HOME Travel Guide Common Sense Travel
decorative font style
    Travel >> Holiday Travel >  >> Travel Notes

Discover Virginia's Waterways by Train: Amtrak Routes to Rivers, Bays, and Beaches

This post is written in partnership with Amtrak Virginia and Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation.

In Virginia, warm weather signals prime time for water adventures. From beaches to mountain springs, the Commonwealth offers diverse aquatic experiences. Dive into swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, tubing, kayaking, sailing, or paddleboarding. Or simply relax with stunning water views while dining, strolling, or shopping.

No need to drive—Amtrak's nine passenger rail routes and 23 stations deliver you directly to Virginia's top waterfront destinations. Recline in wide, comfortable seats with ample legroom, complimentary Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Refuel in the café car with sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages.

Ready for a water-focused Virginia getaway? These rail-accessible spots, from west to east, promise adventure. Watch for scenic water views en route.

—Roanoke—

Discover Virginia s Waterways by Train: Amtrak Routes to Rivers, Bays, and Beaches

Amtrak Station (RNK)

Immerse in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Roanoke River's rushing waters. Trails for biking, walking, running; plus fishing, tubing, and kayaking await near vibrant downtown with dining and shopping.

Get started:

  • Roanoke River Blueway & Greenways
  • Roanoke Mountain Adventures
  • Carvins Cove Natural Reserve

—Fredericksburg—

Discover Virginia s Waterways by Train: Amtrak Routes to Rivers, Bays, and Beaches

Amtrak/VRE Station (FBG)

Fredericksburg blends historic charm with Rappahannock River fun: tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking. Riverside dining and antique shopping abound.

Get started:

  • River Rock Outfitter

—Richmond—

Discover Virginia s Waterways by Train: Amtrak Routes to Rivers, Bays, and Beaches

Amtrak Main Street Station (RVM)/Amtrak Staples Mill Road Station (RVR)

The James River flows through downtown Richmond, where kayakers, tubers, anglers, and rope swingers thrive amid historic sites. Stroll the Riverfront Canal Walk or take a canal boat ride.

For cyclists, Amtrak supports scenic rides like the Virginia Capital Trail. Check Amtrak Virginia for bike-on-board options from Richmond's Main Street Station (RVM) to Williamsburg (WBG).

Get started:

  • Riverside Outfitters
  • Riverfront Canal Walk

—Alexandria—

Discover Virginia s Waterways by Train: Amtrak Routes to Rivers, Bays, and Beaches

Amtrak/VRE Station (ALX)

The Potomac River frames Alexandria, near Washington, D.C., ideal for sailing and boating. Riverside parks offer walks and play; waterfront eateries provide views.

Get started:

  • Potomac Riverboat Company
  • Washington Sailing Marina
  • Mariner Sailing School
  • Jones Point Park

—Newport News—

Amtrak Station (NPN)

A shipbuilding hub with waterfront parks, restaurants, and beaches for boating, fishing, and relaxing. Explore historic shore sites.

Get started:

  • Huntington Park Beach
  • Newport News Park

—Norfolk—

Discover Virginia s Waterways by Train: Amtrak Routes to Rivers, Bays, and Beaches

Amtrak Station (NFK)

Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay fuel fishing, boating, and surfing. Norfolk's waterfront buzzes with parks, shops, museums, sports, and history—plus stunning new developments.

Get started:

  • Great White Water Sports
  • Finao Sportfishing
  • American Rover Tall Ship Cruises
  • Waterside District

—Williamsburg—

Amtrak Station (WBG)

Beyond colonial history, York and James Rivers host sailing and kayak tours for water enthusiasts.

Get started:

  • York River State Park
  • Bay Country Kayaking

Make a Big Splash Without the Splurge

Book at Virginia.Amtrak.com for comfortable travel. Save up to 25% booking 14+ days ahead, or enjoy daily discounts. Hop aboard and reach the water effortlessly.

Travel Notes
  • -

    The timeless romance of historic ocean and river voyages continues to inspire travelers worldwide. Today, many of these legendary journeys remain accessible, allowing you to experience them in classic style without confining them to books or dreams. Discover the worlds most iconic ocean and river voyages—memorable adventures on and beyond the water. Channel Agatha Christies Poirot or Mark Twains Huck Finn, and embark on these lifetime experiences. 1. The Nile Sailing the Nile, the worlds longest

  • Explore Virginia s Potomac River: Ultimate Guide to Restaurants, Breweries, Wineries & Waterfront Adventures

    Spanning 405 miles overall, Virginias stretch of the Potomac River begins at Harpers Ferry and flows southeast through Northern Virginia into the Chesapeake Bay. This iconic waterway forms a natural border with West Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., but its far more than a map line—its a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From paddling and scenic overlooks to vibrant waterfront destinations, the Potomac offers endless adventures for Northern Virginia residents and visitors alike. Use this

  • Tracing the Hidden Source of the Ter River: An Upstream Journey with KEEN Footwear

    Every river has its twists and turns, and the Ter, which runs through the heart of Catalunya, is no different. Our short journey, in partnership with KEEN Footwear, follows this little-known river upstream from its confluence with the Mediterranean in search of its source high in the Pyrenees. Going against the natural flow of the river is not about racing through the changing landscape to reach the source. It isn’t about the quickest time nor the physical challenge; instead, we want to und