Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Waterloo to Blacksburg. Traveling by train from Waterloo to Blacksburg usually takes 24 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 24 hours and 47 minutes.
| Distance | 381 mi (612 km) |
| Fastest train | 24h 47m |
| Lowest price | $133.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Waterloo to Blacksburg?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Waterloo to Blacksburg. 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 | 1 | 1d 0h 57m | $199.56 |
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 Waterloo to Blacksburg every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $133.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Waterloo and Blacksburg is approximately 381 miles, or 612 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 24 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 24 hours and 47 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Waterloo to Blacksburg on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Waterloo at 10:00pm and arrives in Blacksburg around 24 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Blacksburg to Waterloo.
City Information
Waterloo
Image credit: Unsplash
Waterloo is a town in Indiana, getting its unique name from the city of the same name in Belgium. Despite being a small town, it offers a wide range of activities for families and sports lovers. You can take golf classes at the Bridgewater Golf Club or go skating with the family at the Skatin' Station. The family-friendly town is home to the Ft Wayne Children's Zoo and Potawatomi Zoo. During your visit, some historical markers to check out include the Immaculate Conception Church and St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Shopping enthusiasts will be pleased in Waterloo, as the town is home to different specialty shops and boutiques. You can also visit when the De Kalb County Fair is in town, offering special events and auctions. The Summer Parade and Festival is an annual highlight in Waterloo, offering delicious food, activities for all ages, and fun presentations.
Waterloo is known as the crossroads of Northeastern Indiana, as it connects several major transportation routes. The travel hub has routes like I-69, US G, and IN 427 and is the only Amtrak passenger train stop in northeast Indiana.
Blacksburg
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Blacksburg is a town dominated by Virginia Tech, but even if you're not a student, you'll find plenty of exciting attractions to explore! Sports fans will be pleasantly surprised when they step into Lane Stadium, where you can watch games while witnessing quirky traditions such as the "Hokie Walk." For travelers who wish to explore the cultural and historical aspects of the city, check out the Historic Smithfield Plantation, built in the early 1770s. The building features unique architecture and a complex history, which will certainly reel you in. Finally, to enjoy some top-tier entertainment, head to the Lyric Theatre, a historical theatre nearly 100 years old.
Foodies will rejoice to hear that Blacksburg also has a great variety of dishes to offer to its visitors. The renowned Zeppoli's Italian Restaurant has long been a local favorite, and its authentic Italian plates are bound to please. For a more upscale experience, check out 622 North, housed in a lavish Victorian building.
Amtrak's Thruway bus service connects Blacksburg to the nationwide rail network, but it is also easy to reach Blacksburg via OurBus. The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport serves the city, but the nearest international airports are all the way in Washington, D.C., and Charlotte.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Waterloo?
Main departure station: 485 West Van Vleek Street
There is one train station in Waterloo.
All train stations in Waterloo:
485 West Van Vleek Street
Where is the train station in Blacksburg?
Main arrival station: Virginia Tech Squires Student Ctr
Amtrak Thruway buses and local transit buses stop at 291 Alumni Mall in front of the Virginia Tech Squires Student Center. This is near the eastern edge of the Virginia Tech campus and just a short walk from downtown Blacksburg. This curbside bus stop does not have a separate building for travelers, but the student center has restrooms, food options, and seating inside. Although there are a few parking lots on the Virginia Tech campus, most are restricted for use by the university community. There is paid parking available in the North End Center Garage.
All train stations in Blacksburg:
Virginia Tech Squires Student Ctr
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Blacksburg to Waterloo?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more