Local Transportation: Shenandoah Valley

Public Transportation

Public transportation within the Shenandoah Valley is limited. As a rural region, a private vehicle generally offers the best way to explore widely. Local systems serve individual towns, not connecting across the valley or to Shenandoah National Park.

Town-Specific Transit: Harrisonburg Transit operates several bus routes within Harrisonburg. Staunton Transit provides local bus service within historic Staunton. Smaller towns typically lack formal public bus systems.

Transit Details & Tips

Route maps and schedules are on respective town/city government websites.
Fares are low, typically $1-2 per ride, paid by cash (exact change often needed).
Service generally operates weekdays, with limited or no weekend/holiday service. Frequencies often 30-60 minutes.
Most public buses are accessible with ramps or lifts.

Local Movement Only

Public transportation is generally not practical for touring the broader valley or accessing Shenandoah National Park.

Download Schedules

Download route maps and schedules in advance or pick up physical copies at visitor centers for efficient navigation.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Availability & Hailing

Taxis are available in larger towns (Harrisonburg, Staunton, Front Royal).
Best to call a local taxi company directly for pick-up.
Uber and Lyft operate in larger towns, but availability is limited in rural areas.

Fares & Safety

Taxi fares vary; typically metered. Credit cards generally accepted, confirm first.
Safety: Use licensed taxis; for ride-sharing, confirm vehicle/driver details.
Do not rely on ride-sharing for travel inside Shenandoah National Park due to poor cell service.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Most recommended for valley exploration. Available at airports (IAD, DCA, CHO) and some larger towns. Book via DiscoverCars.com or major companies.

Motorcycles/Scooters

Limited options in the valley; generally not practical for general exploration. More common in larger cities for specialized touring.

Bicycle Rentals

Some towns offer rentals. Not available inside Shenandoah National Park. Mountain bike rentals near specific trails/resorts.

Driving Laws

Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Speed limits enforced. Skyline Drive is 35 mph. No U-turns on Skyline Drive.

Walking & Cycling

Walking and cycling offer intimate ways to experience the Shenandoah Valley’s towns and natural beauty. These modes of transport allow direct engagement with your surroundings.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Historic town centers like Staunton, Harrisonburg, Front Royal, Luray, and Sperryville are pedestrian-friendly.
They feature sidewalks, crosswalks, and manageable block sizes, making them enjoyable for walking tours.
Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of hiking trails for immersive walking experiences.
Walking tours (guided and self-guided) are available in towns; self-guided maps at visitor centers.

Cycling Information

Road Cycling: Skyline Drive is popular; cyclists share the road with vehicles (no dedicated shoulder).
Safety: Exercise caution, ride single file, wear bright clothing. Helmets are highly recommended.
Mountain Biking: Dedicated trails in George Washington National Forest and at Massanutten Resort.
No-Go Zones: No pedestrian/bicycle access on major interstates (I-66, I-81). Cycling is prohibited on hiking trails within Shenandoah National Park.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses: No general hop-on-hop-off services. Private companies offer pre-booked guided tours.
Water Transport: Shenandoah River is for recreation (kayaking, tubing), not public transport.
Unique Transport: No cable cars or funiculars exist in the valley.

Accessibility Services: Shenandoah National Park offers accessible visitor centers, campgrounds, and the Limberlost Trail.
Town Accessibility: Varies. Newer buildings meet standards. Sidewalk conditions vary in older historic areas.
Luray Caverns: Main tour route is generally accessible, though some grades are steep.

Accessibility & Planning

Consult Resources

For detailed accessibility planning, consult the National Park Service website for Shenandoah National Park and individual attraction websites.

Vehicle Rental

Renting a vehicle modified for accessibility offers the most flexibility for travelers with mobility needs.

State Parks

Virginia State Parks, including Natural Bridge State Park, generally have good accessibility features for visitors.

Choosing Your Way

The Shenandoah Valley's expansive nature means a personal vehicle typically offers the best way to move around and see all the dispersed attractions.

Within towns, walking or using ride-share apps for short distances can be a pleasant alternative. Tailor your transportation to your itinerary.

Local Transportation