Skip parking and take Amtrak or a bus to the NC State Fair this year. Here’s how

From roller coasters to funnel cakes, the North Carolina State Fair is back in Raleigh this year, getting there is easier than ever thanks to special train and bus routes.

The North Carolina State Fair returns to the capital city October 16-26, bringing back all the rides, games, and deep-fried favorites fans love. NC By Train and GoRaleigh will once again offer special routes to make it easier for Triangle residents and visitors to get to the fairgrounds without the parking hassle.

Here’s what you need to know.

Train routes to 2025 NC State Fair

Beginning Oct. 16, NC By Train will make multiple stops at the state fairgrounds everyday for guests departing from Charlotte, Kannapolis, Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham and Cary.

Here’s a breakdown of the four special routes for getting to and from the fair:

• Take Carolinian train 80 from Charlotte at 6:45 a.m. to get to fairgrounds at 10:22 a.m.
• Take Piedmont train 72 from Charlotte at 10:25 a.m. to get to fairgrounds at 1:58 p.m.
• Take Piedmont train 77 from the fairgrounds at 3:15 p.m. to get to Charlotte at 6:35 p.m.
• Take Carolinian train 79 from the fairgrounds at 5:30 p.m. to get to Charlotte at 9:10 p.m.

Trains leaving the fairgrounds aren’t interchangeable, so you’ll need to ride the specific train listed on your ticket. Make sure to check in at the Amtrak hospitality tent at least 20 minutes before departure for pre-boarding.

How to book train tickets

You can book train tickets to the fairgrounds online at ncbytrain.org — just be sure to choose NSF (North Carolina State Fair) as your destination, not RGH (Raleigh Union Station).

Tickets from Charlotte start at $28, and since seats are limited, it’s a good idea to book early to lock in your spot.

How to take a bus to the NC State Fair

GoRaleigh will offer Express Bus Service to the 2025 North Carolina State Fair Oct. 16-26, making it easier for fairgoers to skip the parking hassle.

• A round-trip ticket costs $5 (or $4 one-way), and seniors 65 and older or riders with disabilities can ride for half price at $2.50. Kids under 40 inches tall ride free.
• Buses will pick up and drop off passengers at 1525 Garner Station Boulevard in Raleigh — that’s behind the Goodberry’s .
• Because GoRaleigh couldn’t reach an agreement with Triangle Town Center, that stop won’t be available this year. GoPasses and Transit Assistance Passes aren’t valid for the express route.
• You can grab shuttle bus tickets in person at the GoRaleigh operations facility or GoRaleigh Station downtown. Tickets are also available online through the UMO mobile app.
• You can find more information online at goraleigh.org.

GoDurham will also offer free rides to and from the State Fair, with expanded service and multiple daily trips to help riders skip traffic and parking fees. Full schedules are available at godurhamtransit.org.

NC State Fair traffic

These roads are expected to be heavily impacted during the NC State Fair, according to a news release from the Raleigh Police Department:

• Hillsborough Street
• Blue Ridge Road
• Trinity Road
• Edwards Mill Road
• Wade Avenue
• Western Boulevard
• Interstate 40

This story has been updated.

This story was originally published October 10, 2025 at 3:27 PM.

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.