Gastonia, NC (GAS)
Location & Overview
The Gastonia, NC station—station code GAS—is in the south-central Piedmont region of North Carolina, near the South Carolina border. It began as a junction between the Charlotte & Atlanta Air Line Railroad and the Chester & Lenoir Narrow Gauge Line.
Address:
350 Hancock Street
Gastonia, NC 28054
Annual statistics (FY 2024):
- Ticket revenue: $205,197
- Ridership: 1,989 passengers
Ownership & Route Info
Facility Ownership: Norfolk Southern Railway (tracks, platform, parking lot)
Served route: Amtrak Crescent train service.
Contact (regional): Todd Stennis (via Amtrak – government affairs)
For fares and schedules, visit amtrakdeals.com website or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
History
- The city’s passenger rail service started in 1873.
- The original station on Air Line Avenue was demolished in the early 1960s.
- In 1987, the stop was moved to its current location on Hancock Avenue as part of a railroad relocation project (“the ditch”) that shifted the tracks about 200 feet north and removed grade-level crossings downtown.
- In spring 2023, Amtrak, the city of Gastonia, NCDOT and Norfolk Southern completed a $3.2 million improvement project. Upgrades included a new concrete platform, lighting, signage, a renovated waiting room, accessible restroom, new HVAC, and accessible parking with ramps and railings.
- The region’s early economy shifted from agriculture (corn, whiskey-distilling, mining) to textiles, with Gastonia becoming an important textile centre by 1910, and incorporated as a city in 1877.
Station Building & Waiting Room
The station is a small brick structure located northeast of downtown, just south of Interstate 85.
Features
Here is a summary of the facility’s features:
| Feature Category | Details |
|---|---|
| ATM | Not available |
| Elevator | Not available |
| Payphones | Not available |
| Quik-Trak kiosks | Not available |
| Restrooms | Not available |
| Vending machines | Not available |
| WiFi | Not available |
| Arrive earlier | Recommended at least 30 minutes before departure |
Baggage Services
- Checked baggage: Not available
- Baggage assistance: Not available
- Bike boxes, ski bags: Not available
- General shipping/box storage: Not available
Parking & Accessibility
- Same-day parking: Available (fees may apply)
- Overnight parking: Available (fees may apply)
- Accessible platform: Yes
- Accessible waiting room: Yes
- Accessible restrooms: No
- Accessible ticket office: No
- Wheelchair lift: Available
- High platform: No
Hours
| Service | Hours |
|---|---|
| Station Waiting Room | Mon-Sun: 12:00 am–01:10 am, 02:10 am–03:45 am, 11:35 pm–11:59 pm |
| Ticket Office | None at this location |
| Passenger Assistance | None at this location |
| Checked Baggage | None at this location |
| Quik-Trak Kiosk | None at this location |
| Lounge | None at this location |
Why This Station Matters
- The station serves as a link between Gastonia and the broader regional rail network via Amtrak’s Crescent service.
- The 2023 investment underscores a commitment to accessibility and modern infrastructure, improving access for passengers with disabilities.
- Historically, the station and its rail connections reflect Gastonia’s evolution from agriculture and mining to a major textile and manufacturing hub.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure, due to limited on-site services.
- Because there is no ticket office or kiosk, purchase tickets in advance via Amtrak’s website or app.
- If you need accessibility services (e.g., wheelchair lift), confirm arrangements ahead of time.
- Overnight parking is available, but check for local signage or contact Norfolk Southern (owner of the lot) for fee and security details.
