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Washington DC to Charlottesville train

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Washington DC - Charlottesville Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 4 daily train trips between Washington DC and Charlottesville. The average train journey from Washington DC to Charlottesville takes 2 hours and 51 minutes, but some Amtrak Crescent train trips are as short as 2 hours and 17 minutes.

Distance99 mi (159 km)
Fastest train2h 17m
Lowest price$13.00
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Washington to Charlottesville

(Based on 22 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

Armando

May 15, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Trip without surprises. Cons: Restrooms require more attention.

4.0

Glen

April 5, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Cardinal

Cons: The ticket taker saw that we had two large pieces of luggage, yet then assigned us seats at the far end of the car instead of giving us seats near where luggage is stored so we could keep an eye on it. We were some of the first to board, so that could easily have been done. Tips: If you have large luggage that won't fit in the overhead bins, ask for a seat assignment near the space large luggage is meant to be stored.

5.0

Deborah

January 28, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Crescent

Pros: I loved the convenience of not having to drive and find a parking spot. Cons: None. Tips: Enjoy.

5.0

John

September 7, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Cheap, convenient, and fast. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Book now.

5.0

Ruth

September 4, 2022- Business

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Excellent trip

What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Charlottesville?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington to Charlottesville was $38.36. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $43.58 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average prices by travel date

$75$50$25MarApr

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Charlottesville will range from $25 to $71. If you're planning to travel by train to Charlottesville in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Washington you can find in the next 7 days is $30. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15AMJJASONDJFM
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Charlottesville often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $37. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Charlottesville during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $71 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$203020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Washington to Charlottesville. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 24 days before departure, you can save around $43.58. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Washington DC to Charlottesville?

There are 3 train lines with service from Washington to Charlottesville. Amtrak Northeast Regional is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Cardinal12h 44m$70.49
Amtrak Crescent12h 17m$55.88
Amtrak Northeast Regional23h 6m$49.15
  • The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Washington to Charlottesville per day, with an average trip length of 2 hours and 44 minutes.

  • The Crescent is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs from New York to New Orleans by way of Atlanta. As an overnight service, the Crescent offers a variety of amenities and accommodation options. There’s also a café car where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals and a variety of soft and alcoholic beverages. Like all Amtrak trains, the Crescent offers free WiFi, power outlets and extra legroom. Train trips from Washington to Charlottesville take about 2 hours and 17 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $36.

  • The Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s passenger rail service that runs between Boston, MA and Virginia Beach, VA, connecting over 50 cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. While the line’s downtown-to-downtown train service makes traveling between the biggest cities in the Northeast convenient and hassle-free, the train’s amenities make the journey comfortable and relaxing as well. Amtrak passengers can enjoy large seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 2 daily train trips from Washington to Charlottesville, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Washington DC and Charlottesville is approximately 99 miles, or 159 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 51 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 17 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Trains from Washington DC to Charlottesville are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Washington DC at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to Charlottesville. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Charlottesville to Washington DC.

City Information

Washington DC

Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.

D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.

Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.

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 Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main departure station: Union Station

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.

All train stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

  • 1040 Express Way

  • Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)

  • NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station

  • Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St

  • Amtrak/Metro North Station

  • Metro-North Station - 1 Railroad Plz

  • Union Station

  • Newark Intl Airport

  • 100 Middlesex Essex Tpke

  • 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

  • Amtrak/SEPTA Station

  • Newark Penn Station

  • 72 S Clinton Ave

  • MARC Station

Where is the train station in Charlottesville?

Train Station - 810 W Main St  - CVSAMT-0

Image credit: Funky Tee

Link to image attribution
Train Station - 810 W Main St  - CVSAMT-1

Image credit: Bill McChesney

Link to image attribution

Main 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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Need a return trip from Charlottesville to Washington DC?

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