New Rail Line Brings Big Changes
to Christiansburg
A long-awaited Amtrak station promises fresh business growth and renewed energy for Christiansburg’s historic Cambria district.
Roanoke, VA, Nov. 18 - Amtrak train No. 18 comes in for a stop at the Roanoke platform, which is identical to the one being built in Christiansburg. Photo: Brendan Robertson
This infographic highlights ridership trends and projected economic benefits Amtrak brings to communities with stations similar to the one planned in Christiansburg.
Brendan Robertson
11/20/2025
A long-awaited passenger rail station coming to Christiansburg’s Cambria district promises to bring new economic life to the area, with service scheduled to begin in early 2027, according to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority.
Christiansburg Mayor Mike Barber said he’s been lobbying for the project for over a decade. A big reason for that is the potential foot traffic and tourism, especially with Amtrak reporting record ridership numbers in 2024. “You know, we're projecting 40,000 riders the first year. That's what they projected in Roanoke. In Roanoke, I think their first year was 56,000,” Barber said.
The project is a huge financial investment from Amtrak into the Christiansburg region. It builds on a 2024 agreement that gave VPRA access to Norfolk Southern’s main line, immediately accelerating the timeline. The budget for the project is now estimated at $264.5 million, most of which will be spent on goods and services locally.
VPRA’s Community Affairs Manager Jenna Friedberg added that the rail authority is working with Montgomery County to attract travelers and tourists who want to bike, hike, or explore the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in the area. They aim to create a new tourism market in the New River Valley. “Take the train in, stay the weekend, buy breakfast, go to different shops,” she said.
Small businesses see the most benefit from tourism, which is why Heather Vaughan, co-owner of Cambria Station Antiques across from the future platform, is hopeful and excited. “People who are traveling in, even if they're scooting in at 5:30 in the morning or 10 p.m., they're going to see our store. They're going to see some of the other things that Cambria has to offer and hopefully come back,” she said. She added that the real impact may come later down the line as the project develops.
The revival of passenger rail reconnects Christiansburg with its town history and marks a turning point for the town, boosting tourism and helping local businesses thrive once again.