Kannapolis, NC (KAN)
Overview
The Kannapolis station was built in a Colonial Revival architectural style and features a cupola on its roof. This red-brick facility was dedicated in 2005. Along with a waiting room for Amtrak Deals passengers, it also offers a meeting/event space.
Address: 201 South Main Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081.
In Fiscal Year 2024, the station handled annual ticket revenue of $1,109,664 and annual ridership of 37,187.
Ownership & Routes
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Facility Ownership | City of Kannapolis |
| Parking Lot Ownership | City of Kannapolis |
| Platform Ownership | City of Kannapolis |
| Track Ownership | North Carolina Railroad |
| Routes Served | • The Carolina line (“Carolinian”) • The Piedmont line (“Piedmont”) |
History & Background
The current station opened in December 2004, replacing a temporary facility and an older station. Its official dedication took place on February 23, 2005.
The architecture firm was Gomes & Staub (Raleigh) and the contractor was Titus Construction. The total project cost was $3.1 million. Ninety per cent was paid via state funding; the remainder came from the City of Kannapolis ($105,000), Cabarrus County ($60,000) and the Cannon Foundation ($75,000).
In October 2013 a new canopy was added to the station to shield passengers from weather while waiting. This cost about $540,000 and was funded by the state’s Piedmont Improvement Program.
Originally the town of Kannapolis was a textile-industry company town, built around the Cannon Mills Company. In the early 20th century, the area transformed from farms into a major textile centre.
Station Building & Facilities
Features
- ATM: Not available
- Elevator: Not available
- Payphones: Available
- Quik-Trak kiosks: Available for ticketing
- Restrooms: Available
- Vending machines: Not available
- WiFi: Not available
- Travellers are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
Baggage Services
| Service | Available? |
|---|---|
| Amtrak Express shipping | No |
| Checked baggage service | No |
| Checked baggage storage | No |
| Bike boxes | No |
| Baggage carts | No |
| Ski bags | No |
| Bag storage | No |
| Shipping boxes | No |
| Baggage assistance | No |
Parking
- Same-day parking is available; fees may apply.
- Overnight parking is available; fees may apply.
Accessibility
The station offers the following accessible services:
- Accessible platform
- Accessible restrooms
- Accessible waiting room
- Accessible water fountain
- Same-day accessible parking available (fees may apply)
- Overnight accessible parking available (fees may apply)
Items not available: high platform, wheelchair accessible ticket office; a wheelchair lift is available.
Station Hours
- Waiting Room: Daily from 6:30 am to 1:00 pm, and again from 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
- No ticket office available at this station.
- No passenger assistance service on site.
- Quik-Trak kiosk hours: Daily 6:30 am-1:00 pm and 3:00 pm-8:30 pm.
Location & Community Context
The station is located in the downtown area of Kannapolis, which lies in the Piedmont region of North Carolina and is considered part of the greater Charlotte region.
Historically, the community grew around textile manufacturing—starting when J.W. Cannon purchased farmland in 1906 to build the Cannon Mills Company.
Since then, the town has undergone economic change and redevelopment, including the establishment of research and business parks in the former mill site.
Summary
The Kannapolis station offers a welcoming and functional facility for rail travellers in the Kannapolis/Charlotte region. Though modest in services (no checked baggage or lounge, and no ticket office), it has essential amenities like kiosks, restrooms and accessible features. The architectural design honours the local heritage and the location helps integrate rail travel into the downtown community.
