The cheapest and fastest trains from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC
Cheapest price
$37
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
2 h 27 m
Average duration
2 h 36 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
158 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
Of the 3 trains that leave Charlottesville, VA for Washington, DC on Thu, Dec 04, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Dec 04 the direct trains cover the 158 km distance in an average of 2 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 27 m .
On Thu, Dec 04 the slowest trains will take 2 h 48 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.
66 Northeast Regional
134 Northeast Regional
20 Crescent
66 Northeast Regional
134 Northeast Regional
20 CrescentTravel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €17, and a flight costs an average of €353.
Distance: 98 miles (158 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€28 Average price Cheapest | €33 Average price | €390 Average price |
3h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 48m Average total duration 3h 48m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC train times
The table below shows live departures for Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC trains for today, Wednesday, December 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50 Cardinal | 8:44 PM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 3h00 | 11:44 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, December 4 | |||||
66 Northeast Regional | 12:01 AM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 2h27 | 2:28 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
134 Northeast Regional | 1:55 PM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 2h34 | 4:29 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
20 Crescent | 3:59 PM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 2h48 | 6:47 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 prices and tickets Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC by train, bus, or flight
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.
Dec 04
Dec 05
Dec 06
Dec 07
Dec 08
Dec 09
Dec 10
Why should you book Charlottesville to Washington trains with Omio?
Amtrak operates all train services from Charlottesville to Washington. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Charlottesville to Washington.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Charlottesville to Washington.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC
Trains from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:15, the last at 19:01. The fastest train covers the 98 miles (158 km) distance in 2h 27m.
Distance 98 miles (158 km) |
Average train duration 2h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 27m |
First train 08:15 |
Last train 19:01 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Charlottesville, VA and Washington, DC from $21 (€17). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC
Traveling between Charlottesville, VA and Washington, DC is a convenient journey made easy by Amtrak. The train service offers comfortable seating and scenic views as you traverse the beautiful landscapes of Virginia. With multiple daily departures, passengers can enjoy a hassle-free ride that typically takes around 2 hours. Whether you're heading to the nation's capital for business or leisure, Amtrak provides an efficient connection between these two cities.
Train Connection: Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC
Traveling from Charlottesville to Washington, DC takes approximately 2 hours and 27 minutes. There are 3 direct connections available each day. Passengers will depart from Charlottesville Amtrak station in Virginia and arrive at Union Station in Washington, DC.
Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC
The first daily train journey departs from Charlottesville at 12:55 PM, providing travelers with a convenient afternoon option. The last departure for the day leaves Washington, DC at 11:01 PM, allowing late-night arrivals back into the city.
Train Tickets Price for Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Charlottesville to Washington is $18 (16.2€).
Exploring the Icons of American Democracy
The White House, built in 1800, has served as the official residence of every U.S. president since John Adams and symbolizes the executive branch's power and authority. Its significance extends beyond politics; it represents American democracy and is a beacon for visitors from around the world who seek to understand our nation's history. Unique features include its neoclassical architecture, iconic portico with columns, and beautifully landscaped gardens that invite exploration.
The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in 1922 to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s legacy during one of America’s most tumultuous times—the Civil War—and stands as a testament to his commitment to unity and equality. This monumental structure not only serves as a tribute but also hosts significant events advocating civil rights, making it an enduring symbol of hope for many Americans. The striking seated statue of Lincoln inside is surrounded by inscriptions from two of his most famous speeches—reminding us all of his profound impact on our nation.
The United States Capitol has been at the heart of American legislative activity since its completion in 1800, representing both Congress's role in governance and America's democratic ideals. It holds great significance as the site where laws are made that shape our society while serving as an architectural marvel with its grand dome visible across Washington D.C.'s skyline. Notably adorned with intricate sculptures and frescoes throughout its halls, this building invites you into centuries' worth of political history waiting to be explored.
FAQs: Trains from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charlottesville, VA to 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, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available near the station.
- The Local
- Maya Restaurant
- Public Fish & Oyster
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $1
- Graduate Charlottesville
- Residence Inn by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown
- Omni Charlottesville Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Platform area for boarding
- Bus: Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) services available
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
- Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
- 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
- Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
- Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
- Phoenix Park Hotel
- Kimpton George Hotel
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
- Located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
- Metro lines: Red
- Bus lines: D6, D8, 80, 96,
- Train lines: Acela, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Fredericksburg Line, MARC Brunswick, MARC Camden, MARC Penn, Manassas Line, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Silver Service/Palmetto, Vermonter
More options for your journey from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC
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