- Must visit
The Charleston Museum
America’s first museum with natural history, decorative arts, and Charleston stories across several historic sites.
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Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €124 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 46m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €124, while a flight costs an average of €588.
Distance: 372 miles (599 km)
Compare flight with
Most popular Flight | Bus |
|---|---|
€588 Average price | €124 Average price Cheapest |
5h 46m Average total duration Fastest 3h 46m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 19h 15m Average total duration 18h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC is a bus with an average price of €124.
This is compared to other travel options from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC:
A bus is €192 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC costing on average €316.
A bus is €464 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC costing on average €588.
The fastest way to travel from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 46m.
Other travel options to Charleston, SC take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 58m.
Bus takes on average 18h 45m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Charlottesville, VA and Charleston, SC including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC by bus or flight
Compare 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC
USAUSA
Trains from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €316 but you can travel from only €84 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 08:55, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 372 miles (599 km) distance in 11h 58m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €84
Distance 372 miles (599 km) |
Average train duration 11h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price €316 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 11h 58m |
First train 8:55 AM |
Last train 9:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €84
Complete guide to Charleston, SC
Things to do in Charleston, SC
Discover the best of Charleston, SC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charleston, SC trip today.
- Must visit
Gibbes Museum of Art
Leading Southern museum for contemporary art, known for bold exhibitions and strong local creative connections.
- Must visit
International African American Museum
Powerful museum on Gadsden’s Wharf interpreting the African American journey and Charleston’s global significance.
- Must visit
The Battery
Legendary waterfront promenade lined with antebellum homes, harbor breezes, and some of Charleston’s best views.
- Must visit
East Battery
Historic defensive seawall and walk beside White Point Garden, ideal for sunset, mansions, and harbor panoramas.
- Must visit
Charleston City Market
Lively pedestrian-friendly market district known for crafts, architecture, and easy access to major downtown sights.
- Gluten-free
Perloo
A Lowcountry rice dish with shrimp, sausage, or chicken simmered in rich broth. It reflects Charleston's Gullah Geechee and coastal cooking traditions.
- Gluten-free
Shrimp And Grits
Stone-ground grits cooked creamy and topped with local shrimp, often with bacon or gravy. It is one of Charleston's signature brunch and supper dishes.
She-Crab Soup
A rich soup of blue crab, crab roe, cream, and sherry. This classic Charleston dish is closely tied to the city's historic seafood culture.
Circa 1886 Restaurant
Historic fine-dining restaurant focused on seasonal Lowcountry cuisine. Known for polished Southern hospitality and dishes using regional ingredients.
The Ordinary
Upscale seafood restaurant celebrated for local oysters and inventive Lowcountry dishes. Stylish, lively, and one of Charleston's best-known dining rooms.
Magnolias
Refined Southern restaurant in the Historic District, known for shrimp and grits, seafood, and polished service in an elegant setting.
US Dollar ($)
Moderate for a US coastal city; hotels and dining in the historic district run higher, while transit is limited and many visitors rely on walking, rideshare, or car hire.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip screens; small tips are appreciated but optional.
FAQs: Trains from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €316, while the average price is around €316.
The train from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC runs once a day and takes approximately 11h 58m.
The distance by train from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC is 372 miles (599 km).
The first train from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC leaves at 8:55 AM.
The last train from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC leaves at 9:34 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC.
The train station in Charlottesville, VA that goes to Charleston, SC is Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA, which connects to Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC.
The cheapest way to get from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC is by bus, with a cost of around €84.
The train journey from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC offers scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, pastoral landscapes, and historic towns, providing a picturesque travel experience through the heart of the American Southeast.
A day trip from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC is not feasible as the travel duration is 11h 58m and the distance is 372 miles (599 km). The frequency of this trip is 1 train per day.
To fully explore Charleston, SC, and its attractions, 3 to 4 days is generally recommended. This allows time to visit historic sites, enjoy the local cuisine, and experience the city's unique culture and natural beauty.
No, you cannot take the train from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC.
Since neither Charlottesville, VA nor Charleston, SC are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Charleston, SC include Savannah, GA, Florence, SC, Yemassee, SC, Pooler, GA.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Charleston, SC, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the historic district and popular tourist spots. Beware of overly aggressive street vendors and unofficial taxi services that may overcharge. Additionally, travelers should avoid leaving valuables unattended and be cautious when using ride-sharing apps to ensure the driver matches the booking details. Staying aware of surroundings and using authorized services helps minimize safety risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC
Most Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC trains use the Charlottesville Amtrak to Charleston Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Charlottesville, VA and Charleston, SC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Charlottesville
Arrival train stations in Charleston
Which Charlottesville, VA station do trains to Charleston, SC leave from?
Trains from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC leave from Charlottesville Amtrak. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Charlottesville, VA city centre at 810 West Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Charlottesville Amtrak810 West Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA1-800-USA-RAIL
City-centre transport
Getting to Charlottesville Amtrak from Charlottesville city centre
Charlottesville Amtrak is 1 km from Charlottesville city centre. Public transport options include:
BusAfton Express · 5m · €1
T, 7, 9 · 5m · €1 · every ~9 min
Charlottesville Amtrak train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Local, Maya Restaurant, Public Fish & Oyster
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Charlottesville Amtrak. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Charlottesville Amtrak. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Charlottesville Amtrak: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Charlottesville Amtrak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Charlottesville Amtrak: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Graduate Charlottesville, Residence Inn by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown, Omni Charlottesville Hotel.
Most popular train connections from Charlottesville, VA
More options for your journey from Charlottesville, VA to Charleston, SC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Charleston, SC and Charlottesville, VA
Most popular train connections to Charleston, SC
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