Greensboro, NC (GRO)
Station Overview
The J. Douglas Galyon Depot in Greensboro, North Carolina, reopened in 2005 after a major renovation. The station features a high-ceilinged waiting room with a mural showing the 1920s network of the Southern Railway.
Address: 236 East Washington Street, Greensboro, NC 27401-2704.
Annual-Use Figures
- Ticket revenue (FY 2024): $6,655,303
- Ridership (FY 2024): 197,052 passengers
Ownership & Routes
Ownership:
- Facility: City of Greensboro
- Parking lot: City of Greensboro
- Platform: North Carolina Railroad
- Track: Norfolk Southern Railway / North Carolina Railroad
Routes Served:
- Carolinian
- Piedmont
- Crescent
Regional Contact:
Todd Stennis — Regional Contact
For fares and schedules, visit Amtrak Deals or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Local Community Links:
- City of Greensboro
- NC By Train
- Greensboro Transit Authority
- Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART)
History of the Station
The station building was originally constructed in 1927 by the Southern Railway to serve both itself and the Atlantic & Yadkin Railroad. At its busiest in the 1940s, more than 40 passenger trains passed through here daily.
After World War II, passenger rail traffic declined and the station closed in May 1979; the building was donated to the city. In 1993 the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the city of Greensboro began planning to bring passenger rail service back to the original station and improve multimodal connections.
Restoration:
- Phase I: Began summer 2001, finished summer 2003. Restored the lower-level passenger areas, converted upper baggage space into waiting areas for city and regional buses; a former Railway Express Agency building now serves intercity bus service.
- Phase II: Started fall 2003, completed October 2005. Interior renovation for Amtrak service, new pedestrian tunnel, platforms, canopies, baggage tunnel.
The total cost was about $32 million, funded via the Federal Transit Administration, Federal Highway Administration, state and city funds.
About Greensboro, NC
The city was named after Major General Nathanael Greene, who commanded American forces at the Battle of Guilford Court House in 1781. The town was founded in 1808 to replace nearby Guilford Court House as the county seat.
In 1840, Greensboro was selected for a new railroad line, which helped it expand as a transport hub for surrounding mill villages. By the 1890s, northern industrialists established large textile plants here, turning it quickly from a town into a city.
By 1900 Greensboro became a centre of the southern textile industry, producing denim, flannel and overalls. Today it remains home to several major textile companies, as well as corporate headquarters such as Volvo Trucks North America, Lorillard Tobacco Company, and others. Rail service continues to be important for both freight and passengers.
Station Building – Features
Waiting Room & Main Areas:
- ATM available
- Elevator
- Payphones
- Quik-Trak kiosks
- Restrooms
- Ticket sales office
- Unaccompanied child travel allowed
- Vending machines
- No WiFi available
Arrival Recommendations: - If checking baggage or needing assistance: Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure.
- If not checking baggage and no assistance needed: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
Baggage Services:
| Service | Available? |
|---|---|
| Amtrak Express shipping | Not available |
| Checked baggage service | Available |
| Checked baggage storage | Available |
| Bike boxes for sale | Available |
| Baggage carts | Not available |
| Ski bags | Not available |
| Bag storage | Available |
| Shipping boxes for sale | Available |
| Baggage assistance by station staff | Provided |
Parking:
- Same-day parking is available, fees may apply.
- Overnight parking is available, fees may apply.
Accessibility:
- Payphones present
- Accessible platform
- Accessible restrooms
- Accessible ticket office
- Accessible waiting room
- Accessible water fountain
- Same-day accessible parking available (fees may apply)
- Overnight accessible parking available (fees may apply)
- No high platform
- Wheelchair available
- Wheelchair lift available
Hours:
| Service | Hours |
|---|---|
| Station Waiting Room | Mon–Sun : 24 hours |
| Ticket Office | Mon–Sun : 24 hours |
| Passenger Assistance | Mon–Sun : 24 hours |
| Checked Baggage Service | Mon–Sun : 24 hours |
| Parking | Mon–Sun : 24 hours |
| Quik-Trak Kiosk | Mon–Sun : 24 hours |
| Lounge | None at this location |
| Amtrak Express | Closed all days |
Summary
The J. Douglas Galyon Depot in Greensboro is a restored historic station serving passengers today. With full-day access to waiting rooms, ticketing and baggage services, and accessible facilities, it stands as a key multimodal transportation hub. The building’s 1927 architecture was carefully maintained during its renewal, blending historic charm with modern amenities. Travelers using the station will find services for baggage, accessible parking, and ticketing around the clock, making it convenient for varied schedules.
