Your Guide to Getting to Staunton

Before the 1850s, the only way to get anywhere in the Shenandoah Valley was to travel by horseback or stagecoach along the Valley Pike (today’s Route 11), which connected Staunton to Winchester and beyond. When the Virginia Central Railroad arrived in 1854, Staunton became a hub for commerce and travel.

Today, Staunton is a vibrant city brimming with culture, history, beautiful architecture, and scenery. It makes perfect sense that people would want to live here if they can and visit if they can’t, especially since they don’t have to bounce along in a stuffy stagecoach. Here are all the ways to get to our popular destination.

Getting Here

Highway

Some roads are even faster than Route 11. Interstate 81 provides convenient north/south travel while Interstate 64 bisects the Valley east/west. While these zippy roads cut down time in the car, sometimes it’s nice to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Route 250 parallels I-64 and connects Staunton to Richmond, passing through Waynesboro and Charlottesville along the way. You also can’t go wrong by skipping I-81 and admiring the Valley from above from the Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Amtrak

Amtrak’s Cardinal line stops at the historic Staunton Train Station once a day in both the eastbound and westbound directions on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Enjoy comfortable, hassle-free travel and incredible views. Travelers can venture as far as New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, D.C., Cincinnati, and Chicago on this line!

Travelers who want to stick to Virginia can take advantage of Virginia by Rail-designed experiences. Virginia by Rail connects six different regions of Virginia, helps travelers get there, and identifies the best sites and events in each area. Connected cities include Norfolk, Richmond, Lynchburg, Fredericksburg, Prince William County and D.C.

If you want to see the Valley by train but not travel far, the Virginia Scenic Railway offers picturesque day trips that set out from and return to Staunton.

Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD)

The Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in Weyers Cave is a short distance from Staunton, connects the Valley to the rest of the world and saves travelers the inconvenience of driving several hours to a major city to catch a flight. The airport works with Contour Airlines, which is a partner of American Airlines, and offers daily flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This stress-free airport offers free parking and fare specialists to help you book the cheapest and most direct flights.

Bus

The Virginia Breeze Valley Flyer bus route connects Valley cities from Blacksburg to D.C. by making daily stops in each community. Pick up the bus in Christiansburg or Dulles Airport and relax all the way to Staunton. Buses include roomy seating, wi-fi, and restrooms.

On Foot

You don’t need to be a thru-hiker to enjoy the long section of the Appalachian Trail that runs through Shenandoah National Park and parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll need a ride from Waynesboro, but you can get pretty close to Staunton on your feet! 

Getting Around Staunton

Staunton’s Walkability

Staunton possesses a charming and walkable downtown, home to dozens of independently owned shops, restaurants, art galleries, and historic landmarks. Visitors can enjoy the outdoor art scene as well as community events like the Staunton Farmers’ Market and Shop and Dine Out Downtown and Beyond each weekend. It is also easy to walk to other points of interest such as Gypsy Hill Park, the Jumbo Museum at the Staunton Fire Station, historic Thornrose Cemetery, and more.

Trolley System

Staunton’s Downtown Trolley is a fun way to explore the city without worrying about parking or climbing the hilly streets. It makes a continuous loop through downtown and can be caught at the Visitor Center each hour from 10 am – 6 pm (8 pm in summer). It includes stops in the city’s historic downtown core, the Wharf Historic District, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, and Gypsy Hill Park. The trolley also offers Saturday evening service until 9 pm (10 pm in summer) that ranges farther afield and includes stops at Walmart and the Statler Square shopping center. Visitors can also catch rides to other parts of the city on the BRITE Bus North and West loops.

Now that you know how to get here and how to get around, it’s time to start planning your trip!