<p>How long does it take to get from UVa to the Charlottesville Amtrak station and how do students typically get to the station? Also, do you think it would be safe for an 18 year old to take the journey to Washington DC by herself? Thanks so much for the input.</p>
<p>The station is very near campus…even walkable if you have a light bag. It is very safe to go to DC alone. It takes a little over an hour.</p>
<p>The free trolley also stops at the Amtrak station. Around breaks, it’s not unusual to see students on the trolley with their bags.</p>
<p>I’ve waited at the Greyhound station (more sketchy than Amtrak in general) at 0330 in the morning. You see strange cultural practices but it’s more or less safe. Brought my laptop and played computer games on the platform till the bus came. </p>
<p>The Amtrak station is just before the Greyhound one, on West Main. The free trolley runs through Central Grounds (AFC/Chem building/Clark/Cabell/Chapel) stops downtown and then stops at the Amtrak station. </p>
<p>I haven’t ridden Amtrak, but I’ve ridden Greyhound (Amtrak was full); it was easy to get to the metro network from Union Station.</p>
<p>I use Amtrak to get home, and I ride the trolley straight from my dorm (Alderman Road) to the station. It’s really easy/convenient. If you want to walk, its probably a 15 minute walk from Central Grounds.</p>