sugargeorge

I’m interested in finding the best route. Where to fly into and out from. We could book one way tickets to use different airports if that makes sense and if we can return a rental car at a different location. Or are there trains etc. In that area. This will also be a family vacation so need to incorporate that in as well as college visits. We have all been to Charlottesville before and even taken a quick look at UVA. Though since it is on my son’s list to apply I thought another visit would be a good idea. Thank you!

PrairieHikerI

I would fly into Richmond and rent a car and keep it for the duration. You will only be an hour from Charlottesville and less than an hour from William and Mary.

k_marie

You may find helpful yk’s report on her recent week in Virginia. While college tours were not part of the itinerary, she and her son visited the three areas you have targeted.

yk+family weeklong American history tour to Virginia, April 2022

obxgirl

Although you didn't say where you were coming from I strongly suspect flying in and out of Richmond makes the most sense and I also agree that renting a car at the airport for the duration is a smart move.

Trains will definitely not be an effective use of your family time for 5 days in the area.

You mentioned that your trip is planned for October so I will add that UVA's Homecoming weekend is October 8th and C'ville will be slammed. Ditto but slightly less so for Family weekend October 29. W&M's Homecoming weekend is also October 8th. W&M is a smaller uni than UVA and Williamsburg has a better network of hotels b/c of Colonial Williamsburg.

sugargeorge

Thank you so much! That sounds like a good plan.