How to Book Train Travel From Orlando to Charleston

High school seniors seem to think that they have done and seen everything. Book a trip from Orlando to Charleston by train for something different the next time you're itching to take a trip. Take your teenager to visit the College of Charleston, and treat your soon-to-be graduate to an experience that he or she will never forget.

Things You'll Need

• Photo identification.
• Credit card.

Instructions

Prepare for Train Travel

1. Book discounted tickets at least 3 days in advance. The cheaper a ticket is, the sooner you'll want to make the reservation and lock in the price.

2. Make sure that the Charleston station is open before making plans to visit by train. Station hours are rather limited.

3. Try to travel in groups if you arrive in the late afternoon or evening as Charleston's train station is remote. There's safety in numbers.

4. Bring along some form of entertainment. The train ride from Orlando to Charleston is close to 8 hours. A deck of cards, a good book or a book of puzzles can you keep you occupied.

5. Put your spontaneous nature on hold. Reservations are required for the trip leaving Orlando and arriving in Charleston. Organization is essential for this trip.

6. Take a nap. Dayrooms are offered on the train. Use a dayroom to regroup.

7. Write down all important information. Unlike the train station in Orlando, Charleston has no automated machine telling you what time a train is leaving. You will not be able to double check your travel itinerary at the station, so you will need to bring your information yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Take an extended trip. Charleston is home to the Cardinal train, which travels to New York and Boston. When you are done checking out the city, book a train up north for a longer vacation and spend some time exploring the Eastern Seaboard.

• Sleeping arrangements can be tricky. Charleston doesn't have many hotels; boutique motels and bed and breakfasts are far more common. Plan on researching and booking your accommodation ahead of time.

• The College of Charleston has weekday tours as well as an open house that prospective students can visit.

• Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit the link below.

• Smoking is prohibited on all trains. Outside decks are not acceptable smoking areas either.

• Meals are often times microwaved for such a short trip. Bringing your own food is also an option.

• Charleston is a big college town. Go home early to avoid intoxicated co-eds and drunk drivers during the late hours of the night.