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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Charlottesville to Elizabethtown. Traveling by train from Charlottesville to Elizabethtown usually takes 7 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 6 minutes.
| Distance | 178 mi (286 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 6m |
| Lowest price | $103.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Charlottesville to Elizabethtown?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Charlottesville to Elizabethtown. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 7h 42m | $124.20 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Charlottesville to Elizabethtown every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $103.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Charlottesville and Elizabethtown is approximately 178 miles, or 286 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 6 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 Charlottesville to Elizabethtown on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
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.
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Elizabethtown 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.
Elizabethtown
Image credit: Unsplash
Elizabethtown is a quaint borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The small town was mostly agricultural until the 1900s and is home to Elizabethtown College, which makes it popular among students. It's a fun destination for art, outdoor adventure, and community. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy visiting the Conewago Recreation Trail and Old Trolly Line Park. The town is great for family-friendly activities, like a visit to the National Christmas Center Family Attraction & Museum and go-karts, arcades, and laser tags at Adventure Sports in Hershey. Elizabethtown is also home to the Winters Heritage House Museum, which holds the town's history.
Elizabethtown is known for having a vibrant wine scene, and you can enjoy wine tasting and vineyard tours at the Nissley Vineyards Winery & Estate and the Grandview Vineyard. Moo-Duck Brewery is also popular in the town. The city's agricultural roots have also helped evolve the Masonic Village Farm Market, Elizabethtown Fair Grounds, and Ironstone Ranch, which are excellent ways to find fresh produce and delicious food.
You can get to Elizabethtown when traveling by train from over 100 neighboring cities. Amtrak provides these at the Elizabethtown Train Station. The town offers bus routes for moving around and is walkable and bikeable.
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 Elizabethtown?
Main arrival station: 50 S Wilson Ave
Elizabethtown has one train station.
All train stations in Elizabethtown:
50 S Wilson Ave
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