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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Richmond to Charlottesville. The train trip from Richmond to Charlottesville is usually about 86 hours and 6 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 77 hours and 47 minutes.
| Distance | 2325 mi (3741 km) |
| Fastest train | 77h 47m |
| Lowest price | $263.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Richmond to Charlottesville?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Richmond to Charlottesville. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 3d 14h 7m | $289.33 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Richmond to Charlottesville every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $263.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Richmond and Charlottesville is approximately 2325 miles, or 3741 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 86 hours and 6 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 77 hours and 47 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Richmond to Charlottesville on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Richmond at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Richmond twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Charlottesville to Richmond.
City Information
Richmond
Richmond’s rich culture is a product of its coastal geography and multiethnic make-up. Visit Steveston, one of Richmond's iconic fishing villages that's also home to two National Historic Sites, to take in the city's long-standing marine history while enjoying stunning seaside vistas. Nature lovers can get out onto the water to spy on orcas or venture inland to watch the dozens of migratory bird species that touch down in town from winter to spring.
Popular heritage sites with no admission fee include the International Buddhist Temple, Richmond Museum, and Richmond Art Museum, offering visitors a great way to explore local culture on a shoestring budget. Known for its Chinese influences, Richmond offers some of the most authentic Chinese food found on this side of the Pacific in the Golden Village or along the Dumpling Trail. The Richmond Night Market also serves up a mouth-watering selection of street food hailing from all corners of the Asian continent.
Richmond is not far from Vancouver International Airport, which provides flights across North America and is also home to an award-winning gallery of indigenous artworks. Bus and rail networks serve the region while regular ferries run to Victoria through the scenic Strait of Georgia.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Richmond?
Main departure station: 10251 St Edwards Dr
Amtrak Thruway buses to Richmond stop at 10251 St Edwards Drive, in front of the Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport Hotel. Passengers board the bus right outside the hotel, next to the hotel restaurant, Chop. This is a convenient stop for travelers on their way to or from the Vancouver Airport, as hotel guests can take the hotel's free shuttle to airport terminals. Other travelers will find the 10-minute drive to the airport short and seamless, too. The bus stop does not offer any amenities of its own, but the hotel lobby has seating and restrooms if needed.
All train stations in Richmond:
10251 St Edwards Dr
Where is the train station in Charlottesville?
Image credit: Funky Tee
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Bill McChesney
Link to image attributionMain arrival 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
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