Salisbury, NC Station (SAL)
Address & Basic Facts
215 Depot Street, Salisbury, NC 28144
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual ticket revenue (FY 2024) | $967,179 |
| Annual station ridership (FY 2024) | 25,032 |
| Facility ownership | Historic Salisbury Foundation, Inc. |
| Parking‐lot ownership | Historic Salisbury Foundation, Inc. |
| Platform ownership | City of Salisbury |
| Track ownership | North Carolina Railroad |
| Routes served | Amtrak Piedmont, Amtrak Carolinian, Amtrak Crescent |
History & Architecture
The station at Salisbury, North Carolina was designed by architect Frank P. Milburn in the Spanish Mission style and opened in 1908. It served as a key gateway to the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Originally, the station was situated on the main-line connection between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, and by 1911 as many as 44 trains passed through daily.
The building is constructed of dark red brick at the base, tan brick above, and features a Spanish tile roof and a prominent 3½-story central tower adorned with gargoyles. In 1976, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1984, the Historic Salisbury Foundation undertook restoration efforts and purchased the station in 1985. The restoration was completed in three phases (1990, 1993, and 1996) at a total cost of around $3.1 million. Funding included more than $1 million in federal enhancement funds from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
The station’s revitalisation also spurred downtown development in Salisbury: new offices and retail spaces have been built near the station, and the “Arts Walk” and “Rail Walk” downtown connections were developed to link the station with surrounding areas.
Community Background
Salisbury, founded in 1753 in Rowan County, is one of North Carolina’s older cities. Its heritage includes figures such as Daniel Boone (who hunted and fished locally in his youth) and Andrew Jackson (who lived here while starting his law career).
By 1855, Salisbury had become a key rail junction connecting the Piedmont region with eastern North Carolina. During the Civil War, the city was the site of a large Confederate prison; many prisoners died of disease and starvation and are still remembered at the adjacent Salisbury National Cemetery.
Unlike many cities that lost historic buildings in the 1960s–70s, Salisbury’s citizens led efforts to protect and restore their heritage. Today, the downtown area is preserved and has benefited from renewed business and tourism.
There has also been study of expanding the rail role of the station — for instance, a potential passenger line westward to Asheville has been discussed, though cost and infrastructure challenges remain.
Station Building & Amenities
Building features:
- Waiting room, event space and offices (restoration completed)
- No ATM onsite
- No elevator
- Payphones available
- Quik-Trak ticket kiosks present
- Restrooms available
- Unaccompanied child travel not allowed
- No vending machines
- No WiFi service
Baggage services:
- No Amtrak Express shipping
- No checked baggage service or storage
- No bike boxes
- No baggage carts
- No ski bag handling
- No bag shipping/boxing
- No baggage assistance
Parking & accessibility:
- Same-day and overnight parking available; fees may apply
- Accessible platform, restrooms, waiting room, water fountain and parking available
- No ticket office, no high platform, no wheelchair accessible ticket office
- Wheelchair lift available
Station hours:
- Waiting room open: Mon–Sun, 12:30 am–3:15 am; 6:30 am–1:00 pm; 3:15 pm–8:30 pm
- Ticket office: No ticket office at this location
- Passenger assistance: Not provided at this location
- Quik-Trak kiosk hours: Same as waiting room times above
- Lounge: None
- Amtrak Express service: Not available
Why Visit/Staying Here
- Historic architecture in a well-preserved downtown area.
- Convenient location for rail travellers via the Piedmont, Carolinian and Crescent lines.
- Restored station building serving not just as a transport hub but as a community landmark.
- Nearby downtown restaurants, shops and arts attractions make the visit more than just a stop.
Call to Action
Have questions or need assistance? Call 888-929-3161 for help with travel, station services or special arrangements. visit amtrakdeals.com
