Best Transportation in Virginia — 16 resources

About Transportation for Women

Transportation assistance helps women get to work, court, prenatal appointments, childcare, and DV shelters. Public transit passes are often free or discounted through TANF, Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT, which covers rides to all covered medical visits at no cost), and WIC. Many workforce and job training programs include bus passes, and the Ways to Work program funds low-interest car loans for working parents. Domestic violence shelters often coordinate confidential relocation transportation through VAWA-funded programs. In rural areas, dial-a-ride and volunteer driver programs operate through Area Agencies on Aging and community action agencies. This directory includes transit authorities, Medicaid NEMT providers, and car-ownership assistance.

Transportation in Virginia

Virginia has Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handling custody, visitation, and child support (for unmarried parents and modifications), plus Circuit Courts handling divorce. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under DSS. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria are the largest cities. Central Virginia Legal Aid and the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance serve women.

16 Resources

1. WMATA (Metro) — Northern Virginia

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority operates Metrorail (Silver, Orange, Blue, Yellow lines into Virginia) and Metrobus throughout Northern Virginia. SmarTrip card required; reduced fares for seniors and people with disabilities. (202) 637-7000.

(202) 637-7000 · 600 5th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 · Daily service · Visit Website

2. Hampton Roads Transit (HRT)

HRT at 3400 Victoria Blvd in Hampton runs buses, the Tide light rail (Norfolk), and ferry across Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, and Newport News. (757) 222-6100 daily.

(757) 222-6100 · 3400 Victoria Blvd, Hampton, VA 23661 · Daily service · Visit Website

3. GRTC Transit — Richmond

GRTC at 301 E Belt Blvd in Richmond runs city bus routes plus the Pulse BRT line on Broad Street. Standard fare

.50; transfers free with CARE. (804) 358-4782 daily.

(804) 358-4782 · 301 E Belt Blvd, Richmond, VA 23224 · Daily service · Visit Website

4. Fairfax Connector

Fairfax Connector operates 90+ bus routes throughout Fairfax County connecting to Metro stations, schools, and major employers. Free transfers to Metrorail with SmarTrip. (703) 339-7200 Mon-Sat.

(703) 339-7200 · Fairfax County, VA · Mon-Sat service · Visit Website

5. Virginia Railway Express (VRE)

VRE commuter rail runs weekday service from Manassas and Fredericksburg into Washington DC's Union Station — a key option for Virginia women commuting to federal-government jobs. Monthly passes available. (703) 684-1001.

(703) 684-1001 · Northern Virginia corridor · Mon-Fri service · Visit Website

6. Amtrak — Virginia

Amtrak runs the Northeast Regional, Cardinal, Crescent, and the Virginia-specific Northeast Regional service from Norfolk, Newport News, Richmond, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, and Staunton to DC, New York, and beyond. (800) 872-7245 daily.

(800) 872-7245 · Multiple stations · Daily service

7. VA 211 Transportation Resources — Free

Dial 211 from any Virginia phone to find one-time rides for medical appointments, food pantry visits, or domestic-violence escape — including church-volunteer programs not on transit websites. Free, 24/7.

211 · Statewide service · 24/7 · Visit Website

8. Amtrak — Free

Amtrak's national passenger rail network provides discounts for seniors, veterans, and children. Virginia's Northeast Regional service is one of the most-traveled corridors in the country.

Nationwide · Online

9. Greyhound — Free

Greyhound stops in Richmond, Norfolk, Hampton, Charlottesville, Roanoke, and other Virginia cities connect to Washington, New York, and Atlanta. Discounted fares for students and veterans.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. FlixBus / Megabus — Free

FlixBus and Megabus serve Richmond, Hampton Roads, and Charlottesville with low-cost intercity trips to DC, NYC, and Baltimore. Tickets start at $9.99 when booked weeks ahead.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. US Department of Transportation — Free

USDOT publishes federal transit grants that fund Virginia's rural transit systems and the multi-billion-dollar I-95 corridor projects affecting Virginia commuters.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. 211 — Transportation Help — Free

211 connects Virginia callers to local transportation help — medical rides, bus pass programs, and church-volunteer driver networks. Available by call, text, or chat 24/7.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Veterans Transportation Service — Free

VA medical centers in Richmond (McGuire), Hampton, and Salem run free shuttles from communities across Virginia to their facilities for women veterans needing appointments.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Modivcare (Medicaid Transportation) — Free

Modivcare administers Virginia's Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation program — eligible women can schedule free rides to medical appointments by calling the dedicated Modivcare Virginia line.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety — Free

AAA Foundation's CarFit program helps older Virginia drivers — including mothers and grandmothers — adjust their car for safe operation as their physical abilities change.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many transportation resources are in Virginia?
Women's Corner tracks 16 transportation resources for women in Virginia.
Are transportation resources in Virginia free?
10 of the 16 listed transportation resources in Virginia are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Virginia have transportation resources?
Listings span cities including Washington, Hampton, Richmond, Fairfax County.
What are some examples of transportation resources in Virginia?
Featured entries include WMATA (Metro) — Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), GRTC Transit — Richmond, Fairfax Connector, Virginia Railway Express (VRE).
Do these listings include phone numbers?
7 of 16 Virginia transportation listings include phone numbers.
How do I get a free bus pass?
Most transit agencies have reduced or free passes for low-income riders, seniors, students, and people with disabilities — apply through the transit agency directly. TANF and SNAP recipients often qualify for free passes through state Human Services. Domestic violence shelters, job training programs, and recovery programs typically provide transit passes for participants.
Are there free rides to medical appointments?
Yes. Medicaid in every state covers Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) — call your Medicaid managed care plan or state Medicaid office to schedule rides to doctor visits, dialysis, therapy, and pharmacy. American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery and Angel Flight provide free transportation for cancer and serious illness. 211 can find local volunteer driver programs.
Can I get help buying or fixing a car?
Yes — Ways to Work, Modest Needs, Vehicles for Change, and 1-800-Charity-Cars provide low-interest loans or donated vehicles to low-income working parents. Many state TANF programs have car repair funds for parents who need transportation for work. Local United Way 211 has the most current list — funds rotate.
What if I have no transportation to my job?
Tell your American Job Center caseworker — WIOA can fund transportation as a 'supportive service' including bus passes, gas cards, and car repair. SNAP E&T and TANF work programs also pay for transportation. Many employers in low-wage industries (logistics, healthcare) now offer transit stipends or shuttle service from designated pickup points.