- Must visit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Major collection of American art from colonial works to contemporary pieces, housed in a grand historic building shared with the National Portrait Gallery.



Cheapest price
$37
Average price
$57
Fastest journey
2h 27m
Average duration
2h 36m
Trains per day
3
Distance
161 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 11m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a flight costs an average of $253.
Distance: 100 miles (161 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$40 Average price | $35 Average price Cheapest | $465 Average price | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 5m Average total duration 2h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 54m Average total duration 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 11m Average total duration Fastest 2h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC:
A bus is $5 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC costing on average $40 (€33).
A bus is $430 (€353) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC costing on average $465 (€382).
Other travel options to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 35m.
Bus takes on average 3h 24m.
Tickets start at around $40 (€33) compared to roughly $24 (€20) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-16.26 (€-13.36). The journey takes 2h 35m versus 2h 34m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC trains for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 Crescent | 10:59 AM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 2h48 | 1:47 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
156 Northeast Regional | 11:18 AM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 2h33 | 1:51 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
66 Northeast Regional | 7:01 PM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 2h27 | 9:28 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $18 (€14) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:01. The fastest train covers the 100 miles (161 km) distance in 2h 27m.
Distance 100 miles (161 km) |
Average train duration 2h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€14) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 27m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Discover the best of Washington, D.C. — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, D.C. trip today.
Major collection of American art from colonial works to contemporary pieces, housed in a grand historic building shared with the National Portrait Gallery.
One of the country’s premier art museums, with European and American masterpieces, sculpture, and rotating exhibitions across two large buildings.
Smithsonian museum of portraits of notable Americans, from presidents to cultural figures, in a beautifully restored historic building.
The city’s essential ceremonial landscape, lined with museums, memorials, and monumental views. Best for first-time visitors and classic walks.
Historic district known for cobblestone streets, Federal architecture, and the C&O Canal. One of the city’s most photographed walking areas.
Scenic waterside walking area famed for cherry blossoms, memorial views, and especially photogenic paths in spring and at golden hour.
Washington, D.C.'s signature sausage, usually smoky and coarsely ground, served on a bun and often topped with chili, onions, and mustard. It is one of the city's most iconic street foods.
A sweet-tangy sauce closely associated with Washington, D.C. and commonly served with fried chicken, wings, and fries. It is a classic local flavor that many visitors seek out.
An oversized late-night pizza slice popular in Washington, D.C. neighborhoods. It is not fine dining, but it is a recognizable part of the city's casual food culture.
Acclaimed Italian fine-dining restaurant near Union Market with a refined tasting-menu experience and elegant setting. Ideal for a splurge meal near Union Station.
Historic, well-known Washington restaurant near the White House, famous for oysters, crab cakes, and classic American dining in a polished old-school setting.
Legendary D.C. institution best known for the half-smoke and chili. Casual, iconic, and one of the best places to try a true local specialty.
Prices are moderate for a major U.S. city hub. Station food is pricier than casual spots nearby, but coffee and quick meals are manageable.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip delivery drivers 10-20%. No tip is expected for most counter-service coffee orders.
Official public transport app
Washington Union Station -> Metro Center, Washington
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Washington Union Station, Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC trains use the Charlottesville Amtrak to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA and Washington Union Station, Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Charlottesville Amtrak is 1 km from Charlottesville city centre. Public transport options include:
Charlottesville Amtrak has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Local, Maya Restaurant, Public Fish & Oyster
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Charlottesville Amtrak. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Charlottesville Amtrak. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Charlottesville Amtrak: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Charlottesville Amtrak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Charlottesville Amtrak: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Graduate Charlottesville, Residence Inn by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown, Omni Charlottesville Hotel.
Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Shake Shack, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Chopt Creative Salad Co., Chipotle Mexican Grill, Thunder Grill, Johnny Rockets, Jamba Juice, Ladurée Union Station, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00, Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.