Getting around Front Royal means choosing between walking, the local trolley and driving, depending on your destination. From Relax Inn Front Royal, the town centre and Skyline Caverns are both within driving distance, while Shenandoah National Park requires you to arrange your own transportation.
- Front Royal city centre: about 35 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car from the hotel.
- Skyline Caverns: about 71 minutes on foot or 9 minutes by car from the hotel.
- The Front Royal Trolley is a local public-transport service operated by Virginia Regional Transit.
- Skyline Drive runs 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park.
Distances around Front Royal
From the Relax Inn, the city centre is about 35 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car. Skyline Caverns is about 71 minutes on foot or 9 minutes by car, at 10344 Stonewall Jackson Highway.
For a quick outing, Skyline Caverns combines a cavern tour with a miniature train, mirror maze and free nature trail. The train operates from spring through fall, closing in winter and during inclement weather. Check the official site before you go for current hours and prices.
Walking and local transport
The Front Royal Trolley provides local public transportation and is operated by Virginia Regional Transit. Riders can get service details from Virginia Regional Transit, and the town provides a live tracker: select “Front Royal Trolley” to see the vehicle’s location.
The Front Royal Trolley is fare-free. If you’re walking between destinations, compare the journey on foot with the drive times: the city centre and Skyline Caverns are both notably farther on foot from the hotel.
When a car is useful
A car is especially useful for reaching Shenandoah National Park, since visitors must arrange their own transportation to, from and within the park. The Front Royal Entrance Station is the park’s north entrance, near town and off Route 340, also called Stonewall Jackson Highway.
From the Washington, D.C., metro area, the National Park Service advises taking I-66 west to Front Royal, exiting onto Route 340 South and following signs to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive.
Skyline Drive is the only public road through the park; driving its full 105-mile length takes about three hours on a clear day. The speed limit on most of the road is 35 mph.
At mile 32.2, Marys Rock Tunnel has a maximum clearance of 12 feet 8 inches. If you’re driving an RV, camper or horse trailer, check that your vehicle can clear it. Fuel and electric-vehicle charging options are limited, so plan ahead; parking is available at trailheads where provided and at entrance stations if space permits.
Planning trips beyond town
For regional trips, the hotel is about 82 minutes by car from Washington Dulles International Airport and about 50 minutes by car from Eastern WV Regional Airport/Shepherd Field. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is about 62.7 miles away, and Charlottesville Albemarle Airport is about 57.0 miles away.
The Front Royal Entrance Station is at mile 0 on Skyline Drive. The other vehicle entrances are Thornton Gap at mile 31.5, Swift Run Gap at mile 65.5 and Rockfish Gap at mile 104.6.
The National Park Service says Skyline Drive is generally open around the clock, but inclement weather may close it at any time. Check the National Park Service’s site before setting out.
For a cave visit, planning a trip to Skyline Caverns can help you pair the destination with its nearby attractions. Taxi and car-rental options are also described for Front Royal visitors, though availability, fares and service areas vary.
FAQs
Is Front Royal walkable from the hotel?
The city centre is about 35 minutes on foot from the hotel. Skyline Caverns is about 71 minutes on foot from the hotel.
Does Front Royal have a local trolley?
Yes. The Front Royal Trolley is operated by Virginia Regional Transit, and the town provides a live tracker for the service.
Do you need a car to visit Shenandoah National Park?
You need to arrange your own transportation to, from and within Shenandoah National Park. The Front Royal Entrance Station provides access to Skyline Drive from near town.
Can you fit Front Royal into a day trip?
A one-day Front Royal itinerary can help you plan how to combine local stops.