Train from Pittsburgh to Charleston
Find the schedules, compare prices, and buy cheap tickets from Pittsburgh to Charleston. Choose a date, or explore the cheapest ticket options below.
Air Travel
- Companies: Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines
- Duration: Approximately 8 hours (including layover)
- Distance: 1,400 miles
- Costs: $350 - $500 [price may vary based on booking time and class]
- Roads/Routes: Not applicable
Pro Tip: Book your flight at least 3 weeks in advance to secure the best rates and keep an eye on off-peak travel days to potentially save on costs.
Road Travel
- Route: Take I-70 W and I-15 S
- Duration: Approximately 20 hours of driving time
- Distance: 1,500 miles
- Costs: Estimated at $200 - $300 for gas, based on an average vehicle with 25 mpg, plus potential lodging and food expenses
- Roads/Routes: Major stretches include I-70 W through Ohio and Indiana, I-44 across Missouri, and I-15 S through Utah
Pro Tip: Plan your fuel stops well in advance, especially in rural areas along I-70 where gas stations can be sparse. Using a fuel price app can help find the best deals along your route.
Train and Bus Combination
- Companies: Amtrak (for train) and Greyhound (for bus)
- Duration: Approximately 36 hours (including transfers and waiting times)
- Distance: 1,800 miles
- Costs: Around $200 for Amtrak and$100 for Greyhound
- Roads/Routes: Not applicable
Pro Tip: Check for Amtrak's rail passes which can provide unlimited travel for a certain number of days, allowing you to explore more without significant additional costs.
Comprehensive Recommendation
For a balance of cost and convenience, I recommend opting for air travel from Pittsburgh to Charleston. Although driving could be considered for a road trip experience, the long duration and potentially high fuel costs make flying a more practical option. Air travel takes less time, and booking in advance can often result in good deals. If you're interested in enjoying the scenery along the way, consider breaking the journey down by combining modes with a road trip, taking scenic routes down through the country.