Why is this Lynchburg location Virginia’s top Airbnb listing?

A converted train caboose overlooking the James River in Lynchburg is Virginia’s most desirable Airbnb, according to the vacation rentals company. Dubbed James Station, the bright red train caboose, originally bought by the owners on Facebook Marketplace, is situated in a historic neighborhood within walking distance of downtown Lynchburg’s shops, restaurants, events, nature walking trails and more, the Airbnb listing states.

“For those seeking a nearby getaway this spring or summer, they can find one-of-a-kind experiences in their own backyards by exploring some of the most wishlisted listings across the 50 states,” the company’s news release says. “The list showcases the diversity of preferences across the country, with stays that are perfect for every group, from family road trips to solo retreats.”

The list was created through an analysis of guest searches comparing summer 2024 to summer 2023 and summer 2022 and for trips taking place June 21, 2025 through Sept. 20, 2025, both as of the fourth quarter of 2024.

Here’s what to know about Virginia’s most wishlisted Airbnb.

What sets James Station apart?

According to the listing, James Station offers breathtaking views overlooking the most scenic part of the James River.

It’s a guest favorite, with a 4.96 rating on Airbnb, and an owner that’s listed as an Airbnb “superhost.”

The listing boasts a large deck — equipped with a fire pit and gas grill — a porch swing overlooking the James River, a bedroom with a queen bed, a full kitchen, a living room with hammocks and a sofa bed, a dining area and even a full bathroom despite the relatively small interior.

James Station is also an ideal getaway for families with young children. There is a fenced playground around the corner from the train caboose, a nearby children’s museum, and the listing offers a kids package for $25. The package includes a children’s conductor hat, bandana, branded train whistle and train-themed sticker book.

However, James Station is located by a historic iron pipe factory and a railroad. While the owners have added noise reducing insulation to the caboose and offer a white noise sound machine to guests upon request, they emphasize in the listing that there is still a potential for noise.

What activities are within driving distance of the train caboose?

• Downtown restaurants, shopping, breweries: 3-5 minutes
• Walking Nature Trails: End of the street
• Amazement Square Children’s Museum: 5 minutes
• James River: 5 minutes
• Seaquest Lynchburg: 13 minutes
• Liberty University: 15 minutes
• University of Lynchburg: 12 minutes
• Blue Ridge Parkway: 20 minutes
• Blue Ridge Mountain hiking: 35-40 minutes
• Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest: 25 minutes
• Appomattox Court House: 30 minutes

How much will a stay at James Station cost you?

While prices will vary depending on the season, a night at James station in late June will cost around $350 with taxes included, according to the listing.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Why is this Lynchburg location Virginia’s top Airbnb listing?

Reporting by Allie Pitchon and Emily Barnes, Petersburg Progress-Index / The Progress-Index

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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