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 7:00am, Cary at 7:11am or Durham at 7:30am on the Piedmont train #73. Arrive in Burlington at 8:06am. 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 7:00am, Cary at 7:11am or Durham at 7:30am on the Piedmont train #73. Arrive in Greensboro at 8:35am. 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.

Evening Trip
Depart Raleigh at 4:50pm, Cary at 5:03pm or Durham at 5:24pm on the Carolinian train #79. Arrive in Greensboro at 6:32pm. Depart Greensboro at 7:05pm on the Piedmont train #74. Arrive back in Raleigh at 8:40pm.

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 9:21am on the Piedmont train #73. Arrive back in Charlotte at 10:09am.

Evening Trip
Depart Charlotte at 5:30pm or Kannapolis at 5:57pm on the Piedmont train #74. Arrive in Salisbury at 6:13pm. Depart Salisbury at 7:25pm on the Carolinian train #79. Arrive back in Charlotte at 8:14pm.

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 3:32pm 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 10:43am or Raleigh at 11:06am 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: Frankie Brown, Johnston County Visitors Bureau Sales & Marketing Manager, at 919-989-8687.