Virginia Beach, VA, USA to New York City, NY, USA from $31: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• For your train journey from Virginia Beach to New York City, you will primarily use Amtrak service, which offers several onboard catering options. On the Northeast Regional routes, you can enjoy a cafe car where snacks, beverages, and light meals are available for purchase. Make sure to check the schedule for food service hours, as it can vary throughout the day.

• Amtrak provides several seating options. You can choose between Standard Coach, Business Class, and First Class depending on your budget and preferences. Standard Coach offers comfortable seating with ample legroom, Business Class features larger seats and complimentary amenities, while First Class includes more spacious seating, priority boarding, and meal service for a more premium experience. For this route, it's recommended to book your tickets in advance to secure the class that best suits you.

• The primary operators for your route are Amtrak (amtrak.com) and Greyhound (greyhound.com). Make sure to check their schedules and book your tickets in advance. For transport upon arrival in NYC, Grand Central Terminal is a classic arrival point where you can experience the hustle and bustle of the city. You can leave your luggage at the Luggage Storage facility located in the terminal and use restrooms, but note that showers are not available. The fastest way to get to City Center from Grand Central is via the Metro; take the S train (Shuttle) to Times Square, which runs frequently and can get you there in about 5 minutes. Be sure to check metro timings and service advisories before your trip.

• Consider scheduling your bus departure from Virginia Beach to coincide with the Norfolk transit schedule; this way, you can smoothly transfer from your local bus at the Norfolk station to the Lion VA bus to New York without unnecessary waiting time. Check out the Norfolk Transit schedule here: norfolk.gov

• Pack snacks and a refillable water bottle for your journey since the 9h 15m trip can be lengthy, and while bus operators like Lion VA and others often provide limited snacks for purchase, it’s always good to have your favorite treats on hand. You can compare prices and book your tickets through sites like greyhound.com and ridewithvia.com

• Upon arrival at the New York bus station, be prepared for a bustling environment; familiarize yourself with the layout of the Port Authority Bus Terminal before you reach, so you can quickly locate the exit and make your way to the subway or your next destination; you can view a terminal map here: panynj.gov