Cary, NC Station (CYN)
Opened in 1996, this brick depot serves a fast-growing community near the state’s renowned Research Triangle Park. The town of Cary is also recognized for its bicycle-friendliness and thoughtful urban planning.
Address:
211 North Academy Street
Cary, NC 27513
Annual Figures (FY 2024):
- Ticket Revenue: $5,582,630
- Station Ridership: 128,875
Ownership
| Facility | Owner |
|---|---|
| Station building | Town of Cary |
| Parking lot | Town of Cary |
| Platform | Town of Cary |
| Tracks | North Carolina Railroad (“H” Line) / CSX Transportation (“S” Line) |
Routes Served
The station is served by the following train routes:
- Piedmont (operated by the State of North Carolina)
- Carolinian (operated by the State of North Carolina)
For up-to-date fares and schedules, please visit the Amtrak deals website or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
Cary, NC Station History
The current station was built in 1996 at the point where two rail lines diverge: to the west and to the south. It includes a waiting area shared between Amtrak passengers and local/regional bus users. Cary’s original historic station was demolished in the 1970s. When passenger rail returned in 1995, service was provided on a 200-foot platform with a shelter beside the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) “H” Line on the north side of the property.
The platform and shelter cost about $100,000, funded by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division. The new depot was built with $637,000 from the town and $100,000 from the Triangle Transit Authority.
In 2006, a second platform was built on CSX’s “S” Line to enable service from the Silver Star (New York–Tampa–Miami). NCDOT covered 90 % of the cost and the town contributed $30,000. In 2011, the depot was expanded with approximately $2 million in NCDOT and Federal Railroad Administration funds; it reopened September 1.
The town of Cary began as Bradford’s Ordinary in 1750. A century later, construction of the NCRR placed the settlement on a major transportation route. It was incorporated in 1871 and has grown significantly since the opening of Research Triangle Park nearby in 1959. Cary has received national recognition for its bicycle-friendly planning and public safety, and has maintained tight growth control through planned unit development zoning since 1971. Cary High School, founded in 1896 (predecessor in 1879) is the oldest high school in North Carolina.
Station Features
Building & Waiting Room
- ATM: Not available
- Elevator: None
- Payphones: Available
- Quik-Trak kiosks: Available
- Restrooms: Available
- Ticket sales office: Available
- Unaccompanied child travel: Permitted
- Vending machines: Available
- WiFi: Not available
- Arrival recommendations:
- Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure if checking baggage or needing assistance
- Arrive at least 30 minutes if no baggage and no assistance needed
Baggage
- Amtrak Express shipping service: Not available
- Checked baggage service: Available
- Checked baggage storage: Available
- Bike boxes for sale: Available
- Baggage carts: Available
- Ski bags: Not available
- Shipping boxes for sale: Available
- Baggage assistance: Provided by ticket office
Parking
- Same-day parking: Available (fee may apply)
- Overnight parking: Available (fee may apply)
Accessibility
- Payphones: Present
- Accessible platform: Yes
- Accessible restrooms: Yes
- Accessible ticket office: Yes
- Accessible waiting room: Yes
- Accessible water fountain: Yes
- Same-day accessible parking: Available (fees may apply)
- Overnight accessible parking: Available (fees may apply)
- High platform: Not available
- Wheelchair: Available
- Wheelchair lift: Available
Hours of Operation
| Service | Hours |
|---|---|
| Waiting Room | Mon-Sun 06:00 am-11:00 pm |
| Ticket Office | Mon-Sun 06:00 am-11:00 pm |
| Passenger Assistance | Mon-Sun 06:00 am-11:00 pm |
| Checked Baggage Service | Mon-Sun 06:00 am-11:00 pm |
| Parking | 24 hours daily |
| Quik-Trak Kiosk | Mon-Sun 06:00 am-11:00 pm |
| Lounge | None at this location |
| Amtrak Express | Closed |
Local Connections
Nearby services and transit options include:
- Town of Cary (town government)
- NC By Train (state rail information)
- GoCary (local bus service)
- GoTriangle (regional bus service)
Why This Station Matters
The Cary station serves one of the fastest-growing communities in the Research Triangle region. Its modern facility supports both rail and bus travel, and Cary’s proactive approach to urban growth, bike-friendly infrastructure and community planning make it a well-integrated transit point. For residents and visitors alike, this station offers reliable access to state-supported rail services with strong local transport connections.
