It is not easy to find parking around the University area.
From the University to the downtown mall is a walk of 20-30 minutes and there is a free trolley bus that runs in a loop from the University to the Downtown Mall approximately every 20 minutes. Getting around the University of Virginia is easy using the free University Transit System (UTS) buses.
The Central Grounds area is very walkable, but some areas of campus (called "Grounds" by students) can be over a mile away. If you are traveling to or from Washington, DC, the train is generally faster, cleaner, and more comfortable than the bus. The bus station is on West Main Street, about two blocks east of the Amtrak station. Washington, D.C., between 2 and 2.5 hours.Traffic on US-29 north of town can be slow or dense at rush hour and around special events in Charlottesville, but speeds below 25mph are rare. To the north, the road alternates between being a four-lane commercial center with frequent traffic lights and buisnesses and being more similar to US-29 south of town. To the south, it is a four-lane road with frequent curves and at-grade crossings, but few traffic lights. There is rarely traffic on I-64 near Charlottesville, and the only major hill is crossing Afton Mountain, about 30 minutes west of town.
I-64 is a four-lane interstate leading to Charlottesville from east and west. The major highways leading into Charlottesville are US-29 and I-64. Plan to call for taxi service or take the CTS bus or trolley if you are not walking. The station is on West Main Street, about halfway between the Downtown Mall and the University (3/4 mile to each), but within walking distance of several restaurants. Two or three northbound and two or three southbound trains stop in Charlottesville each day (the number depends on the day). Charlottesville is on the Cardinal, Crescent, and Northeast Regional routes. Rental cars are available at each and the drive to Charlottesville is straightforward.Īmtrak. Richmond is 80 miles away and Dulles is over 100 miles away. It is often more economical to fly into Washington Dulles ( IATA: IAD) or Richmond ( IATA: RIC). This airport is approximately 10 miles from downtown, so a rental car (Avis, Hertz, or National), taxi, or hotel courtesy shuttle is required. Ensconced in beautiful Albemarle County, Charlottesville is also surrounded by vineyards and horse country - the best of all worlds.Ĭharlottesville Albemarle Airport, ( IATA: CHO). Charlottesville is a major cultural center for central Virginia, and features more fine dining, shopping, and entertainment than one might expect for a town of its size. The culture of Charlottesville revolves around two points: the University of Virginia and the Historic Downtown Mall. When visiting Charlottesville, be sure to stop by the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society to learn more about the area's rich history. His home at Monticello and the Jefferson-designed University of Virginia have set the tone for the communities beautiful buildings.
Many of Charlottesville's public buildings are made of brick and built in a Jeffersonian style, and many private homes are colonial. Jefferson," or "TJ," continues to cast a long shadow, particularly over local architecture. Jefferson, whom locals affectionately call "Mr. Central Virginia was a major battlefield during the Civil and Revolutionary Wars. presidents who came from Virginia, two - Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe - were from Charlottesville, and two more came from neighboring counties. Charlottesville is a lovely university town of about 40,000 with lots to offer.Ĭharlottesville is steeped in history and culture. Charlottesville, in central Virginia, was ranked the number one place to live in the United States of America by Frommers.