All Aboard: Ride the Rails to Baseball Games in NC with Insider Dana Grimstead

Hi, I'm Dana Grimstead, a longtime North Carolina resident. For sports lovers and travelers alike, few experiences match the charm and convenience of hopping on a train to catch a baseball game. In North Carolina, that dream becomes a reality thanks to NC By Train — the state’s passenger rail service operated by Amtrak in partnership with the NC Department of Transportation. With service that connects major cities like Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Raleigh and beyond, fans can skip the traffic, relax in comfort and roll right into baseball action across the state. 

NC By Train’s Piedmont and Carolinian routes are especially useful for baseball fans aiming to catch games at home fields like the Charlotte Knights (Truist Field), Durham Bulls (Durham Bulls Athletic Park) and Greensboro Grasshoppers (First National Bank Field). These stadiums are located just a short walk or rideshare away from train stations, making them ideal for a car-free outing.

Durham Bulls 

Take, for example, a ride from Raleigh to Durham to watch the iconic Durham Bulls — one of the most beloved teams in Minor League Baseball. A short 30-minute ride on the Piedmont line delivers fans into the heart of downtown Durham. From the Amtrak station, it's an easy stroll through the city’s historic American Tobacco Campus to the ballpark, where you can enjoy an evening of baseball, hot dogs and local craft beer. No parking hassles, no stress — just the rhythm of the rails and the excitement of the game.

Durham: beyond baseball 

• Swing by the Durham Visitor Info Center on Main Street for maps, tips and a warm welcome just before heading to the ballpark. 
• Browse bold fashion and one-of-a-kind finds at Dolly’s Vintage, a downtown gem for lovers of retro style. 
• Grab a flavorful bite at Lady Gold Tacos inside Remy’s Lounge, where creative tacos meet laid-back vibes. 
• Take a scenic stroll through the American Tobacco Campus, a revitalized historic district filled with shops, restaurants and open-air charm just steps from the stadium. 

Charlotte Knights 

Charlotte offers a similar experience. Riders coming from Greensboro or Kannapolis can settle into a comfortable seat with free Wi-Fi and wide windows, arriving in time to catch a Knights game in one of the most picturesque urban ballparks in the country. Located in Uptown Charlotte, Truist Field is just a 10-minute walk from the Amtrak station. For fans who want to make a full day of it, the city offers plenty to do before and after the game — museums, breweries, restaurants and more.

Charlotte: beyond baseball

• Curiosity is sparked at Discovery Place Science, where hands-on exhibits and immersive experiences make it a hit for both kids and grown-ups.  
• Take a peaceful walk through the historic Fourth Ward or unwind at Romare Bearden Park, where skyline views meet green space in the heart of the city. 
• A stroll down Levine Avenue of the Arts guides you past cultural landmarks like Knight Theater, the Levine Museum of the New South, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and the Levine Center for the Arts — all just steps from one another. 
• Make it an overnight adventure with a stay at the elegant Dunhill Hotel or treat yourself to modern comfort at Uptown favorites like the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel.

Greensboro Grasshoppers

Greensboro offers its own rail-to-ballpark charm for fans. From the Amtrak station, it’s a leisurely walk or a quick rideshare to First National Bank Field — home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers. This vibrant park offers a classic game-day experience with modern amenities, ballpark favorites, and even a firework or two for home runs. 

Greensboro: beyond baseball

• Step into powerful history at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, located in the former Woolworth’s where the Greensboro sit-ins began. 
• Relax or play in the heart of Greensboro at LeBauer Park and neighboring Center City Park, perfect for picnics, splash pads and community events. 
• Pop into Acme Comics Downtown for a dose of nostalgia, graphic novels and collectible treasures that delight comic fans of all ages. 
• Refuel at Natty Greene’s Downtown, a local favorite for craft beer and hearty pub fare just steps from the ballpark and train station with a great outdoor space. 

Mascot mayhem: NC Minor League edition

NC’s Minor League Baseball mascots are just as memorable as the game-day snacks. Think you can match each team to its wild-side alter ego? Try a few:

• Who zips around on an ATV in Durham? (It’s Wool E. Bull.) 
• Which mountain mascot wears a space helmet? (That’s Mr. Moon in Asheville.) 
• Who’s the daredevil with a mustache and a cannonball suit? (Boomer from Kannapolis.) 
• What red-feathered mascot honors Fort Bragg ties? (Bunker, Fayetteville’s bird with bite.) 
• Which fishy friend loves to dance? (Muddy the Mudcat, of course.)

Nine teams, nine mascots — and more than one way to strike out if you're not paying attention.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual spectator, riding the train to baseball games in North Carolina is a home run. It’s a relaxing, scenic and sustainable way to enjoy America’s pastime, and it’s just another example of how travel in NC is as enjoyable as the destination itself.