Washington DC to Richmond with no car
 

We are flying into DC in September for 2-3 days and going on to Williamsburg to meet friends for a golf vacation. They already have car In Richmond. What is most efficient way to get from DC to Richmond? Train? Rent a car one way?

Renting a car is probably cheaper, but it might depend on how many train tickets you're buying (and kids 5 - 15 ride for half-fare). Certailny, a car rental would get you closer to where you're going and be more flexible about travel times.

One-way car rentals are pretty expensive. I would look at Amtrak; there is decent service between DC and Richmond. Plus, the trip by car down I-95 is not pleasant.

Amtrak will run you about $30/person and is about a 2 hour ride If you are flying into National, factor in a $10 cab ride or take the Metro. If you are flying into Dulles, you may want to look at other options. A cab ride city will run you about $50.

That would be $10 cab ride to Union Station.

Sid, I think they're going to spend a few days in DC before heading to Richmond.

biggy, you'll have to price this out yourself, just check with a few car-rental places, they all have offices at Union Station and scattered around downtown. One-way rentals aren't always expensive anymore.

There are "Chinatown Buses" now going to Richmond, as well as "standard" Greyhound (et al) bus service.

If you take Amtrak, you can also board many of the trains in Alexandria. On Amtrak, it's important to look at where your train originates; the further your boarding city is from the originating city, the more likely it is for delays to occur - however the southbound trains are MUCH more reliable than the northbound.