Virginia Beach and Air Travel
Virginia Beach, located in the southeastern part of Virginia, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, boardwalk, and water activities. The city is served by three airports: Norfolk International Airport, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, and Richmond International Airport. Travelers can choose any of these airports to reach Virginia Beach, depending on their location, travel plans, and transportation preferences.
In this article, we will provide an overview of each airport, the distance from the airport to Virginia Beach, and the transportation options available for travelers. We will also compare the airports based on their facilities, services, and accessibility to help you choose the best airport for your trip.
Norfolk International Airport: Overview
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is the primary airport serving the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, which includes Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. The airport is located 11 miles (18 km) northeast of Virginia Beach and is easily accessible via Interstate 64 and Route 13.
The airport has one terminal building with two levels and offers several amenities such as restaurants, shops, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations. Other facilities include a USO lounge, baggage storage, ATMs, and a pet relief area. The airport serves several airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Frontier Airlines.
Distance from Norfolk Airport to Virginia Beach
The distance from Norfolk Airport to Virginia Beach is approximately 20-25 minutes by car, depending on the traffic. The airport is located about 20-25 minutes away from the Virginia Beach oceanfront, which is the main tourist area of the city.
Travelers can take Interstate 64 East from the airport and exit at Interstate 264 East, which leads directly to the oceanfront. Alternatively, they can take Route 13 South and turn left on Virginia Beach Boulevard, which also leads to the oceanfront. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and rental cars are available at the airport for transportation.
Transportation options from Norfolk Airport
Travelers can choose from several transportation options to reach Virginia Beach from Norfolk Airport. The most convenient option is to rent a car from one of the rental car companies located at the airport. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are also available for transportation, and the fares are reasonable.
Another option is to take the public bus service provided by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). The Route 20 bus runs from the airport to the Virginia Beach oceanfront and stops at several other locations along the way. The fare is $2 per person, and the service runs seven days a week.
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport: Overview
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) is a small regional airport located in Newport News, Virginia, about 35 miles (56 km) northwest of Virginia Beach. The airport is easily accessible via Interstate 64 and Route 143.
The airport has one terminal building and offers several amenities such as restaurants, shops, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations. Other facilities include a USO lounge, baggage storage, ATMs, and a pet relief area. The airport serves several airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines.
Distance from Newport News Airport to Virginia Beach
The distance from Newport News Airport to Virginia Beach is approximately 45-50 minutes by car, depending on the traffic. The airport is located about 40-45 minutes away from the Virginia Beach oceanfront, which is the main tourist area of the city.
Travelers can take Interstate 64 East from the airport and exit at Interstate 264 East, which leads directly to the oceanfront. Alternatively, they can take Route 143 East and turn right on Jefferson Avenue, which leads to Interstate 64 East and then to Interstate 264 East. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and rental cars are available at the airport for transportation.
Transportation options from Newport News Airport
Travelers can choose from several transportation options to reach Virginia Beach from Newport News Airport. The most convenient option is to rent a car from one of the rental car companies located at the airport. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are also available for transportation, but the fares may be higher than from Norfolk Airport.
Another option is to take the public bus service provided by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). The Route 116 bus runs from the airport to the Virginia Beach oceanfront and stops at several other locations along the way. The fare is $3.50 per person, and the service runs Monday through Friday.
Richmond International Airport: Overview
Richmond International Airport (RIC) is the primary airport serving the Richmond metropolitan area of Virginia. The airport is located about 95 miles (153 km) northwest of Virginia Beach and is easily accessible via Interstate 64 and Route 60.
The airport has one terminal building and offers several amenities such as restaurants, shops, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations. Other facilities include a USO lounge, baggage storage, ATMs, and a pet relief area. The airport serves several airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
Distance from Richmond Airport to Virginia Beach
The distance from Richmond Airport to Virginia Beach is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car, depending on the traffic. The airport is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from the Virginia Beach oceanfront, which is the main tourist area of the city.
Travelers can take Interstate 64 East from the airport and exit at Interstate 264 East, which leads directly to the oceanfront. Alternatively, they can take Route 60 East and turn left on Interstate 295 South, then take Interstate 64 East and exit at Interstate 264 East. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and rental cars are available at the airport for transportation.
Transportation options from Richmond Airport
Travelers can choose from several transportation options to reach Virginia Beach from Richmond Airport. The most convenient option is to rent a car from one of the rental car companies located at the airport. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are also available for transportation, but the fares may be higher than from Norfolk Airport or Newport News Airport.
Another option is to take the Amtrak train service from Richmond to Norfolk, which runs several times a day and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. From the Norfolk train station, travelers can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to reach Virginia Beach.
Comparison of Airport Options for Virginia Beach
In terms of proximity and transportation options, Norfolk International Airport is the best airport to reach Virginia Beach. It is the closest airport to the city, and it offers several transportation options for travelers, including rental cars, taxis, and public buses. Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is also a good option, but the distance and transportation fares may be higher than from Norfolk Airport.
Richmond International Airport is the farthest airport from Virginia Beach, and it may not be the best option for travelers who want to reach the city quickly and easily. However, it may be a good option for travelers who want to explore other parts of Virginia or who have a connecting flight from Richmond.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Airport for Your Trip
When planning a trip to Virginia Beach, it is important to consider the airport options and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Norfolk International Airport is the most convenient option for most travelers, as it is the closest airport to the city and offers several transportation options. Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is a good alternative, especially for travelers who prefer a smaller airport. Richmond International Airport may be a good option for some travelers, but it should be considered only if the distance and transportation options are not a concern.
