Amtrak Makes New Bus Connection in North Carolina

Service links customers to national rail network

WASHINGTON – Swansboro, N.C., is now a stop for the Amtrak Thruway Bus Service, which will provide convenient and affordable service to and from the Amtrak Station in Wilson, N.C. Tickets are now available to purchase for travel beginning on Jan. 21.

In Wilson, customers can board the Amtrak Palmetto, which operates twice daily serving 20 stations between New York and Savannah, Ga. The Amtrak Carolinian, which operates twice daily between Charlotte and New York, also serves the Wilson Station. Both trains provide access to the Amtrak national network serving more than 500 stations in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces.

“This new bus connection will give residents an additional option to travel on the Amtrak national network,” said Mike McHugh, Executive Director of the Swansboro Area Chamber of Commerce. “We see this as a benefit for the business community and residents.”

Sunway Charters operates the Thruway Bus connection in vehicles equipped with electrical outlets and comfortable seating. The bus stop is located at the Speedway Gas Station, 809 West Corbett Ave., in Swansboro, N.C.

The Carolinian train is sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and operated by Amtrak.

“Amtrak’s Thruway connection is a valuable resource for our citizens and military service members in eastern North Carolina,” said Julie White, NCDOT Deputy Secretary for Multi-Modal Transportation. “We’re pleased to see this route expand and offer more connected transportation options.”

Amtrak Thruway services make coordinated connections with trains and enable passengers to use other carriers to connect with the Amtrak national network from cities without rail stations. Amtrak has produced a short video showing how easy it is to use an Amtrak Thruway Bus.

The Palmetto and Carolinian offer Coach and Business Class. Café Service, with a variety of meals, snacks and beverages for sale, is also available. Being able to easily travel from/to city centers, Amtrak offers the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no “airplane mode”), the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room, no middle seat, and one of the most generous baggage policies in the travel industry, applicable for two personal items and two carry-on bags.

Visit Amtrak.com for more information. Customers may purchase tickets using Amtrak eTicketing, at a staffed station or at a Quik-Trak kiosk. Passengers can also book online, call 800-USA-RAIL, or use a mobile device.