<p>My D and I would like to do a visit that includes W&L, Davidson, Duke and maybe UVA. Is it possible to do this without a car? I'd love to ride the train, but how close does Amtrak come to Lexington? Are there shuttles available to the nearest station? Bus options?</p>
<p>As someone from the other side of the country, I also worry about the logistics of travel if my D were to actually attend the college. It sounds like a wonderful place, but is it worth the hassle and expense of trying to fly into Roanoke, or making it from bigger airports to the campus? I'd love to hear from parents or students who live far away, and how you've dealt with the travel challenges.</p>
<p>the closest train to Lexington is in Staunton, which is ~40 miles away. You pretty much do need a car to get there for a visit. However, if your D attends, it is fairly easy to cadge rides from other students to Roanoke, Richmond or DC, with a little planning.</p>
<p>I don't have a car, and when my mother and father and I went to visit W&L, we live in NYC and amtraked to DC to visits those schools, and then we took that train to Staunton (the train ran like once every three days). We called the school and they recommended a cab service which was very helpful. It is a hassle, but it's really pretty down there, and worth it.</p>
<p>Thanks to both of you. I may well end up just renting a car, but I'll keep working on the train trip. That would make the visit seem more like a vacation!</p>
<p>I would fly. UVa and W&L are just over an hour drive apart. Perhaps you could plan to fly into Charlotte to see Davidson, and start the winding drive north to see Duke, W&L, UVa and they fly home out of Richmond, or drive the extra hour and see some of the fabulous DC schools. The driving is pretty down there - and really there are so many schools once you look at the map. For example, you may be able to swing through Wake Forest as you travel from Duke to W&L. That is what we did, but in reverse order. Good luck - they are all amazing and beautiful schools.!</p>
<p>Thanks bibbist - yes, we would definitely fly to and from the area. D is quite interested in seeing Georgetown too, so we've been thinking of flying into Charlotte or Raleigh and home from DC. This is a part of the country I've need seen (except DC), and I'm really excited about exploring a bit.</p>