Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC Train

Travel by train from Washington, DC to Charlottesville, VA

The train from Washington, DC, to Charlottesville, VA, lasts on average 2 hr 36 min. Around 3 trains depart a day between Washington and Charlottesville. The average price is $40.02, and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $17.47.

Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the US, operates trains from DC to Virginia. Three direct services connect the two cities: the Amtrak Crescent, Amtrak Cardinal, and the Northeast Regional. The Cardinal and the Crescent offer sleeping options on their Viewliner cars, but you will not need them since this ride is only 3 hours long. If you feel tired, coach class recliner seats are comfortable and perfect for a nap. 

The ticket prices may vary depending on how early you book, so securing them at your earliest convenience is recommended. 

Children 2-12 travel at a lower fare on all Amtrak trains, and children under two always travel for free.

Northeast Regional is a popular train due to its price and frequency. It serves 50 cities between Boston and Virginia Beach, making it a suitable option for passengers who need to make connections. Coach offers all you need for your hour ride: Wi-Fi, power outlets, extra storage space, and a Café Car with a wide offer of food and beverages. Business class guarantees more legroom and a more flexible cancellation policy.

The Amtrak Crescent is a long-distance service connecting New York to New Orleans. While traveling between arguably the two most exciting cities in the US, The Crescent passes through 12 states, taking you from the festive southern gems like Nashville and New Orleans to the busy North East bustling cities like Philadelphia and Washington.

The Cardinal is named after the state bird of all six states. It passes through Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and New York. It only operates three times a week and typically leaves New York City in the early afternoon and arrives in Chicago the following morning. The train passes through scenic areas, such as the Appalachian Mountains and the Ohio River Valley, offering passengers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. It operates three times a week.

You will board the train at Union Station in Washington, DC, just a few blocks from the US Capitol Building. Amtrak, MARC, VRE trains, and several bus lines stop there. The station is accessible by Metro Rail (Red Line) and several bus routes. Housing dozens of stores ranging from exclusive luxury brands like Burberry to high-street favorites such as H&M and Pottery Barn, alongside a range of food outlets catering to every taste and budget, offers everyone options.

Union Station is the only Amtrak station in Charlottesville. Three lines serve it: Cardinal (Chicago to New York), Crescent (New Orleans to New York), and Northeast Regional (Roanoke to Boston). Inside the building is a waiting room, vending machines, and paid parking in case you want to leave the car overnight. The whole station is wheelchair accessible. It is close to the University of Virginia campus, and several restaurants on Main Street are just steps away.

Charlottesville is the home of Thomas Jefferson, one of the founders of the United States. If history is your cup of tea, you can visit his estate Monticello, or Virginia University, a world heritage site Mr. Jefferson founded. You can go hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains or Shenandoah Valley for outdoor activities. For more sophisticated pallets, there is always the Monticello Wine Trail, where you can taste some of the wines the region is known for, and romantic souls can go apple picking.

So if you plan to travel by train from Washington to Charlottesville, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of rail, bus, and flight destinations to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport from Washington to Charlottesville.