Best Station to Transfer Between Carolinian and Crescent

In Early July, I am travelling from Tampa to Atlanta via two transfers in North Carolina. I have family in Raleigh so will spend most of the day there, but I have to choose a second transfer point along the Crescent route. The transfer is about six hours long, and my options are Greensboro, High Point, Salisbury, and Charlotte. As of now I have a multi-city reservation transferring in Greensboro, mostly due to the earlier boarding time for the Crescent. Is there anything to do in Greensboro for six hours on a Sunday night? Is there a lot of freight train traffic to watch that passes by the station? If not, which of the other stations should I change the reservation to?

Greensboro is a beatiful former Southern Railway Station that has been restored very well. Lots of freight traffic as that's where the line splits.

Greensboro station is downtown and several decent restaurants are walking distance. Not super happening on a Sunday night maybe... But nice enough.

Do you know the Piedmont trains operate with State owned equipment? Former KCS / UP cars that have been restored very nicely. A 3-4 heritage car train, 1 combine, 3 coaches, is a pretty cool site to see in 2017!

Oh and to further answer...

High Point is one of my favorite stations, a small southern railway station that is restored to museum quality. Walk way over the platform is nice for train watching... But not much to do in downtown high point.

Charlotte is a 1970's amshak, no charm, and in a not so great part of town. Your safe at the station but you won't want to take a walk. Not a good place to watch trains (platform is locked).

crescent-zephyr said:

Greensboro is a beatiful former Southern Railway Station that has been restored very well. Lots of freight traffic as that's where the line splits.

Greensboro station is downtown and several decent restaurants are walking distance. Not super happening on a Sunday night maybe... But nice enough.

Do you know the Piedmont trains operate with State owned equipment? Former KCS / UP cars that have been restored very nicely. A 3-4 heritage car train, 1 combine, 3 coaches, is a pretty cool site to see in 2017!

Click to expand...

Yes, I have seen Piedmont trains multiple times waiting for 91 in Raleigh. I was hoping to ride one this trip, but the last departure would give me only 3 hours in Raleigh and 11 in Greensboro. I have heard that frequencies will increase on this line soon, so hopefully I will be able to ride one on a later trip to Atlanta or even a day trip out of Raleigh as I travel there a few times per year.

I am happy to learn that there is heavy freight traffic, as that could definitely keep me occupied for a few hours. Is there any good viewing spots near the station? Are the platforms accessible when there is not an Amtrak train boarding?

I don't think the platforms are... But there are areas around the station... I remember watching at a crossing when chasing 611, right outside of the station.

There is a restaurant called Natty Greens... Average bar / restaurant (i think it's a micro brew place too?) has outdoor seating with a view of the tracks. I'm not sure how good of a view, but I remember being able to see and hear the trains while eating there years ago.

I believe the Charlotte Station was built by Southern Rwy, when they moved from Trade St. To make way for an underpass in the late 60's.

I would agree with the Greensboro recommendation. Elm Street is only a block or two from the station and there are restaurants/bars in both directions on Elm Street. Some should be open on Sunday.