- Must visit
Monticello Visitor Center and Exhibition Galleries
Museum at Monticello presenting Jefferson, slavery, and plantation history through artifacts and exhibitions on the mountain estate.
Cheapest price
$93
Average price
$269
Fastest journey
5 h 2 m
Average duration
5 h 28 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
357 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Charlottesville, VA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Charlottesville, VA will cost around $269 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $93.
Of the 5 trains that leave Philadelphia, PA for Charlottesville, VA on Sun, Jul 19, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 19 the direct trains cover the 357 km distance in an average of 5 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 2 m .
On Sun, Jul 19 the slowest trains will take 6 h 2 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.
151 Northeast Regional
145 Northeast Regional
157 Northeast Regional · 145 Northeast Regional
19 Crescent
51 Cardinal
151 Northeast Regional
19 Crescent
145 Northeast Regional
157 Northeast Regional · 145 Northeast Regional
51 CardinalOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Charlottesville, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a flight costs an average of $247.
Distance: 221 miles (357 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$83 Average price | $391 Average price | $76 Average price Cheapest |
5h 35m Average total duration Fastest 5h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 11m Average total duration 6h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 19m Average total duration 11h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Philadelphia, PA to Charlottesville, VA:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Charlottesville, VA costing on average $83 (€68).
A bus is $315 (€259) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Charlottesville, VA costing on average $391 (€321).
Other travel options to Charlottesville, VA take longer:
Flight takes on average 6h 11m.
Bus takes on average 11h 49m.
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Charlottesville, VA trains for tomorrow, Sunday, July 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
151 Northeast Regional | 4:57 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 5h02 | 9:59 AM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
51 Cardinal | 8:21 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h02 | 2:23 PM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 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 Philadelphia, PA to Charlottesville, VA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:52, the last at 19:01. The fastest train covers the 221 miles (357 km) distance in 5h 2m.
Distance 221 miles (357 km) |
Average train duration 5h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 5h 2m |
First train 4:52 AM |
Last train 7:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Charlottesville — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charlottesville trip today.
Museum at Monticello presenting Jefferson, slavery, and plantation history through artifacts and exhibitions on the mountain estate.
Leading university art museum with global collections from antiquity to today. Strong African art and rotating scholarly exhibitions.
Museum devoted to Kluge-Ruhe's major collection of Australian Aboriginal art. A distinctive cultural stop rare in the United States.
Eight-block pedestrian main street lined with shops, theaters, and public art. It is Charlottesville's most popular place to stroll.
Historic UNESCO-listed lawn framed by pavilions and student rooms. A walk here reveals Jefferson's influential campus vision.
Large city park with trails, sports fields, and wooded creek scenery. A local favorite for relaxing and outdoor recreation.
Virginia Ham is salt-cured and aged, often served in biscuits. It reflects central Virginia’s long pork-curing tradition and regional flavor.
Peanut Soup is a creamy, savory soup linked to Virginia’s historic peanut-growing culture, especially popular in traditional inns and regional dining rooms.
Brunswick Stew is a hearty tomato-based stew with chicken and vegetables, widely associated with Virginia gatherings, tailgates, and community meals.
Upscale farm-to-table restaurant on West Main serving refined New American dishes with local ingredients in an elegant setting.
Popular artisanal bakery and café for breads, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee in a busy, casual neighborhood setting.
Beloved casual spot for Virginia barbecue, smoked meats, and classic Southern sides with a relaxed local feel.
Moderate for U.S. college towns: hotels can rise on event weekends, dining is mid-priced, and most visitors need a car or rideshares.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip screens; small tips are optional for counter service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need