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City guide

Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville, colloquially known as C'ville, is an independent city in Virginia, United States. It is the county seat of Albemarle County, which surrounds the city, though the two are separate legal entities.

Type CityPopulation 46,553

Why go

  • Independent city in Virginia, United States.
  • Known for University of Virginia, Monticello home of Thomas Jefferson.
  • 1 curated must-see attraction on record, including Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.
  • Served by Louisa County Airport / Freeman Field (LOW).

History

Charlottesville, colloquially known as C'ville, is an independent city in Virginia, United States. It is the county seat of Albemarle County, which surrounds the city, though the two are separate legal entities. The former capital of Virginia, it is named after Queen Charlotte. At the 2020 census, the city's population was 46,553. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the City of Charlottesville with Albemarle County for statistical purposes, bringing its population to approximately 160,000. Charlottesville is the heart of the Charlottesville metropolitan area, which includes Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, and Nelson counties.

Must-see attractions

931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Outdoor

Airports

Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO) 7.3 mi to the centre
100 Bowen Loop #200, Charlottesville, VA 22911 — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day. ✈ 6 airlines (American Airlines, US Airways, Delta Air Lines, Air France…) · direct flights to 6 destinations incl. Atlanta, New York, Charlotte, Chicago, Philadelphia… (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 6 airlines, 6 direct destinations

Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.

Indoor | Outdoor
Gordonsville Municipal Airport (GVE) 20 mi to the centre
Gordonsville, VA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Louisa County Airport / Freeman Field (LOW) 29 mi to the centre
Louisa, VA, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Orange County Airport 28 mi to the centre
Orange, VA, US
Outdoor
Snow Hill Airport 8.9 mi to the centre
Charlottesville, VA, US
Outdoor
Cottonwood Farm Airport 11 mi to the centre
Crozet, VA, US
Outdoor

Where things are

Full geo-intelligence in Better Mapping →
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map © OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Louisa County Airport / Freeman Field (LOW); 10 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: CHO has direct flights to 6 destinations on 6 airlines (incl. Atlanta, New York, Charlotte, Chicago, Philadelphia…).

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Charlottesville, Virginia. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Local transit

Public transit · Schedules & GTFS data
Public transit · Schedules & GTFS data
Bus · Virginia · Schedules & GTFS data

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach