Virginia Railway Express
Fredericksburg, VRE's southern terminus, is a vibrant, growing city that resonates with the memory of some of the most pivotal events and individuals in American history. This river town bustled as a port city long before the 13 colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Clara Barton and Walt Whitman were all connected in various ways with Fredericksburg while making significant contributions to the growth of our nation. The Civil War devastated the area as a result of four major conflicts being fought in the immediate area between 1862 and 1864. The conflict did leave many of the architectural treasures surrounding Fredericksburg intact. Over 350 original 18th and 19th century buildings contained in a 40 block historical district are open to visitors. Costumed hosts and hostesses, walking tours, wineries, quaint bed and breakfast establishments and seasonal festivals all lend a unique ambiance to this very special Virginia city.
Virginia Railway Express (VRE) offers metro visitors and residents a unique, relaxing and stress free way to enjoy Fredericksburg. VRE can carry visitors from the Washington area (and intermediate points) to Fredericksburg's VRE station in air conditioned comfort on trains offering café car amenities while avoiding the stress of highway commuting and the hassle of parking. Upon arrival, make your first stop at the Visitor Center on Caroline Street for helpful, friendly advice on attractions for all family members. Exit the station platform with a right turn on Princess Anne Street. One block later turn right on Charlotte Street and then left on Caroline Street. The visitor center is on the left approximately halfway along the block at 706 Caroline Street. Be sure and ask about the various discount passes allowing visits to various historical sites. Information is also available about touring information for surrounding Stafford and Spotsylvania Counties.
Passengers holding VRE ten trip or monthly tickets may ride select Amtrak trains between Washington and Fredericksburg. Amtrak connections to and from Fredericksburg are available at Alexandria (especially convenient for Manassas area VRE passengers), Woodbridge and Quantico. Currently Amtrak offers a midmorning train from Washington to Fredericksburg with a late afternoon departure back to Washington, both of which allow connections to the Manassas area via VRE.*
*VRE ten ticket holders are reminded that the ten tickets may be used by more than one passenger for travel via VRE and Amtrak.