Raleigh, NC – Union Station (RGH)
Named after Sir Walter Raleigh, the city of Raleigh is one of the few in the U.S. that was specifically planned as a state capital. The Raleigh Union Station anchors the west side of downtown and has played a major role in the area’s redevelopment.
Station Details
Address: 510 West Martin Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
Annual Ticket Revenue (FY 2024): $11,183,719
Annual Station Ridership (FY 2024): 261,008
Ownership:
- Facility: City of Raleigh
- Parking lot: City of Raleigh
- Platform: City of Raleigh
- Tracks: North Carolina Railroad
Routes Served
The station serves passenger trains (via Amtrak Deals) operating on state-supported routes.
Contact & Associated Links
- Regional Contact: Todd Stennis (Amtrak)
- For fares and schedules: visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245)
- Local links: City of Raleigh, NC By Train, GoRaleigh, GoTriangle, Raleigh Union Station site
History & Development
Passenger service at this station began on July 10, 2018. The facility is located in the city’s Warehouse District, two blocks from Nash Square, inside the “Boylan Wye” — a key rail-junction region.
In January 2012, the city’s Passenger Rail Task Force recommended converting the vacant Dillon Supply warehouse into a multi-modal transit hub. The plan called for this station to serve Amtrak trains as well as local, regional and intercity buses, with future expansion potential for commuter and high-speed rail services.
In May 2015, construction started and continued into early 2018. The $89 million project included: rehabilitation of the existing 1940s warehouse, new tracks and platforms, and upgrades to signals and switches.
Architecture & Design
The station was designed by the architecture firm Clearscapes. It blends the original warehouse structure with a modern design. Features include:
- Large glass facades that flood the interior with natural light
- A new roundabout at the south end for easy drop-off/pick-up
- A civic plaza to the east under a canopy, encouraging community events
- In the main hall: dramatic high ceilings, original steel framing, and preserved gantry cranes from the warehouse era
- A curving, enclosed concourse connecting the building to the platform. One wall uses metal sheeting from the original warehouse, the other is floor-to-ceiling glass
- A high-level platform (rare in the southern U.S.) that is level with train doors for easier boarding
Sustainability & Landscaping
The station incorporates many green building and site design features:
- Radiant-heating system in the main hall for better energy efficiency
- Glass panels specially treated to admit sunlight but reduce heat gain
- Storm-water management via bioretention and permeable pavements
- Green roof over the concourse with native plants (aster, goldenrod, purple coneflower, ornamental grasses like switchgrass)
- A pollinator garden (northern side) planted to support bees and local bird/insect life — supported by a grant from the Burt’s Bees Greater Good Foundation
Funding & Partnerships
A number of funding sources and collaborations made the station possible:
- In June 2012, a $21 million “TIGER” grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation was awarded; followed by an additional $5.5 million in September 2013
- A second TIGER grant of $10 million was awarded in the same month
- The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) contributed $9 million and redirected $15 million in federal American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds
- The City of Raleigh contributed nearly $16 million
- The in-kind contribution by Triangle Transit was the existing warehouse and land
Neighborhood & Future Plans
Since its opening, the station has become the centrepiece of a growing mixed-use area around the wye. The district now includes residential, retail and office developments, and cultural spaces.
The station also links downtown Raleigh across the tracks with the historic Boylan Heights neighbourhood and other residential areas to the west. A future goal is to extend West Street under the new platform to reconnect the street grid.
Historically, this is the third facility in Raleigh served by Amtrak; previous stations (1950 depot on Cabarrus Street and an older Union Station) were replaced because of changes to rail alignment and ownership.
City Background
Raleigh, the state capital of North Carolina and seat of Wake County, lies in the forested Piedmont region. The county was created in 1770, and the city was chosen as the capital in 1788. It was officially chartered in 1794 and named after Sir Walter Raleigh.
In 1831, a fire destroyed the state capitol building; reconstruction and rail development followed. During the Civil War, Union cavalry captured Raleigh on April 13, 1865. Economic stagnation followed for some years, but the region gradually recovered.
Today, Raleigh is part of the larger “Research Triangle” region (with Durham and Chapel Hill), home to major research, technology and educational institutions.
Station Building & Features
Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ATM | Available |
| Elevator | Yes |
| Quik-Trak kiosks | No |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Ticket sales office | Yes |
| Unaccompanied child travel | Allowed |
| Vending machines | Yes |
| WiFi | No |
Baggage Services
- Checked baggage service: Available
- Bicycle boxes: For sale
- Bag storage: Available
- Shipping boxes: For sale
- Amtrak Express shipping: Not available
- Ski bags: Not available
- Baggage carts: Not available
- Baggage assistance: Provided by station staff
Parking
- Same-day parking: Available for fee
- Overnight parking: Available for fee
Accessibility
- Accessible platform: Yes
- Accessible restrooms: Yes
- Accessible ticket office: Yes
- Accessible waiting room: Yes
- Accessible water fountain: Yes
- Same-day accessible parking: Available for fee
- Overnight accessible parking: Available for fee
- Wheelchair available: Yes
- Wheelchair lift: No
- High-level platform: Yes
Hours
| Service | Hours |
|---|---|
| Waiting Room | Mon-Sun: 05:45 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. |
| Ticket Office | Mon-Sun: 05:45 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. |
| Passenger Assistance | Mon-Sun: 05:45 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. |
| Checked Baggage Service | Mon-Sun: 05:45 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. |
| Parking | 24 hours every day |
| Quik-Trak Kiosk | None at this location |
| Lounge | None at this location |
| Amtrak Express Shipping | Not available (Closed) |
Summary
Raleigh Union Station is a modern, multimodal transit hub built within a repurposed historic warehouse. It combines thoughtful architecture, sustainable design, and strong regional links. Located in downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District, it serves as both a transportation centre and a catalyst for the area’s growth. The station’s facilities, services and hours are designed to meet the needs of passengers and the community alike.
