Virginia is where American history begins—from the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown in 1607 to the birth of the Constitution and eight US presidents born within its borders. The Commonwealth stretches from Atlantic barrier islands and the Chesapeake Bay in the east to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Plateau in the west, offering visitors an extraordinary mix of Colonial history, Civil War battlefields, mountain wilderness, wine country, and vibrant coastal cities.
Virginia has no unified statewide transit network. A rental car is essential for Shenandoah, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and most rural historic sites. Amtrak serves Richmond, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Alexandria, and Roanoke. Northern Virginia is fully served by the WMATA Metro. Hampton Roads (Norfolk/Virginia Beach) has local HRT bus and ferry service. Interstate travel is primarily by car (I-95, I-64, I-81) or Amtrak.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Rent a car at DCA or IAD for any itinerary including Shenandoah, the Blue Ridge, or Southwest Virginia
The WMATA SmarTrip card works on Metro, WMATA buses, and some HRT connections — reload online
I-95 tolls in Northern Virginia are dynamic (higher during rush hour) — use the Waze app to find alternatives
Amtrak's Virginia trains run on time roughly 80% of the time; book refundable fares in case of delays
Virginia Beach parking near the oceanfront is $6-10/day at city lots (park and use the free trolley to move along the strip)