NC By Train adding October stops for State Fair, Panthers game

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — NC By Train is adjusting some of its passenger rail schedules in October to accommodate the N.C. State Fair, Lexington Barbecue Festival and a Carolina Panthers home game.

The NC State Fair runs Oct. 15 through Oct. 25 in Raleigh. On opening day, NC By Train will make three stops at the fairgrounds. Piedmont Train 72 is scheduled to arrive at 1:47 p.m., followed by Piedmont Train 77 at 3:43 p.m. Carolinian Train 79 will pick up passengers at 7:30 p.m.

From Oct. 16 through Oct. 25, five daily stops are planned at the fairgrounds, with two eastbound and three westbound. Passengers traveling to or from the fairgrounds should select the station code “NSF” when booking.

Arrival and departure times will vary slightly Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 because of other events.

NC By Train is also adding stops for the 42nd annual Lexington Barbecue Festival on Oct. 24. Eight stops are planned at the Lexington Hospitality Center at 29 N. Railroad St., about one block from the festival.

Three trains are scheduled to arrive before noon, with five arriving later in the day. The final train is scheduled to depart at 6:10 p.m.

The following day, NC By Train will adjust its schedule for the Carolina Panthers home game in Charlotte.

Piedmont Train 73 will leave Raleigh Union Station at 8:40 a.m. Oct. 25 and is scheduled to arrive in Charlotte at 11:55 a.m., ahead of the 1 p.m. game. Piedmont Train 76 will leave Charlotte at 5:30 p.m. for the return trip.

Travel times vary depending on the date and event. Passengers are encouraged to check the schedule for their specific travel date and destination before booking.