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Alexandria to Charlottesville train

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Alexandria - Charlottesville Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Alexandria to Charlottesville. Traveling by train from Alexandria to Charlottesville usually takes 2 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Crescent train can make the trip in one hour and 58 minutes.

Distance94 mi (152 km)
Fastest train1h 58m
Lowest price$17.00
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Alexandria to Charlottesville

(Based on 9 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

Vida

July 25, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: It was my first experience traveling by train. Tips: The price is good and fastest than going by bus.

4.0

Judith

June 2, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Relaxing. Cons: No booster steps at Alexandria platform. If it weren’t for traveling companions’ help - no way could I have gotten on the train. Asked attendant where necessary steps were - he said a previous train took them. Major safety violation. Too high of a LEAP to get on train.

5.0

Arielle

February 4, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Left the station on time and arrived early to Charlottesville. Cons: How cold the train is. Tips: Wanderu is the most user friendly application I've found to navigate long distance public transportation, highly recommend.

4.0

Ronald

August 6, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Great since I didn't have to get a one way car rental. Cons: Since train was 30 minutes late getting into DC area, it caused our train to have to stop shortly before Charlottesville destination to let two northbound trains pass. This caused an additional 30 minute delay. Plus, this area was in a dead zone and I couldn't use my cell to contact the person picking me up.

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Alexandria to Charlottesville was $28.23. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Charlottesville if you book your train tickets at least 28 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $35.30.

Average prices by travel date

$45$30$15AprApr

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Alexandria to Charlottesville is expected to fluctuate between $25 and $45 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Charlottesville in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Alexandria is $26.

Monthly average prices

$75$60$45$30$15MJJASONDJFMA
Ticket prices for the train from Alexandria to Charlottesville often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $38. If you're thinking of traveling from Alexandria to Charlottesville during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $56 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

By booking your train trip from Alexandria to Charlottesville on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about $35.30 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Alexandria to Charlottesville?

There are 3 train lines with service from Alexandria to Charlottesville. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Cardinal12h 25m$59.84
Amtrak Crescent11h 58m$47.05
Amtrak Northeast Regional32h 32m$28.93

  • 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 Alexandria to Charlottesville per day, with an average trip length of 2 hours and 25 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 Alexandria to Charlottesville take about 1 hours and 58 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $35.

  • 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 3 daily train trips from Alexandria to Charlottesville, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Alexandria and Charlottesville is approximately 94 miles, or 152 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 58 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Alexandria to Charlottesville on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Alexandria at 8:00am 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 Alexandria.

City Information

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, historic city in Virginia, located just a few miles south of Washington, D.C., on the Potomac River. Alexandria's Old Town entrances visitors with its preserved brick sidewalks and 18th-century homes and buildings; you'll feel transported to the era of the city's founding in 1749. This quarter, especially along King Street, features boutiques, restaurants, and antique shops in quaint, intimate settings.

Thanks to its vicinity to the capital, Alexandria boasts a unique food scene with many high-class restaurants for you to enjoy. The most popular local establishments include The Warehouse, Chart House, and Chadwicks. You can even dine in Gadsby's Tavern, a favorite of some of the nation's founders in the 1780s, and learn more about early American life in the adjacent Gadsby's Tavern Museum.

Washington, D.C. and all its travel connections are only a water taxi away, but the city is also well-served by transportation options directly out of Alexandria. Intercity Amtrak routes regularly arrive at Alexandria Union Station, including the Northeast Regional, Silver Service, Crescent, Cardinal, and Carolinian. The two nearest airports to the city are the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the Washington Dulles International Airport.

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 Alexandria?

Main departure station: 110 Callahan Dr

Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 7 stops and stations in Alexandria where you can board the train.

All train stations in Alexandria:

  • 110 Callahan Dr

  • 7519 Staples Mill Rd

  • Harbor Park Station

  • 550 Railroad Ave - inside Marine Corps base

  • Amtrak/VRE Station

  • Amtrak Station - 3516 South St

  • 112 N Railroad Ave

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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