5.0
Very kind and patient Amtrak personnel, guided me to correct location, informed me when the next stop was my intended, and even bumped me up to an earlier train for free! Thank you!
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Charlottesville - Norfolk Train Timetable
- Mon,
- Tue,
- Wed,
- Fri
8:55 AM
7:09 PM
- Mon,
- Tue,
- Wed,
- Fri
10:59 AM
7:09 PM
- Wed,
- Fri
3:45 PM
9:10 PM
Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Charlottesville to Norfolk per day. The average train journey from Charlottesville to Norfolk takes 8 hours and 4 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 5 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 145 mi (234 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 25m |
| Lowest price | £45.49 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Charlottesville to Norfolk
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Charlottesville to Norfolk?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Charlottesville to Norfolk was £46.29. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Norfolk if you book your train tickets at least 26 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra £39.50.
Monthly average prices
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Charlottesville to Norfolk. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of £65. If you're planning a trip from Charlottesville to Norfolk during September, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about £111 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Norfolk from Charlottesville will be about £39.50 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Charlottesville to Norfolk?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Charlottesville to Norfolk. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 8h 4m | £64.24 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Charlottesville to Norfolk every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £45.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Charlottesville to Norfolk. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Charlottesville and Norfolk is approximately 145 miles, or 234 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 25 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Charlottesville to Norfolk are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Charlottesville at 10:00 and arrives in Norfolk around 5 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Norfolk to Charlottesville.
City Information
Charlottesville
Lovingly called Mr. Jefferson’s City by locals, Charlottesville is one of Virginia's best destinations with plenty of interesting attractions to draw in not only fans of history but also of arts and culture. The prime attraction of the city is the famous estate of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello. This 5000-acre mansion is an architectural masterpiece that combines Parisian and Italian elements, giving you a day’s worth of exploration. For those looking for a more idyllic landscape, try Carter Mountain Orchard, which offers apple-picking sessions as well. The University of Charlottesville is also a must-not-miss destination. As the only university in the U.S. to be designated a World Heritage Site, it offers interesting insights into the history of education of the country.
Charlottesville’s wines are famous around the country, and the Monticello Wine Trail is perfect for trying out the best wines that the region has to offer. For an amazing dinner experience, C & O Restaurant, which has been in business since 1976, will be a great choice.
The city’s busiest bus stop is the Greyhound bus stop located downtown at 310 W Main St. For trains, head over to the nearby Amtrak train station, also on W Main St. Charlottesville is served by Amtrak’s Cardinal, Crescent and Northeast Regional lines. The city’s main airport is the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, 8 miles from the city.
Norfolk
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
A trip to Norfolk, VA will take your breath away. Sail away from its shores and just let the wind take you to a place of calm and quiet where you can shed your worries.
There are so many things to do in and around the coastal city of Norfolk. Start off with its main historic landmark, the 400-year-old port that houses the most extensive naval base in the world. Other history-rich areas worth visiting include St. Paul's Episcopal Church and MacArthur Memorial.
If you crave some water adventures, remember that you can always sail, fish, swim, kayak, and cruise in Norfolk. You can also sign up for the Naval Base Tour or visit the Nauticus Museum and Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Finally, don't forget to spend a day or two at the beach to rejuvenate your soul.
Arts and entertainment, nightlife, and shopping are thriving in Norfolk, too. If you wish to enjoy some live performances, visit the Harrison Opera house. Nightlife is always at its best downtown, particularly at Baxter's or Scotty Quixx. If you plan to do some shopping, the Selden Market offers the most eclectic selections of all.
Walking is the best mode of transportation in Norfolk, but there's also the Tide, which is the city's light rail system that can take you to your destination faster. It runs a 7.5-mile-long route that covers pretty much the entire downtown area with its 11 stops. Both Amtrak train service and bus service from carriers like Greyhound and OurBus make Norfolk easy to travel to for your next trip.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Charlottesville?
Image credit: Funky Tee
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Bill McChesney
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Train Station - 810 W Main St
The Union Station in Charlottesville opened in 1885 and today remains the center of rail transportation in Charlottesville. Three Amtrak lines run through the Charlottesville station: the Cardinal route from Chicago to New York, the Crescent route from New Orleans to New York, and the Northeast Regional route from Roanoke to Boston. Inside the barn-red building, you can have a seat in the indoor waiting room, purchase a snack to go from vending machines, or learn more about Charlottesville from the tourism pamphlets available. The station is just steps away from the University of Virginia campus, and from the station, you can stroll to one of many excellent restaurants along Main Street.
All train stations in Charlottesville:
Train Station - 810 W Main St
Where is the train station in Norfolk?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Harbor Park Station
Trains to Norfolk stop at the Harbor Park Station, adjacent to the city's Minor League Baseball stadium, Harbor Park. Greyhound coaches also stop at this location in Norfolk. The station is a modern, well-lit building with many windows and comfortable seating inside. There is plentiful parking on-site, but be aware that fees may apply when there are events at the stadium. Downtown Norfolk is only a mile away, and you can connect to the local Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) rail via its Harbor Park station in the same area.
Train stations in Norfolk:
Harbor Park Station
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