It's a longer than it should be and mindless trip. If you're going to Philly you should stay on the train at Union Station, but they have to switch the engine from Diesel to Electric. Plus, the scenic view of the worst parts of DC, Baltimore and Newark DE make you feel better about your life. One thing to watch out for, they show a trip that leaves Norfolk, but starts with a bus ride to NN, make sure you get the one that is a train out of whichever station you choose. Don't know about parking at Norfolk, but the Newport News station has lots of free parking and you can leave your car overnight. Norfolk is a little longer trip because you go South of the James and loops up to Richmond. It's cheap, $26 each way for coach. Pro tip....bring food and drink, the dining car is never open when you need it and the food is awful and expensive. Only thing I can't understand is why it takes over 4 hours to get to DC (if you're lucky and there aren't speed restrictions because of heat when it's 82 in April, SMH).