Flying Directly to Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO) 

Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO) is the most convenient option, located just 8 miles (about 20 minutes) from downtown Charlottesville. 

  • Airlines serving CHO directly: 

    • American Airlines: Offers direct flights from Charlotte (CLT) and New York (LGA). 

    • Delta: Offers direct flights from Atlanta (ATL) and New York (LGA). 

    • United: Offers direct flights from Chicago (ORD) and Washington Dulles (IAD). 

  • Example Flight Times (non-stop, approximate): 

    • From Atlanta (ATL): ~1 hour 35 minutes (Delta) 

    • From Chicago (ORD): ~2 hours 5 minutes (United) 

    • From New York (LGA): ~1 hour 30 minutes (American, Delta) 

Note: Flight times and availability can vary significantly. It's always best to check current schedules and fares directly with the airlines or on flight comparison websites.

Taking the Train to Charlottesville (Amtrak)

Charlottesville has an Amtrak station (CVS) located conveniently near downtown and the University of Virginia (810 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903). This can be a relaxing and scenic option, particularly for attendees traveling from other East Coast cities. 

  • Amtrak Routes serving Charlottesville: 

    • Northeast Regional: Connects Charlottesville with cities along the Northeast Corridor, including Roanoke, Lynchburg, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. 

    • Crescent: Provides service between New York and New Orleans, with stops in major East Coast cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and points south through the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama. 

    • Cardinal: Runs three times a week (Sunday, Wednesday, Friday westbound; Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday eastbound) between New York and Chicago, with Charlottesville as a stop. 

  • Example Train Travel Times (approximate): 

    • From Washington D.C. (WAS): ~2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 

    • From New York (NYP): ~6 hours to 7 hours 30 minutes 

    • From Philadelphia (PHL): ~4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes 

    • From Boston (BOS): ~11 hours (Northeast Regional, can involve connections) 

    • From Raleigh (RGH): ~5 hours (Crescent) 

Considerations for Train Travel: 

  • Frequency: Northeast Regional has multiple daily departures. The Crescent and Cardinal have less frequent service. 

  • Baggage: Amtrak offers checked baggage service at Charlottesville station for the Crescent and Cardinal. 

  • Comfort: Trains offer more space and the ability to walk around compared to flights or cars. 

  • Scenery: Enjoy the views of the Virginia countryside. 

Recommendation: Check the specific Amtrak schedule and fares for their desired travel dates on Amtrak's official website (amtrak.com). 

Flying to Nearby Major Airports and Renting a Car 

For those who may not find direct flights to CHO or prefer more flight options, flying into a larger regional airport and renting a car is a common alternative. 

1. Richmond International Airport (RIC) 

  • Location from Charlottesville: Approximately 80 miles (1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes driving time) 

  • Airlines at RIC: Major carriers like American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, and Spirit offer extensive service. 

  • Driving Route: Generally, a straightforward drive west on I-64. 

2. Washington D.C. Area Airports (DCA, IAD, BWI) These airports offer the widest range of flight options but involve a longer drive. Traffic around the D.C. metropolitan area can significantly impact travel times, especially during peak hours. 

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) 

    • Location from Charlottesville: Approximately 96 miles (2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes driving time, without heavy traffic). 

    • Airlines at DCA: Major carriers like American, Delta, United, Southwest, and JetBlue. 

    • Driving Route: Generally, involves I-395 S to I-95 S, then west on US-33/US-250 or I-64 W. 

  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) 

    • Location from Charlottesville: Approximately 83 miles (2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes driving time, without heavy traffic). 

    • Airlines at IAD: Major international and domestic carriers including United (major hub), Delta, American, and many international airlines. 

    • Driving Route: Generally, involves VA-267 W (Dulles Toll Road/Greenway) to US-15 S, then to I-64 E, or US-29 S. 

  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) 

    • Location from Charlottesville: Approximately 126 miles (2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes driving time, without heavy traffic). 

    • Airlines at BWI: Major carriers like Southwest (major hub), American, Delta, United, and Spirit. 

    • Driving Route: Generally, involves MD-295 S or I-95 S to the D.C. area, then west on US-33/US-250 or I-64 W. 

Important Note for Driving: Always factor in potential traffic delays, especially when driving from the Washington D.C. area. Checking real-time traffic conditions before departure is highly recommended.