Take the Train to the Best Shopping in Virginia this Holiday

The holidays are officially here, and that means many are planning gift-buying trips to the Commonwealth’s best shopping destinations.

The good news: There are a variety of unique shops in Virginia. The better news: You don’t have to hit holiday highway traffic to get to many of them.

Amtrak’s passenger train service has stations near many of the best shops in Virginia, which means holiday shoppers can travel in comfort (and never worry about crowded parking lots or filling up on gas).

This mini-guide covers train-accessible historic shopping districts, shopping centers, and outlet malls in Virginia loved by locals and visitors alike. You’ll also find information for each city and its Amtrak station to make planning a breeze.
 

JUMP TO: Historic Shopping | Outlet Malls | Shopping Malls | Plan Your Trip
 

HISTORIC SHOPPING IN VIRGINIA

When you just to enjoy a little local charm and historic flair as you shop, Virginia is the place to be. The Commonwealth offers quaint and quirky shopping districts that feature small shops and restaurants. And, they tend to go all out for the holidays, with festive decor and special events that make the experience even more special.
 

Carytown—Richmond

Richmond’s nine-block Carytown Shopping District is a walkable village packed with personality. You’ll find shops and boutiques for a wide variety of tastes and interests. When you’re ready for a break, the people-watching can’t be beat.

Station: Richmond – Main Street (RVM) or Richmond – Staples Mill (RVR)

Proximity: Main Street – 3.6 miles or Staples Mill – 3.7 miles
 

Historic Downtown Fredericksburg

Historic Downtown Fredericksburg features more than 100 shops and restaurants, including a four-block “antique row” set by the Rappahannock River. It’s a great place to tackle your gift list, take in the sights, and enjoy a good meal.

Station: Fredericksburg (FBG)

Proximity: .5 miles

Old Town Alexandria

Just across the Potomac from Washington, DC, Old Town Alexandria is known for its colonial-era architecture, cobblestone streets, and thoroughly modern places to shop and dine. Enjoy local Virginia boutiques nestled in a thriving arts and culture scene.

Station: Alexandria (ALX)

Proximity: 1.4 miles
 

Historic Ghent—Norfolk

Perfect for antiques lovers, Historic Ghent is a lovely area to explore, with street-level boutiques and specialty stores made for browsing. Take your time and enjoy the leisurely pace in these three blocks of retail and dining locations.

Station: Norfolk (NFK)

Proximity: 2.5 miles

Merchants Square—Williamsburg

Step back in time and enjoy a day out on the town, 18-century style. Located right next to Colonial Williamsburg, Merchants Square offers one of the most unique experiences for shopping in Virginia. The shopping district is nearly 100 years old, dating back to 1927. 

Station: Williamsburg (WBG)

Proximity: .4 miles

OUTLET MALLS IN VIRGINIA

If you’re seeking just the right combination of brand names and bargains, you’ll love the outlet malls in Virginia. They offer great variety at great prices, every day – no need to wait for the major sale days.
 

Potomac Mills—Woodbridge

The largest outlet mall in Virginia, Potomac Mills is legendary. Shop more than 200 stores in a completely indoor experience. And, if you need to take a rest, you can take in a show at the AMC Potomac Mills 18 Theatres.

Station: Woodbridge (WBD)

Proximity: 4.5 miles
 

Norfolk Premium Outlets

Located in the heart of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk Premium Outlets offers a relaxing, family-friendly shopping experience with a vast selection of retail stores and food options, plus scenery and entertainment that amplify the holiday spirit.

Station: Norfolk (NFK)

Proximity: 8 miles
 

Williamsburg Premium Outlets

While you’ll feel a little of the region’s colonial heritage shining through, don’t be fooled – the 135 outlet stores at Williamsburg Premium Outlets are thoroughly modern. Enjoy the boutique touch while uncovering incredible deals.

Station: Williamsburg (WBG)

Proximity: 3.5 miles

SHOPPING MALLS IN VIRGINIA

You can’t go wrong at the traditional shopping malls in Virginia, especially with a long gift list for loved ones. There’s something for everyone, all under one roof. 
 

The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City—Arlington

The dynamic shopping experience at The Fashion Centre promises “avenues of fashion and boulevards of style,” with more than 170 stores and restaurants. Shop all day and stay energized with a stop to the skylit food court, which features a number of international specialties.

Station: Alexandria (ALX)

Proximity: 5.7 miles
 

Central Park—Fredericksburg

A destination shopping experience, Central Park offers 200 shops, restaurants and businesses – and more than 50 are restaurants. No matter your tastes, you’ll find somewhere delicious to refuel as you tackle your shopping list.

Station: Fredericksburg (FBG)

Proximity: 3.6 miles
 

MacArthur Center—Norfolk

Get ready to enter a one-million-square-foot retail wonderland. The MacArthur Center is part of Norfolk’s historic downtown, with a decidedly modern, metropolitan feel. With more than 70 new-to-the-market retailers, you’ll always find fresh options.

Station: Norfolk (NFK)

Proximity: 1.5 miles

Short Pump Town Center—Richmond

The beautiful, open-air Short Pump Town Center features more than 140 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The mall shows out during the holiday season, with twinkling lights and decorations throughout the campus. 

Station: Richmond – Main Street (RVM) or Richmond – Staples Mill (RVR)

Proximity: Main Street – 15.5 miles or Staples Mill – 10 miles
 

Stony Point Fashion Park—Richmond

For a relaxed but upscale outdoor shopping experience, you might like to take a stroll around this uniquely park-like, open-air mall in Richmond. Stony Point Fashion Park offers an exciting mix of exclusive brands and local treasures.

Station: Richmond – Main Street (RVM) or Richmond – Staples Mill (RVR)

Proximity: Main Street – 10 miles or Staples Mill – 8 miles
 

Tysons Corner Center—Tysons

Bring a comfortable pair of shoes for this one — Tysons Corner Center is the fifth-largest mall in the nation, with a reputation as a monument of retail. You’ll find the newest concepts and the latest names, with a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Station: Alexandria (ALX)

Proximity: 17 miles

PLAN YOUR TRIP

This guide can be just the start of your holiday shopping plans. Check out more of our shopping picks and keep exploring holiday experiences in Virginia. Then, head to Amtrak to book your tickets for a comfortable, convenient travel experience.
 

Williamsburg

Amtrak’s Williamsburg station is just blocks away from Colonial Williamsburg. It features a steep gabled roof and classical portico along with its comfortable waiting room.

Shopping Destinations: Merchants Square, Williamsburg Premium Outlets

Plan Your Trip: Complete Guide to Visiting Williamsburg

Alexandria

Conveniently located right in the heart of Alexandria, this Amtrak station offers a waiting room and is close to Old Town with convenient Metro access.

Shopping Destinations: Old Town Alexandria, The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Tysons Corner Center

Plan Your Trip: Complete Guide to Visiting Alexandria
 

Fredericksburg

Nestled in the historic district, Amtrak offers a platform and a covered shelter at this location. You also can enjoy a meal at The Bavarian Chef, located in the original depot, which dates back to 1910.

Shopping Destinations: Historic Downtown Fredericksburg, Central Park
 

Norfolk

With the return of passenger rail in 2012, Norfolk constructed a depot near the waterfront that’s both classic and thoroughly modern. The station building includes a waiting room.

Shopping Destinations: Historic Ghent, Norfolk Premium Outlets, MacArthur Center

Plan Your Trip: Complete Guide to Visiting Norfolk

Richmond

The two Amtrak stations in Richmond have very different looks and feels – but both feature a waiting room and are only a quick Lyft ride away from the city’s many shopping options.

Shopping Destinations: Carytown, Short Pump Town Center, Stony Point Fashion Park

Plan Your Trip: Complete Guide to Visiting Richmond
 

Prince William County

This quiet suburban stop is close to the beautiful Occoquan River and the outlets at Potomac Mills, offering a platform with a covered shelter. You get all the convenience of Northern Virginia with a little less hustle and bustle.

Shopping Destinations: Potomac Mills

Plan Your Trip: Complete Guide to Visiting Prince William County
 

Amtrak trains offer wide, comfortable reclining seats and ample legroom – perfect for stretching out after a successful day of shopping. No middle seats, no baggage fees for your purchases. In the café car, you can fuel or refuel with the sandwiches, salads, snacks and hot and cold beverages available for purchase. And, Amtrak’s complimentary Wi-Fi service and in-seat power outlets keep you charged up and ready to hit the stores.

**This post was written in partnership with Amtrak Virginia and Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation.**