Getting Around Virginia
Travel around Virginia is primarily by car, but public transportation is relatively abundant in Northern Virginia, particularly in the suburbs near Washington, DC. For visitors, the best approach depends on which region you're visiting and whether you're comfortable driving.
Public Transportation Overview
Virginia offers several public transportation options, though coverage varies significantly by region. The most developed transit networks are in Northern Virginia, while other parts of the state rely more heavily on car travel.
Rail and Metro Service
Rail connections exist for both intercity and regional travel:
- Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail service to many Virginia cities along two main north-south lines. One route runs from Washington DC through Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Richmond, and Petersburg. A second line runs from Washington through Culpeper, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Danville, with the Cardinal service continuing to Chicago via Charlottesville. Branch lines also connect Williamsburg, Newport News, Norfolk, and Roanoke.
- Virginia Railway Express (VRE) operates commuter rail from Northern Virginia to Washington DC, with two lines converging in Alexandria—one from Manassas and another from Fredericksburg.
- Washington Metrorail extends into suburban Northern Virginia, providing rapid transit access to areas including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, and Loudoun County from Washington DC and Maryland.
Buses and Regional Transit
For comprehensive information on local bus services and transit schedules, consult regional transit authority websites before your visit.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
These services are typically available in major urban areas, but you should verify current availability in your specific destination.
Walkability
Walkability varies significantly depending on the specific location—urban downtown areas may be more pedestrian-friendly than suburban areas—so research your particular destination before arrival.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Virginia has nine airports with commercial service. Your airport options depend on your destination:
- For Washington DC area: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) both serve Northern Virginia. DCA is closer to Washington DC and provides better access to Washington Metrorail lines, though it primarily handles short- and medium-haul domestic flights. Dulles handles almost all international service and long-haul flights and is more convenient for DC's western suburbs.
- For Richmond area: Richmond International Airport (RIC) offers nonstops to major East Coast cities and most major domestic hub airports east of the Rockies, plus seasonal ultra low-cost service to Florida.
- For Charlottesville: Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) offers regional service to major East Coast hub airports.
- For Hampton Roads area: Norfolk International Airport (ORF) serves Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton Roads, and Portsmouth with flights to major domestic hubs east of the Rockies, nonstops to major East Coast cities, and ultra low-cost service to Florida. Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) also provides regional service.
- For southwestern Virginia: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) offers service to main East Coast hub airports.
- For Shenandoah Valley and Lynchburg: Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) and Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH) offer limited regional service to hubs.
Contact your airport directly for details on reaching your final destination.
Driving in Virginia
If you plan to drive, be aware of Virginia's strict traffic enforcement. Virginia considers exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph or driving faster than 85 mph as reckless driving—a serious Class 1 misdemeanor that can result in a suspended license, heavy fines, or jail time. This applies even to driving 86 mph in a 70 mph zone. Other traffic violations, such as failure to properly use a turn signal or failure to yield, can also be classified as reckless driving. Obey all traffic laws and follow posted speed limits carefully.