- Must visit
The Museum at Monticello
Museum at Thomas Jefferson's estate with exhibits on Jefferson, enslaved communities, and the plantation landscape. Best paired with the house visit.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Williamsburg, VA to Charlottesville, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, and a flight costs an average of $247.
Distance: 109 miles (177 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$194 Average price | $520 Average price | $44 Average price Cheapest | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 57m Average total duration 13h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 30m Average total duration 5h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 22m Average total duration Fastest 4h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Williamsburg, VA to Charlottesville, VA:
A bus is $150 (€123) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Williamsburg, VA to Charlottesville, VA costing on average $194 (€160).
A bus is $476 (€392) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Williamsburg, VA to Charlottesville, VA costing on average $520 (€429).
Other travel options to Charlottesville, VA take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 30m.
Train takes on average 13h 27m.
Tickets start at around $194 (€160) compared to roughly $24 (€20) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-169.68 (€-139.82). The journey takes 13h 27m versus 1h 51m 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.
Compare bus, train, 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 Williamsburg, VA to Charlottesville, VA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 13h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $108 (€89) but you can travel from only $30 (€25) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 08:52, the last at 15:45. The fastest train covers the 109 miles (177 km) distance in 13h 27m.
Distance 109 miles (177 km) |
Average train duration 13h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $108 (€89) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 13h 27m |
First train 8:52 AM |
Last train 3:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 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 Thomas Jefferson's estate with exhibits on Jefferson, enslaved communities, and the plantation landscape. Best paired with the house visit.
University art museum with American, African, Asian, and European works, plus rotating exhibitions. A strong cultural stop near the Lawn.
Specialized museum dedicated to Aboriginal Australian art. It is one of the most distinctive museum experiences in Charlottesville.
Eight-block pedestrian district lined with shops, venues, and historic facades. It is Charlottesville's main strolling area and a top social hub.
Beautiful walkable campus area with Jeffersonian architecture, lawns, gardens, and major university landmarks.
Popular mountain viewpoint area overlooking Charlottesville, especially famous in apple season and for panoramic sunset views.
Salt-cured, often smoked country ham long associated with Virginia. It is a regional staple, served in biscuits, with eggs, or on Southern plates.
A Southern spread made with cheddar, pimentos, and mayonnaise. In Charlottesville, it commonly appears as a dip, sandwich filling, or burger topping.
Flaky Southern biscuits topped with rich gravy, often sausage-based. It is a classic comfort breakfast found across Central Virginia.
A beloved local institution known for fast, affordable bagels and sandwiches. Casual, busy, and deeply woven into everyday Charlottesville life.
An established fine-dining restaurant known for refined New American cuisine, seasonal Virginia ingredients, and a polished yet welcoming atmosphere.
A popular, long-established spot for Spanish small plates, lively energy, and a strong local reputation for quality and atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. travelers. Casual dining is reasonable, but hotels and upscale meals can be pricey during university events and peak weekends.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for excellent service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Williamsburg, VA 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.

Most Williamsburg, VA to Charlottesville, VA trains use the Newport News to Charlottesville Amtrak station pair. Use this guide to compare Williamsburg, VA and Charlottesville, VA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Williamsburg Transportation Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Second Street Bistro, Blue Talon Bistro
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Williamsburg Transportation Center. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Williamsburg Transportation Center. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Williamsburg Transportation Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Williamsburg Transportation Center: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Williamsburg Transportation Center: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg Inn, Colonial Houses.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need