Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Visit Williamsburg. All opinions are my genuine thoughts so you can have a fun trip.
Many people living in Washington, DC get around through public transportation and do not need a car. I had lived in DC for 8 years before buying a car, and one of the hardest parts was finding easy trips to take from DC without a car. Williamsburg, VA is a great option for those who want to explore a small town that has plenty to do.
Williamsburg is known for having the world’s largest living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg. Buildings from Williamsburg’s colonial era have been restored or rebuilt to how they would have appeared in the 1700s. It’s a favorite of American History lovers, but Williamsburg offers much more than just history.
I’ve taken the train many times between DC and southeastern Virginia and it’s always been an easy trip. It’s also much cheaper than taking the train in the Northeast Corridor, making it an affordable trip, even for just a weekend. In this guide, I’ll share all my tips for taking the train to Williamsburg.
Table of Contents
Taking the Amtrak Train from Washington, DC to Williamsburg, VA
Union Station is the major train station in Washington, DC and where we traveled from. However, if you live south of the city, you can also pick up the train at Alexandria, Woodbridge, or Quantico.
If you live north of the city, I would recommend picking up the train at Union Station instead of New Carrollton. While train service does extend from Boston to Newport News, the train needs to stop at Washington, DC for some time to switch locomotives. A lot of times, it’s easier to take the Metro to Union Station and pick up the train from there.
Comparing Different Ways to Get to Williamsburg: Train vs Car vs Flight
Taking the Amtrak from DC to Williamsburg, VA takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes one way. You should plan on showing up at Union Station 30 minutes early to make sure you don’t miss your train, but the boarding process is very easy. The Williamsburg train station is right in the heart of it, just two blocks away from Colonial Williamsburg.
The train does typically take longer than driving, which can vary from 2 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on time of day and day of week, with weekday mornings typically having the lightest traffic. There are some optional express lanes with tolls, but you can make the drive without paying tolls and only needing to pay for gas.
There are no direct flights from Washington, DC area airports (DCA, IAD, BWI) to Newport News/Williamsburg Airport (PHF), and you would need to connect. You can fly into Norfolk or Richmond direct from DCA, but those are each about 50 minutes away from Williamsburg once you land. Because of this and cost, the train is the easiest way to get to Williamsburg from DC without driving.
How to Book
Train tickets can be purchased on Amtrak’s website. There are two trains per day going in both directions, so be sure to plan around your schedule. If you decide to upgrade to a business class ticket, you get a reserved seat, a wider seat with more padding, more leg room, and a drink at the cafe car included.
What to Expect
Trains depart from Union Station, and when you arrive, you’ll want to find your departing gate. The departing gate may not be announced until closer to departure, but don’t worry, because all of the gates are next to each other and you don’t need to walk far.
You will have received your ticket electronically if you booked online, but you can also go to the kiosks or Amtrak ticket counter if you want a physical train ticket. Just show your electronic or physical ticket to the gate agent. When you’re on the train, the conductor will come around to scan your ticket.
If you have a business class ticket, you’ll want to ask someone on the platform which car the business class car is, and they will direct you there. If you have a coach ticket, you can sit anywhere in the train (except business class), including the quiet car and the cafe car. Typically, people boarding will go to the first few cars, so I recommend you go further down the platform to a less crowded car.
Amtrak trains are much more comfortable than airplanes. The seats are larger and more comfortable, and you have much more leg room.
When driving, the stops for things like food, using the bathroom, and gas can really slow down a trip. With a train, you don’t need to worry about that! You can go to the bathroom at any time, and can go to the cafe car for food, drinks (including water bottles and alcohol), and snacks.
The train has stops along the way where passengers will get on and off, and the conductor will come around before each stop to announce to passengers what the next stop is. You’ll want to be mindful of the time to make sure you don’t fall asleep and miss your stop!
Once you arrive in Williamsburg, you’ll be dropped off at the Williamsburg Transportation Center train station. Take a minute to go inside and admire the art deco style. Built in 1935, it’s a smaller station that retains much of its period charm.
From the train station, you have a few options to get around. If your hotel is nearby, you can walk. There may be a taxi there that you can take, but if not, you can call a rideshare car such as Uber or Lyft. You can also take one of the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) buses.
Getting Around Williamsburg Without a Car
Williamsburg Trolley and Local Bus Service
WATA operates busses and trolley lines throughout Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. Notable routes include:
- Route 15 (Colonial) which takes you around Colonial Williamsburg
- Route 1 (Lee Hall) which takes you to Busch Gardens
- Route 8 (William & Mary) which takes you through campus
- Route 6 (Jamestown) which takes you to Jamestown Settlement
- Route 11 (Lackey) which takes you to Yorktown Square
- The Yorktown Trolley which takes you around Historic Yorktown (free!)
Single rides cost $1.50 for a standard fare and and $3.00 for an all-day pass, and you must have exact change and pay in cash on the bus. However, the Yorktown Trolley is free! If you’d like to purchase a 7-day bus pass, you can do so at the customer service counter at the train station, located at 468 N. Boundary Street.
Ride-Sharing Services
Ordering ride-sharing cars was easy when we were in Williamsburg. Uber and Lyft both had many drivers available while we were in Williamsburg.
When further out from Colonial Williamsburg, like at Jamestown and Yorktown, there may be more of a wait.
Renting a Car
If you are planning on seeing sights a bit further out, you may want to rent a car.
Currently, the rental car companies in Williamsburg are only open Monday through Friday, meaning that you cannot pick up or drop off a car there on weekends. If you want a car that you would pick up or drop off on the weekends, the closest car rental options are at the Newport News/Williamsburg Airport, about 30 minutes from the Williamsburg train station.
Top Things to Do in Williamsburg Without a Car
Explore Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is like stepping back in time to 1700s Virginia. Walk around the streets and step into the restored and rebuilt buildings to learn more about what life was like.
Inside the buildings, they have the specialized shops and workshops that would have existed at the time like a blacksmith, apothecary, and printer. In each, costumed skilled workers and guides demonstrate how the people in colonial times would have lived and worked, answering questions from visitors.
In addition to stepping into the shops, you can dine at the taverns, see a show, or stay at one of the colonial homes.
Eat & Shop at Merchant’s Square
Merchants Square is a pedestrian-friendly retail area with pretty brick buildings and a historical feel. On one end is Colonial Williamsburg, and on the other is the College of William & Mary campus. Merchant’s Square has a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes for every taste.
See Rare Music History at Virginia Musical Museum
This ended up being one of my favorite things to do in Williamsburg. I was shocked by how large this museum was and how varied the collections were. This is a must see (and hear).
The Virginia Musical Museum is located in Parker Piano Outlet and showcases the evolution of musical instruments and technology, displays rare instruments, and houses the Virginia Music Hall of Fame. I would recommend calling ahead and arranging a tour so you can really learn about everything. Some highlights were the collection of coin-operated and automated music boxes along with beautifully inlaid musical instruments.
Williamsburg Winery
Located on an estate south of Williamsburg, Williamsburg Winery has been crafting wines since 1985 and has a public tasting room where you can sip on their own wines and that of other Virginia winemakers while overlooking the vineyards. Visitors can also arrange private cellar tours and tastings. In addition to their tasting room, they also have a restaurant and hotel on premises. If you can’t make it to their winery, they also have a wine bar at Merchants Square.
Get Your Thrills at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is consistently voted the most beautiful amusement park in the United States, and is home to thrilling rides, a year-round Oktoberfest, live shows, kids’ entertainment. During the summer, be sure to go to the water park Water Country USA as well.
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