Plan your journey to West Virginia and discover the best ways to explore its mountains, historic towns and beautiful countryside.
West Virginia is an excellent destination for a scenic road trip. Its winding mountain roads, beautiful valleys and small communities make travelling by car one of the most convenient ways to explore the state.
Although public transportation is available in some cities, many of West Virginia’s natural attractions are difficult to reach without a car.
If you want to explore the national parks, mountain towns and scenic countryside, I recommend renting a car.
Flying to West Virginia
West Virginia International Yeager Airport in Charleston is one of the state’s main passenger airports, offering domestic connections.
Other options include North Central West Virginia Airport near Bridgeport and Tri-State Airport near Huntington.
For visitors travelling from abroad, Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia and Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania may also be convenient, depending on which part of West Virginia you plan to visit.
Travelling by Car
Interstate 64 crosses southern West Virginia, connecting Charleston with Huntington to the west and the Lewisburg area to the east.
Interstate 79 provides a north–south connection between Charleston and Morgantown.
Interstate 77 is another important route, passing through Charleston and Beckley.
Driving times can be longer than expected because of the mountainous terrain and winding roads.
If you are planning a road trip, allow extra time for scenic stops and check road conditions during winter.
Travelling by Train
Amtrak’s Cardinal provides passenger rail service through parts of West Virginia, including stops in Huntington, Charleston, White Sulphur Springs and other communities.
The service operates on selected days rather than daily, so check the timetable when planning your journey.
Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg are also served by Amtrak’s Capitol Limited and regional MARC commuter rail services.
Exploring West Virginia
A rental car gives you the freedom to visit destinations such as New River Gorge, Blackwater Falls and Seneca Rocks.
For a first visit, I recommend choosing one or two regions rather than trying to explore the entire state in a few days.
New River Gorge and the surrounding mountain communities make a wonderful introduction to West Virginia.
If you have more time, continue towards the eastern mountains or visit historic Harpers Ferry.
West Virginia is a destination where scenic drives, beautiful landscapes and unexpected discoveries are all part of the experience.