Driving between Washington, D.C. and Charlottesville can feel like a long journey, especially with traffic on Route 29 or I-66. Don’t forget the Beltway and the pricey parking in D.C. The train simplifies all of that. Board in Charlottesville, sit back and enjoy the two and a half hour ride to Washington Union Station, less than a mile from the U.S. Capitol.

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Detail	What to Expect
Departure station	Charlottesville Union Station (CVS), West Main Street
Arrival station	Washington Union Station (WAS)
Direct trains?	Yes, no transfer needed
Travel time	Roughly 2.5 to 3 hours
Typical fares	Often around $30 to $100 one way, depending on date and demand
Main operator	Amtrak (Northeast Regional, plus other long-distance services)
Trains per day	A few, so book your preferred time early

Who Takes This Train?

UVA Students and Families: Train travel is easier than driving with all the luggage. No parking worries either.

Business Travelers: Work on the train, not in the car. When you arrive in Washington, you’ll be ready to go to your meetings, hearings, and conferences.

Government and Lobbying Visitors: Union Station is only a few short blocks from the Capitol and Congress.

Tourists and Day-Trippers: You can see all of the museums and monuments for free, and avoid the hassle of parking in D.C.

Weekend Visitors: Get a 2-for-1. You can spend the weekend wine tasting in Charlottesville and in D.C. for the museums, all on the train.

Why the Train Beats Driving

• No parking fees. Parking in Downtown D.C. is expensive.
• No traffic risks. Trains don’t get involved with accidents on I-66 or Beltway congestion.
• More comfortable. Passengers can stretch out, read, work or rest.
• Central arrival. Passengers arrive at Union Station, which is connected to the Metro and buses and is located near taxis and on-foot connections.
• Predictable planning. Passengers know their departure and arrival times.

Train vs Bus vs Car: Which Is Best?

	Train	Bus	Car
Comfort	High, with legroom and a table	Moderate	Depends on traffic
Traffic impact	Minimal	High	High
Parking needed	No	No	Yes, and costly
Productivity	Good for work	Limited	None while driving
Best for	Comfort and reliability	Lowest price on some dates	Many stops and heavy luggage

Buses are sometimes less expensive, but Trains are usually the better option as they are more comfortable and less of a hassle.

Sample Day Trip: Charlottesville to D.C. and Back

If time permits, you can see the entirety of Washington, D.C.:

1. Take the morning train from Charlottesville.
2. Get off at Union Station and walk the National Mall.
3. Stop by some Smithsonian museums (most are free to get in).
4. Eat lunch in one of the neighborhoods nearby: Union Station, Capitol Hill or Penn Quarter.
5. See the Capitol and monuments in the afternoon.
6. Take the evening train home.

Return train times can vary based on the current schedule. We search for return train times for you when you call us.

How to Get the Best Fare

• Book as soon as you can. We raise fares as the train gets fuller.
• Choose off-peak days. Weekends and holidays mean higher demand and fares.
• Check times. Changes in your schedule may mean a change in fare.
• See if you qualify for a discount. Military and children’s fares may be lower.
• Choose a flexible fare if you think you may change your plans.

Arriving at Washington Union Station

Union Station has the best connections of any station in the country. From here you can:

• Take the Metro Red Line directly into downtown.
• Connect to the MARC commuter lines to Maryland.
• Find taxis and ride-shares outside the front entrance.
• Walk to the Capitol, the Supreme Court, and all of Capitol Hill.

Leaving From Charlottesville Station

The station is near the Downtown Mall on West Main Street, which makes it within a short driving distance to the UVA grounds. You will want to arrive 30 minutes early to the station and have your e-ticket and ID ready to go. Parking is available near the station, but expect a longer wait to park during UVA football weekends, graduation, and other popular days.

Why Book With Us?

• A real person answers the phone.
• Form completion. We’ll fill out the online forms for you.
• Scheduling matching. We’ll find train times that work with your schedule.
• Fare comparison. We’ll review the options for you and explain the differences.
• Changes. We’ll help you look over your options if your plans change.
• Fast and friendly. We can help you in a timely manner. Most bookings take only a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a direct train from Charlottesville to Washington, D.C.?

 There are direct Amtrak trains from Charlottesville to Washington Union Station, no transfers needed.

 How long does the trip take?

Around 2.5 hours, although it can take longer on weekends or holidays.

How many trains run each day?

 Not that many; popular times can sell out. The earlier you book, the better price you’ll get.

How much are tickets?

 Between $30 and $100, depending on demand and the day of the week. The earlier you book, the better the price.

Where do the trains arrive in D.C.?

Washington Union Station, right across from the Capitol, and connected to the Metro and MARC.

Can you take the train to D.C. and return the same day?

Yes, as long as the times work for you.

Can you bring luggage?

Yes, the train is usually more accommodating for luggage than the bus or plane, but check Amtrak for up-to-date baggage info.

Is it cheaper to take the train than drive?

 Yes, especially because of the gas, tolls, and D.C. parking.

Can you assist with group bookings?

Yes, we can help with groups, families and special requests.

Book Your Charlottesville to Washington, DC Train Ticket Today

Forget the traffic and arrive relaxed. Give us a call, and we will have your train booked in less than 20 minutes.

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