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Cheap train tickets from Charlottesville to Roanoke

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Charlottesville to Roanoke Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

2 trains operate daily from Charlottesville to Roanoke. The train trip from Charlottesville to Roanoke is usually about 2 hours and 29 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Northeast Regional train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 24 minutes.

Distance96 mi (154 km)
Fastest train2h 24m
Lowest price$13.00
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Charlottesville to Roanoke

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.3

4.0

Edna

July 27, 2023- Business

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: I thought the trip was very nice. It was on time going to Charlottsville.Returning from Charlottsville to Roanoke, We were 2 hours late. I noticed the next day the trip was 4 hours late arriving in Roanoke at 3 am in the morning. That makes it very difficult to be picked up. Cons: The station master needs to keep the passengers informed that the scheduled departure is going to be late and how much.

5.0

Pros: It was very relaxing, not to have to drive, but riding in comfort on the train. It has been many years since I have ridden on the train, and it won’t be long before I’ll be doing it again! Cons: I can’t think of anything to improve it right now. I was very pleased. Tips: Bring a light sweater or jacket as some might have thought it was a little cool. I enjoyed it.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Charlottesville to Roanoke is $16.06, This is one of the best deals we’ve seen for train fares recently. By booking your trip at least 4 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $0.39 more.

Monthly avg. prices

$25$20$15$10$5AMJJASONDJFM
Ticket prices for the train from Charlottesville to Roanoke stay pretty consistent throughout the year. You can expect to pay around $17 regardless of when you plan to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$25$20$15$10$53020100

The price of train trips from Charlottesville to Roanoke doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Charlottesville to Roanoke?

2 train services operate from Charlottesville to Roanoke. Amtrak Northeast Regional usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak12h 33m$17.00
Amtrak Northeast Regional22h 30m$16.64
  • 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 Roanoke every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $17.

  • 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 Charlottesville to Roanoke, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Charlottesville to Roanoke

Yes, there are some trains that travel the entire distance from Charlottesville to Roanoke. However, in some cases you will have to take a bus for part of your journey in addition to taking the train.
The distance between Charlottesville and Roanoke is approximately 96 miles, or 154 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 29 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 24 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.

Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Charlottesville to Roanoke. 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 Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Charlottesville at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. 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 Charlottesville twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Roanoke with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Roanoke 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke, VA - RNK-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Roanoke, VA - RNK-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Roanoke, VA - RNK-2

Image credit: Unsplash

The idyllic city of Roanoke sits against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's the site of the famous Appalachian Trail, George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, and Smith Mountain Lake. Fun and adventure are indeed the best things that Roanoke has to offer, especially if you start your visit at the iconic Roanoke Star, the largest man-made neon light that gets illuminated every night.

The Blue Ridge is one of Roanoke's major tourist attractions. Experience the Blue Ridge Day tour package to fully explore the area's history, heritage, culture, and entertainment. Make sure that your adventure includes The Crooked Road, Virginia Museum of Transportation, and Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, among others.

To enjoy Roanoke's nightlife, try doing the Downtown Roanoke Bar Crawl. That's how you get to enjoy exquisite craft beers from the city's finest breweries. If you want to shop, there's a wide selection of antiques and farmer's produce for sale in the Blue Ridge area.

Getting around Roanoke is easy with the Valley Metro bus line. This bus service covers not just the City of Roanoke but Vinton and Salem as well. There's also the Star Line Trolley that connects Downtown Roanoke and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. To travel to other exciting destinations, Amtrak trains and Jefferson Lines, OurBus, and Wanda Coach buses provide service to cities including Richmond, Atlanta, and New York.

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 Roanoke?

55 Norfolk Ave SW -{"city":"Roanoke","country":"US","postal":"24011","state":"VA","street1":"55 Norfolk Ave SW"} - RNKAMT-0

Image credit: Joe Ross

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 55 Norfolk Ave SW

The Roanoke Greyhound Station is right in the heart of the city- not too far from the Amtrak station. The bus stop itself is basically just a waiting room, but it does offer indoor seating and has a few vending machines if you want to stock up on snacks. For a more substantial meal, several restaurants and fast-food classics like McDonald's are within easy walking distance.

All train stations in Roanoke:

  • 55 Norfolk Ave SW

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