Getting Here & Getting Around

Whether your preference is wheel or wing, Charlottesville has an abundance of transportation options that get you where you need to be.

Getting Here

About two hours south of Washington, D.C. Charlottesville and Albemarle County are accessible via plane, train, bus and car.

By Car

U.S. Interstate 64 and U.S. Route 29 connect in Albemarle County. U.S. Route 250 is the scenic alternative to the interstate which runs from West to East through the city, continuing to Richmond. This route passes many of our area’s wineries and craft beverage destinations.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive and The Journey Through Hallowed Ground are designated America’s Byways by the Federal Highway Administration. U.S. Route 20 is a scenic byway that connects James Madison's Montpelier, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and the historic town of Scottsville.

By Plane

The Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) is only eight miles from Downtown Charlottesville, and it offers daily non-stop flights to and from six major airports: Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Philadelphia (PHL), New York (LGA), Washington D.C. (IAD), and Atlanta (ATL). These six connector airports provide access to over 1,000 destinations worldwide. Several hotel shuttles provide service directly to and from the airport.

For those with accessibility needs, the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport has a step-free entrance with automatic doors and accessible bathrooms located on each floor. Ticketing, security, dining, baggage claim, and car rentals are located all on the first floor and/or ground level, along with several of the boarding gates. Additionally, short-term parking, shuttles, and ride-share are all located on the first/ground level. Boarding gates located on the second floor are accessible via an elevator and long-term parking is in the lower lot with an elevator that can take individuals up to the first/ground floor. Please note that CHO is a regional airport working with American Airlines, Delta, and United. Airplane sizes and amenities differ based on airline. For more accessible information regarding the airline, please call the provider.

Visitors can also fly into Dulles International Airport (IAD) outside Washington, D.C., just over two hours away whether by car, bus or one of the shuttle services serving Albemarle County.

By Train

Charlottesville’s Amtrak Station (CVS) is centrally located at 810 West Main Street, between the Grounds of the University of Virginia and Downtown Charlottesville. Amtrak’s Northeast Regional service runs daily and connects Charlottesville with major cities like Washington, Philadelphia, New York, Providence, and Boston. The Crescent also operates daily and connects Charlottesville to New York, Washington, Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham, and New Orleans. The Cardinal runs three days a week from New York to Chicago and connects Charlottesville to major cities of the Northeast as well as Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Chicago.

Address: 810 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Open daily from 7:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Phone: (800) 872-7245

Learn more about Charlottesville’s Amtrak Station and find out about their accessible amenities.

By Bus

Charlottesville’s Amtrak Station (CVS) serves as a stop for Greyhound bus travel, connecting travels to Greyhound stations across the country. Tickets are not sold at this location and must be purchased online or at a full-service terminal.

Station Address: 810 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Open Daily from 7:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Phone: (800) 231-2222

Megabus operates The Piedmont Express daily. This bus service connects Charlottesville with Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Washington Union Station. The Piedmont Express also provides transportation from Lynchburg and Danville to Charlottesville. Tickets are available online.

Megabus Bus Stop Address: Alderman Road at Gooch/Dillard Dorm

The Afton Express is a commuter bus service that provides weekday transportation between Staunton, Waynesboro, and Charlottesville. Bus stops are located at UVA Medical Center, Charlottesville’s Amtrak and Downtown Transit Stations, and 5th Street Station Shopping Center. Although service is designed to meet the needs of local commuters, The Afton Express is an option for anyone hoping to travel between the Shenandoah Valley and Charlottesville.

Phone: (540) 943-9302

Getting Around

Bus & Trolley

The Charlottesville Area Transit bus system serves the city of Charlottesville and Albemarle County six days a week. Travel on all bus routes is free. All CAT buses are accessible to people with disabilities. Bikes and strollers can also be transported on these services. Most bus routes start and end at Charlottesville's Downtown Transit Station (615 East Water Street) on the East end of the city's Downtown Mall.

The Charlottesville Free Trolley operates six days a week and is a great option when traveling between the University of Virginia area and Charlottesville's Downtown Mall.

Microtransit

Veo is a dockless scooter and bikeshare program that is available to users in the areas of Charlottesville City and the University of Virginia. Riders can download the VEO App to locate the nearest ride and gain access to these electric scooters and bikes. Veo is a great option for short trips on short notice.

Note: Veo bikes and scooters operate in a specific radius and will not be active outside of Charlottesville's city limits. Please review and follow the Rules of the Road.

Rideshare Services and Taxis

Uber and Lyft rideshare services are available throughout the Charlottesville area. Sometimes drivers may not be available to pick up or drop off at certain locations, so be sure to check ahead or schedule your ride. Most local taxi companies also allow you to book online and in advance.

Explore taxi company listings at the bottom of this page.

MicroCAT is a new pubic rideshare service in the US-29 Corridor and Pantops areas of Albemarle County, including CHO Airport. Rides are fare-free and available Monday – Saturday, 6:30 AM to 9 PM. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available upon demand. All vehicles are branded with MicroCAT’s logo and colors, so they are easy to spot.

Rental Cars

Rental cars, including wheelchair accessible vehicles, are available from a variety of companies in the area. The Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) has a rental car counter that operates daily. Avis operates at the airport and a second location on U.S. Route 29. Enterprise has two Charlottesville-area locations in addition to the airport.

Tours

You can work with one of our local transportation companies to design a customized tour to help you enjoy the area's wineries, craft beverage spots and other attractions. Learn more on our wine tours page.

Things To Do in Charlottesville & Albemarle County There's plenty to do in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, no matter the season! This area boasts world-renowned historic sites, scenic parks and waterways for outdoor adventures, fun activities for families, vibrant arts and culture, great shopping spots, guided tours as… Learn More
Family Fun Read on to learn more about things to do for families in the Charlottesville and Albemarle County area. Learn More
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