NEWS RELEASE – May 10, 2023
Amtrak Virginia offers service to colleges and universities
RICHMOND & WASHINGTON, DC — With summer right around the corner, Amtrak and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) are inviting students and their parents to skip traffic jams and hop on board the train for an adventure to visit colleges and universities located in cities within the Commonwealth and in Washington, D.C.
A comfortable way to visit college towns, Amtrak Virginia travels to more than 20 institutions of higher learning along four corridors – Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond and Roanoke – and customers can continue with a same-seat trip to Washington, D.C., and other cities in the Northeast.
“There’s no better way to travel to our colleges and universities than to skip the car and travel on our state-supported trains,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “Whether it’s for those early college tours or trips home once a student has enrolled, Amtrak Virginia can be a part of the college experience.”
Amtrak offers easy and convenient travel between city centers, free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices (no “airplane mode”), Quiet Cars for those who want a library-like environment to work, read or doze, the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room, and no middle seat.
“Making a college visit and touring the campus are important in a student’s decision to apply to a school,” said Jeff Mann, Amtrak Senior Director of State Supported Services. “We’re happy to aid the process by offering a safe, comfortable and sustainable way to travel to explore these educational opportunities.”
Virginia Anytime Fares offer a 15% discount for travel within Virginia and to/from Washington, D.C. From the Amtrak app, use discount code V552. Additional discounts are available for students and small groups. Terms and conditions apply. To learn more or book online, visit Amtrak.com/Virginia.
About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering and expanding its state-supported Amtrak Virginia passenger rail service. The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg, VA. Since that time, the Commonwealth’s service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors. For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.
About Amtrak®
For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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Colleges and Universities near Amtrak Virginia corridors:
The Roanoke service makes stops in these college towns:
Roanoke – Home to Hollins University and Roanoke College
Lynchburg – Home to Liberty University and the University of Lynchburg
Charlottesville – Home to the University of Virginia
On the Newport News service, visit these towns and schools:
Williamsburg – Home to the College of William & Mary
Newport News – Home to Christopher Newport University
Take the Norfolk service to visit:
Petersburg – Home to Virginia State University
Norfolk – Home to Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University
On the Newport News, Norfolk & Richmond services you can travel to:
Fredericksburg – Home to the University of Mary Washington
Ashland – Home to Randolph Macon College
Richmond – Home to Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond, and Virginia Union University
Other Virginia schools that have Amtrak Virginia service nearby include:
George Mason University in Fairfax and Marymount University in Arlington – Take the Newport News, Norfolk or Richmond services to Alexandria and use Metro or a rideshare to travel to both campuses.
Regent University in Virginia Beach and Hampton University in Hampton – Take the Norfolk or Newport News services then transfer to Amtrak’s Thruway Bus Service to Virginia Beach.
Virginia Tech – Take the Roanoke service then transfer to a Thruway bus connection to Virginia Tech and Blacksburg, VA (BLK), operated by Valley Metro’s SmartWay. Also, with planned future expansion to the New River Valley (Christiansburg), Amtrak Virginia will offer service that includes a stop near Radford and one that is even closer to Virginia Tech.
All four Amtrak Virginia routes make a stop in Washington, DC, home to even more colleges and universities including Howard University, Georgetown University, American University, Gallaudet University, Catholic University and George Washington University. With service from Virginia up the East Coast, Amtrak Virginia makes taking the train a great way to visit colleges and universities from Washington, DC to points north.
