The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) launched the Virginia Breeze, Virginia’s new intercity bus program on December 1, 2017. The Virginia Breeze is the intercity bus program’s pilot route that connects travelers from Blacksburg to Washington, D.C., with multiple stops in-between, providing a critical transportation link between Virginia’s rural communities and the national bus network. The program is fully funded by the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) 5311 Intercity Bus Program.
“The Virginia Breeze improves mobility choices for underserved communities by offering an alternative to driving along the congested Interstate 81 and 66 corridors, which need travel options,” said DRPT Director Jennifer Mitchell. “Intercity bus travel gets people out of cars and where they want to go affordably, comfortably and reliably.”
The Virginia Breeze will make daily morning departures from the Virginia Tech Squires Student Center, located at 290 College Avenue in Blacksburg, at 8:00 a.m., and arrive at the Union Station – Washington, D.C. bus deck at 2:30 p.m. A second, southbound bus will depart Union Station at 9:20 a.m. daily, making the reverse trip arriving at the Squires Student Center by 3:40 p.m.
Stops along the Virginia Breeze route include:
- Christiansburg (Falling Branch Park & Ride)
- Lexington (Food Lion in Stonewall Square)
- Staunton (Martin’s Grocery on Richmond Avenue)
- Harrisonburg (Godwin Transit Center at JMU)
- Front Royal (Crooked Run VDOT Park & Ride)
- Dulles Airport (Curb 2E)
- Arlington (Kiss & Ride lot at the West Falls Church-VT/UVA Metrorail Station)
The Virginia Breeze features a modern 56-passenger coach with free Wi-Fi, in-seat power outlets and other amenities, and is operated in partnership with Dillon’s, a Coach USA company. Virginia Breeze customers can also purchase an interline ticket for Megabus destinations beyond Union Station, such as Philadelphia or New York. This program marks the first time a state has partnered with Megabus to provide interline ticketing options in the US.
To learn more about the Virginia Breeze schedule, ticketing, and route information click here. Ticket prices vary based on the selected trip and must be purchased online.
About the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
DRPT’s mission is to improve the mobility of people and goods while expanding transportation choices in the Commonwealth through rail, public transportation, and commuter services. DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For additional information on DRPT’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures or to file a complaint, please contact the Title VI Compliance Officer, Mike Mucha at (804) 786‐6794, TDD 711, or 600 E. Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219.