Cheap train tickets from Charleston to Charlottesville
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Charleston to Charlottesville. Traveling by train from Charleston to Charlottesville usually takes 7 hours and 4 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 173 mi (278 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 4m |
| Lowest price | $71.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Cardinal |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Charleston to Charlottesville Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Charleston to Charlottesville:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Charleston to Charlottesville?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Charleston to Charlottesville was $71.00. The further in advance you book your travels, the more likely it is you can find tickets at this price or lower.
Average train ticket prices from Charleston to Charlottesville by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Charleston to Charlottesville will cost between $35 and $44. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Charleston to Charlottesville by month
Ticket prices for the train from Charleston 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 $45. If you're thinking of traveling from Charleston to Charlottesville during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $119 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
You can score the best price on a train ticket from Charleston to Charlottesville by booking on Wanderu in advance. Tickets are nearly always cheaper the further in advance you purchase them.
Which train should you take from Charleston to Charlottesville?
Amtrak Cardinal is the one and only train line which connects Charleston to Charlottesville. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 7h 4m | $271.00 |
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 Charleston to Charlottesville per day, with an average trip length of 7 hours and 4 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Charleston to Charlottesville
The distance between Charleston and Charlottesville is approximately 173 miles, or 278 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 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.
Distance (mi)
173
Distance (km)
278
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Charleston at 8:31am and arrives in Charlottesville around 7 hours later.
First train
8:31am
Last train
8:31am
Trains from Charleston to Charlottesville are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Charleston?
Main departure station: 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
There is one train station in Charleston.
All train stations in Charleston:
- 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
Where is the train station in Charlottesville?
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
Need a return trip from Charlottesville to Charleston?
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