- Must visit
Taubman Museum of Art
Major downtown art museum known for its striking contemporary architecture and rotating American art exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$14
Average price
$14
Fastest journey
2 h 33 m
Average duration
2 h 33 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
154 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Charlottesville, VA to Roanoke, VA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Charlottesville, VA to Roanoke, VA will cost around $14 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
Of the 2 trains that leave Charlottesville, VA for Roanoke, VA on Sat, Jul 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 04 the direct trains cover the 154 km distance in an average of 2 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 33 m .
On Sat, Jul 04 the slowest trains will take 2 h 33 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charlottesville, VA to Roanoke, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $14, and a bus costs an average of $26.
Distance: 95 miles (154 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$17 Average price Cheapest | $34 Average price | $23 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration 2h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Charlottesville, VA to Roanoke, VA:
A train is $18 (€14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Charlottesville, VA to Roanoke, VA costing on average $34 (€28).
Other travel options to Roanoke, VA take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 30m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
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, VA to Roanoke, VA trains for today, Friday, July 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:07 PM Charlottesville, VA | 2h33 | 4:40 PM Roanoke, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:44 PM Charlottesville, VA | 2h29 | 2:13 AM Roanoke, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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, VA to Roanoke, VA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $14 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:15, the last at 19:44. The fastest train covers the 95 miles (154 km) distance in 2h 24m.
Distance 95 miles (154 km) |
Average train duration 2h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€12) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 24m |
First train 6:15 AM |
Last train 7:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Roanoke — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Roanoke trip today.
Major downtown art museum known for its striking contemporary architecture and rotating American art exhibitions.
Well-regarded museum featuring locomotives, rail history, automobiles, and aviation exhibits tied to Roanoke's railroad heritage.
Specialized photography museum dedicated to O. Winston Link's iconic images and recordings of Norfolk & Western steam railroading.
Large mountaintop park with overlooks, trails, and access to the Roanoke Star, offering the city's classic panoramic views.
Walkable core with markets, museums, murals, nightlife, and rail heritage, making it the main area for first-time visitors.
Scenic mountain viewpoints just outside the city, especially popular for drives, foliage, sunrise photos, and social media content.
Small biscuits filled with salty cured Virginia ham, a classic snack across Virginia and common at gatherings and brunches.
A Southern spread made with cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise, often served with crackers or in sandwiches and popular in Virginia.
A traditional Appalachian side dish of skillet-cooked apples with butter and spices, reflecting the mountain food culture around Roanoke.
A well-known neighborhood restaurant focused on seasonal Southern cooking, craft cocktails, and an upscale but relaxed atmosphere.
An iconic Roanoke institution known for chili dogs, burgers, and late-night counter service in a tiny historic setting.
A long-established downtown restaurant and bar known for steaks, seafood, and an elegant historic dining room suitable for a finer meal.
Roanoke is generally affordable by U.S. city standards, with reasonable dining and coffee prices and lodging that is usually mid-range rather than high-cost.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; 15-20% for delivery; USD 1-2 per drink at bars; round up or tip 10% for taxis; tip hotel staff and salon services.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charlottesville, VA to Roanoke, VA 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 Roanoke, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Charlottesville, VA to Roanoke, VA trains use the Charlottesville Amtrak to Roanoke Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Charlottesville, VA and Roanoke, VA 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.
Roanoke Station has practical services for this route, including Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Roanoke Station.
Ticket office support is available at Roanoke Station. Information desks are located near the platform.
Available at Roanoke Station: Taxis.
Available at Roanoke Station: Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Roanoke Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Hampton Inn & Suites Roanoke-Downtown, Cambria Hotel Downtown Roanoke.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need