Is there a direct bus?

No, there is no direct bus service between Herndon and Charlottesville.

How long is the drive?

The drive typically takes between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes.

Does Amtrak stop in Herndon?

No, the nearest Amtrak station is in Alexandria or Union Station DC.

US-29 is a major arterial highway with traffic lights and intersections.

What is the best time to leave?

Depart before 6:00 AM to avoid the worst of the Northern Virginia commuter traffic.

Herndon

Charlottesville

Train Driving

Herndon to Charlottesville

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Herndon to Charlottesville covers approximately 160 kilometers through the scenic Virginia Piedmont. Driving via US-29 South is the most direct route, typically taking two hours depending on traffic near Gainesville. Alternatively, you can drive to the Alexandria Amtrak station to catch the Northeast Regional train. This route offers a transition from the suburban sprawl of Northern Virginia to the historic, rolling hills of the Blue Ridge foothills. Expect heavy congestion on US-29 during Friday afternoon rush hours.

Total Distance: 160 km driving distance; 135 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via US-29 is the fastest method, usually taking just over two hours outside of peak traffic.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest option if traveling with more than one passenger, costing roughly $25 in fuel.

Compare Herndon to Charlottesville Routes

	Train Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours 30 mins	2 hours 15 mins
Avg Price	$35-$70	$20-$30 in fuel
Operator	Amtrak Northeast Regional	Personal Vehicle
Route	Alexandria Station to Charlottesville Union Station.	VA-28 South to US-29 South through Culpeper.
Tip	Book at least two weeks in advance to secure the lowest fare bucket.	Avoid the Culpeper speed traps by maintaining strict adherence to posted limits.

Travel Tips

Traffic Alert
US-29 experiences significant bottlenecks in Warrenton and Culpeper.
Parking
Use the Market Street Garage in downtown Charlottesville for easy access to the mall.
Train Access
The Charlottesville Amtrak station is located within walking distance of the downtown area.
Weather
Check the Blue Ridge mountain forecast as temperatures can be 5 degrees cooler than in Herndon.
Booking
Use the Amtrak mobile app to track your train in real-time.

Safety Tips

Speed Enforcement
Local police in small towns along US-29 are very active with speed enforcement.
Wildlife
Be cautious of deer crossing the road, especially during dawn and dusk hours.
Road Conditions
Check VDOT 511 for construction updates before departing Herndon.
Emergency
Keep a physical map as cellular service can be spotty in the rural sections of the route.