Overview
Virginia is one of the most historic and scenic states in the US, with more than 250 Civil War historic sites to explore. The city of Richmond, which was the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War, has many wonderful old buildings and cultural attractions. Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown (the birthplace of the USA) are the three corner points of the historic triangle in southeastern Virginia. The Shenandoah Valley, home to caves, waterfalls and popular resort towns, is located in the Appalachian Mountains in the western part of the state. In Norfolk, a major seaport on the Atlantic, is the world’s largest naval base. The Chesapeake Bay is a complex ecosystem with a long and interesting past of pirates and shipwrecks. Today there are many thriving oyster farms and a wide range of recreational activities including fishing, swimming, boating and sailing. The first wine was produced in Virginia in 1608, and Virginia’s growing wine industry today consists of more than 100 wineries.
- Travelationary: Covers basic information about Virginia geography and economy.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
There are numerous daily direct flights to Washington, DC from Germany, Austria and Switzerland: – from Frankfurt/M. and Munich fly Lufthansa (LH) and United (UA); from Frankfurt/M. also Condor (DE); – from Zurich and Geneva Swiss (LX) and United (UA); – from Vienna Austrian Airlines (OS) and United (UA).
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Washington: 8 hours 40 minutes; Munich – Washington: 9 hours 5 minutes; Zurich – Washington: 9 hours 25 minutes; Geneva – Washington: 9 hrs 10 mins; Vienna – Washington: 10 hrs 10 mins
airpasses
The Jet Blue Airpass lets you book 3 or more flights across the entire Jet Blue network in the US at once. The Jet Blue Airpass is valid for 90 days, can be changed flexibly, and luggage is included. For more information on availability of limited concessions, contact STA Travel at +49-69-255 150 000. Jet Blue flies to Washington and Baltimore, Maryland.
Arrival by car
Virginia has numerous well-developed expressways and some of the oldest and most scenic byways. Bus: Greyhound’s buses serve a variety of locations throughout Virginia, including Richmond, Charlottesville and Virginia Beach. Tolls: There are several toll roads and bridges near the coast and around Dulles International Airport. The toll can be paid with a transponder and the E-ZPass; Cash payment is often also possible.
Note on arrival by car
Average bus travel times: Richmond – Washington, DC: 2 hours 30 minutes; Richmond – Charlottesville: 1 hr 30 min; Richmond – Williamsburg: 1 hour 45 minutes; Richmond – Baltimore: 3 hrs 45 mins; Richmond – Philadelphia: 4 hrs 45 mins; Richmond – Washington, DC: 2 hours 15 minutes; Williamsburg – Richmond 1 hr; Williamsburg – Norfolk: 2 hrs 30 mins
Arrival by train
The Amtrak Crescent Line connects New York City to New Orleans, passing through Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville, as well as Charlotte, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia. The Carolinian/Piedmont travels from New York City to Charlotte (North Carolina) via Washington DC as well as Richmond and Petersburg. The Northeast Regional serves the route from Virginia Beach to Boston via Newport News and other cities in Virginia, Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York City. The Auto Train operates between Lorton (Virginia – Washington DC) and Sanford (Florida – Orlando). Learn more from Amtrak.
Rail passes
The Amtrak USA Rail Pass is valid on the entire Amtrak network. Detailed information under Arrival USA.
Passport and visa regulations
Entry with children
Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.
- Usaers: Provides a full list of major rivers and mountains in Virginia.
Country data
Area (sq km)
109629
Population
8,535,519
Population density (per square km)
76
Population statistics year
2019
