Easy Access from Everywhere
Shenandoah National Park is one of the most accessible parks in America. It’s located just 72 miles west of Washington D.C., and is a comfortable drive from locations in Virginia as well as nearby states.
There are four park entrances:
- Front Royal Entrance Station - Most northern entrance (Mile Marker 0.6), accessible via U.S. 340.
- Thornton Gap Entrance Station - (Mile Marker 31.5), accessible via U.S. 211.
- Swift Run Gap Entrance Station - (Mile Marker 65.7), accessible via U.S. 33.
- Rockfish Gap Entrance Station - Most southern entrance (Mile marker 105.4), accessible via I-64 and U.S. 250.
You'll get your first glimpse of Shenandoah's beauty by simply driving through it – on historic Skyline Drive. You can take this 105-mile-long National Scenic Byway all the way through the park. From it you'll have easy access to many spectacular sights, including 75 overlooks, as well as visitor services. Use the mileposts on the west side of Skyline Drive to help you find park facilities, services, and areas of interest. Mileposts begin near Front Royal Entrance Station in the north, and end at Rockfish Gap Entrance Station in the south.
Please Note: GPS devices nor Google Maps will locate the Park, only our nearest town. For your convenience, here are Directions to Shenandoah National Park (PDF).
Air Service
The park's south entrances at Rockfish Gap and Swift Run Gap are served by commercial flights to Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, 434.973.8341; and Shenandoah Valley Airport, 540.234.8304. Dulles International Airport is 1 1/2 hours east of the junction of U.S. 211 and the Skyline Drive.
Bus Service
Greyhound offers regular bus service to Charlottesville, VA located approximately 30 miles outside the Swift Run Gap Entrance at US 33. Private transportation would be needed from Charlottesville into the park.
Train Service
Amtrak serves nearby Culpeper, VA which is approximately 35 miles from the eastern entrance to the Park at Thornton Gap at US 211. Amtrak also serves Charlottesville, VA which is approximately 30 miles from the Park at the Swift Run Gap entrance at US 33. For a list of schedules go online at www.amtrak.com or call 800.872.7245.
Rental Car and Shuttle Service
Rental cars are available at the airports and major surrounding cities. There is a shuttle service operator that is authorized to conduct shuttle service in the park:
Jenkins Shuttle Service
540-743-3214