VPRA, Amtrak launch new express bus service between Richmond and DC

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Amtrak will launch a new express bus service between Richmond and Washington, D.C., on Saturday, to support service changes for VPRA's Long Bridge Project.

In a joint press release on Thursday, March 5, VPRA and Amtrak announced the launch of a new express bus service between Richmond and D.C. on March 7, in support of service changes implemented for the project.

VPRA said the new Amtrak Connection roundtrips will provide additional travel options for passengers between Richmond's Staples Mill and Main Street stations and Washington's Union Station with non-stop bus service.

The rail authority said that on Jan. 12, to accommodate the construction of the Long Bridge Project, service changes were made, including adding two round-trip Amtrak Connection express buses from the Hampton Roads area — including Virginia Beach, Newport News and Norfolk — to D.C.

According to VPRA, the schedules for the Richmond Amtrak Connection buses will allow for morning travel north to Washington and return options south to Richmond in the late afternoon -- either by bus or by rail.

Once they arrive at Union Station, passengers will be able to connect to Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Acela services to Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and points north, VPRA said.  

Reservations for Amtrak Connection’s Richmond departures can be made on Amtrak's website, through the Amtrak app, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. 

Bus departures will reportedly appear as travel options on the Amtrak booking site, either as a standalone trip between Richmond and D.C. or as a multiride trip in combination with trains for trips between the Northeast Corridor and Richmond. 

The buses will arrive at Union Station’s bus deck, which is one floor above the station’s waiting area, ticket counter and boarding gates. The station can be accessed from the bus deck by escalators, elevators and stairs. VPRA said red cap service is also available for those in need of assistance.

VPRA said the Long Bridge Project, which is the flagship of the state’s Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative, will connect Virginia with Washington, D.C. through a new railroad corridor dedicated solely to passenger rail. 

The rail authority said service changes implemented in support of the project will continue until the project’s completion in 2030.