arrive in Greensboro at 8:23am. Depart Greensboro at 9:21am on the Carolinian Train 80. Arrive back in Durham at 10:23am, Cary at 10:43am or Raleigh at 10:58am.

During the layover: Tour the newly renovated 1927 train depot in Greensboro. The depot serves as a multimodal transit center for Amtrak passengers as well as local and intercity bus passengers.

Charlotte or Kannapolis to Salisbury and back
Morning Trip
Depart Charlotte at 7:40am or Kannapolis at 8:07am on the Carolinian Train 80. Arrive in Salisbury at 8:25am. Depart Salisbury at 9:14am on the Piedmont Train 73. Arrive back in Kannapolis st 9:30am or Charlotte at 10:02am.

During the layover: Take a few minutes to walk around the historic station. Visit historic downtown Salisbury and some of the area shops, or catch a quick bite to eat.

Durham, Cary or Raleigh to Wilson and back
Mid-day Trip
Depart Durham at 10:23am, Cary at 10:43am or Raleigh at 11:06am on the Carolinian Train 80. Arrive in Wilson at 12:10pm. Depart Wilson at 3:23pm on the Carolinian Train 79. Arrive back in Durham at 5:24pm.

During the dwell time: You'll have about three hours to grab a bite to eat, visit Imagination Station or shop some of the many antique stores.

Cary or Raleigh to Selma and back
Mid-day Trip
Depart Cary at 10:23am or Raleigh at 10:58am on the Carolinian Train 80. Arrive in Selma at 11:41am. Depart Selma at 4:03pm on the Carolinian Train 79. Arrive back in Raleigh at 4:42pm and Cary at 5:03pm.

During the layover: Spend the three+ hour layover exploring the renovated downtown which features several delis, restaurants and antique shops. For specific information, contact Johnston County Visitors Bureau Sales & Marketing Manager at 919-989-8687.