Roanoke Overnight

[daybeers]

While on a trip to D.C., I have always wanted to visit family I have in Roanoke and take the train. However, the times (of which I’m guessing for this summer through tedious searches in Arrow because Amtrak took off all their schedules; thanks Gardner!) don’t allow for much time overnight: arrives 9:55 PM weekdays with weekends only 22 minutes earlier, and best departure is on weekends which is still 8:55 AM. 11 hours in the dark doesn’t allow one to explore much of a place, so what’s the easiest way to do a single overnight in Roanoke involving the train on at least one leg with the rest on buses; no flying. Starting from NHV most likely, so I’d probably want to stop in D.C. on the way there or back for at least two nights to visit.

 

[Palmland]

Not the answer you want, but to see the best of Roanoke, from a railfan standpoint, spend two nights. Then you can enjoy a full day and visit the O Winston Link Museum and the Virginia Museum of Transportation. And for lodging, you can’t beat the classic former Norfolk and Western Hotel Roanoke where the museums and station are a short walk.

 

[RebelRider]

Greyhound is the only intercity bus company in Roanoke. It picks up across the parking lot from the Amtrak platform. Unfortunately, it appears the only northbound bus towards Washington/Philadelphia/New York leaves at 5:25am and goes to Richmond for a transfer.

We're expecting a second daily train to RNK in 2022 with a morning arrival from Washington and an afternoon departure back.