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Cheap train tickets from Charlottesville to Richmond

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Charlottesville to Richmond Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Charlottesville to Richmond?

There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Charlottesville to Richmond.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$59.89
Avg. Price
$62.90
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
1
Daily Trips
2
Duration
Duration
5h 34m
Duration
6h 45m

Trip Summary

2 trains operate daily from Charlottesville to Richmond. The train trip from Charlottesville to Richmond is usually about 6 hours and 59 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 4 minutes.

Distance66 mi (106 km)
Fastest train3h 4m
Lowest price$31.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Charlottesville to Richmond

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

4.0

4.0

David

January 12, 2025- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: Our late arrival in Richmond was due to the train's late arrival in Charlottesville. Cons: Clear reminders why we were having a such late departure. Tips: Always check with the Amtrak desk for necessary information because they didn't take the initiative.

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Charlottesville to Richmond was $55.89. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Richmond if you book your train tickets at least 27 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $31.69.

Average train ticket prices from Charlottesville to Richmond by travel date

$90$60$30AprMay

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Charlottesville to Richmond will range from $47 to $85. If you're planning to travel by train to Richmond in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Charlottesville you can find in the next 7 days is $47. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly avg. prices

$100$80$60$40$20MJJASONDJFMA
Ticket prices for the train from Charlottesville to Richmond often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only $64. If you're thinking of traveling from Charlottesville to Richmond during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $92 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, 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 Charlottesville to Richmond. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 27 days before departure, you can save around $31.69. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Charlottesville to Richmond?

2 train services operate from Charlottesville to Richmond. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak15h 38m$73.93
Amtrak Northeast Regional17h 56m$64.51
  • 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 Richmond every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $40.

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Charlottesville to Richmond

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Charlottesville to Richmond. 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 Richmond is approximately 66 miles, or 106 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 4 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.

Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Charlottesville to Richmond. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Charlottesville at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00am. 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 Richmond 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.

Richmond

As one of the most historically significant cities in the U.S., Richmond is a top-tier destination for not just fans of history but also culturally-inclined travelers. The premier tourist attraction of the city is the Virginia State Capitol, which features a unique architecture partially designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. For those who want to enjoy a cultural experience, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is worth checking out, as it houses five exquisitely beautiful Fabergé eggs, along with works by Degas, Cézanne, and Renoir. If you wish to retreat from the concrete jungle, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a great alternative.

Richmond’s diverse community has had a huge influence on its food scene. Croaker's Spot is a famous restaurant that serves some of the best seafood around. Richmond is also the home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, and there are as many as 30 brands in the city. Some of the local favorites include Hardywood, The Veil Brewing Co., and The Answer Brewpub.

Richmond is a major hub for bus travel, and visitors can catch buses that go to cities like Washington, D.C., New York and Raleigh on a daily basis. The city boasts two Amtrak train stations that provide regular service to Washington, D.C., New York City and beyond. The principal one is the Main Street Station, which is located right in the heart of downtown Richmond. The main airport is the Richmond International Airport, 7 miles southeast of the city.

Station Information

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 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 Richmond?

7519 Staples Mill Rd  - RICAMT1-0

Image credit: Eli Christman

Link to image attribution
7519 Staples Mill Rd  - RICAMT1-1

Image credit: Avinash Kunnath

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 7519 Staples Mill Rd

Located around 5 miles north of Richmond’s city center, the Amtrak Station on Staples Mill Road is Amtrak’s busiest transport hub in the Southeast Region. The station was built in 1975 to replace the downtown Main Street Station. It now serves as an important terminal for routes traveling up and down the American East. Passengers can venture north onboard the Northeast Regional service—Amtrak’s busiest route—to Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. Richmond’s Amtrak Station also offers several southward connections to vacation destinations along the East Coast in [South Carolina(/train-tickets/us-sc/), Georgia, and Florida. In addition, the GRTC bus service is available from the station for transport into downtown Richmond.

All train stations in Richmond:

  • 7519 Staples Mill Rd

  • 1500 E Main St

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