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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Charlottesville to Winston-Salem. Traveling by train from Charlottesville to Winston-Salem usually takes 13 hours and 11 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 13 hours and 7 minutes.
| Distance | 165 mi (266 km) |
| Fastest train | 13h 7m |
| Lowest price | $45.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Charlottesville to Winston-Salem?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Charlottesville to Winston-Salem. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 13h 11m | $45.00 |
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 Charlottesville to Winston-Salem every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $45.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Charlottesville and Winston-Salem is approximately 165 miles, or 266 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 7 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.
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Charlottesville to Winston-Salem. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Charlottesville at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00am. 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 Charlottesville 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 Winston-Salem 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.
Winston-Salem
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Ranked as one of the top places to live in the United States, Winston-Salem resulted from the merging of two separate towns in 1913.
The city's oldest and most visually arresting areas are found in what was once simply Salem, a town with a history going back to 1753. You can admire many of the original Moravian-style buildings at Old Salem Museums & Gardens and in the historic districts of West End and Ardmore.
Downtown also has some notable structures, including 100 North Main Street – the tallest office building in the region.
Meanwhile, the main strip when it comes to nightlife is Fourth Street, where bars and restaurants see a steady stream of patrons until long after dark. The presence of no less than six higher education institutions in the city ensures the scene remains fresh and vibrant.
Winston-Salem can be reached from over 175 other U.S. cities. Daily buses depart and arrive from the city's three bus terminals throughout the day, with destinations that include Raleigh, Richmond, and New York City. In addition, Amtrak operates passenger train services via the station at High Point. Its three lines span the region from New York to New Orleans.
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 Winston-Salem?
Image credit: Warren LeMay
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Transp Ctr - 100 W 5th St
The Winston-Salem Transportation Center is on the corner of 5th Street & Trade Street, smack in the middle of the city. It's also commonly called the Greyhound bus station, since the carrier provides a lot of service across North Carolina and its neighboring states. There are plenty of great restaurants in the area, like Butcher & Bull Steakhouse, Downtown Thai & Pho, and Downtown Deli and Cafe, if you want to fill up before your trip. Or, if you want to stretch your legs, Bailey's Park is only a few blocks away and frequently has live music and events.
All train stations in Winston-Salem:
Transp Ctr - 100 W 5th St
Winston-Salem State University (PART bus stop)
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