Alamo Car Hire
Newport News

Even with a late-night arrival at PHF, the process is straightforward. Car hire desks, including Alamo, are conveniently located inside the main terminal building, usually near the baggage reclaim. After completing the paperwork at the well-lit desk, you will be directed to the car hire parking area, just a short walk from the terminal. Routes are clearly signed and lit, ensuring a safe and easy transition to your vehicle so you can be on your way.

Coordinating a group arrival works best with a simple plan. The nominated driver should go to the Alamo desk after collecting their own luggage to start the hire process. Other party members can wait comfortably in the baggage reclaim area or the main terminal seating. Once the driver has the keys, they can drive the hire car to the passenger pickup kerb at the front of the terminal to collect everyone and their luggage.

The most convenient place for the rest of your group to wait is in the baggage reclaim area. It offers seating and keeps everyone close to the car hire desks and the main exit. Alternatively, the main terminal lobby provides a comfortable waiting space with easy access to the toilets. Once the driver has secured the vehicle, they can easily agree a meeting spot at the passenger pickup kerb just outside the terminal doors.

A good option for a quick, low-stress stop is one of the large shopping centres on Jefferson Avenue, just a minute or two from the airport exit. Places such as Patrick Henry Mall or the adjacent Marketplace at Tech Center have extensive car parks. This gives you a safe place to pull over, adjust mirrors and seats, programme your sat-nav, and get your bearings before joining the motorway or driving to your final destination.

For visitors heading to the Hampton waterfront, the most direct route is via Interstate 64 East. After leaving the airport you’ll quickly join I-64 East towards Hampton and Norfolk. The exits for downtown Hampton and the waterfront are well signed and lead off the highway onto main local roads. This route is generally the quickest and avoids the complexities of navigating through city surface streets for most of your journey.

The common route to Virginia Beach is I-64 East through the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). To reduce stress, check traffic before you leave the airport, as the HRBT can be congested. A good alternative is the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (I-664 South), which often has lighter traffic and links back to I-264 East towards the seafront. Both are major interstate routes, so following the overhead signs will guide you effectively.

The primary traffic bottleneck in the area is the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) on I-64, which connects Hampton and Norfolk. This tunnel frequently experiences significant delays, especially during morning and evening rush hours and on summer weekends. The Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel on I-664 is the main alternative but can also back up. Planning travel for off-peak times is the best way to avoid the worst congestion.

The Hampton Roads area has reversible express lanes on parts of I-64 to help manage traffic flow. It’s important to pay close attention to the large electronic signs at the entrances, which indicate whether the lanes are open, the direction of traffic, and any specific rules. These rules, such as vehicle occupancy requirements, can change by time of day. Always verify the lane status before entering to ensure a smooth and compliant trip.

The best approach for visiting Downtown Norfolk is to park once and explore on foot. There are several large, centrally located public car parks, such as the MacArthur Center car park or the Town Point Garage. By parking in one of these for the duration of the event, you’ll find major venues like Scope Arena, Chrysler Hall, and the Waterside District are all within a short, pleasant walk.

The official Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Centre is the ideal place to start. It offers a very large car park and serves as the central hub for tickets and information. Parking here allows you to leave your car for the day and use the complimentary shuttle bus that loops through the historic area, Jamestown, and Yorktown. This removes the need to search for parking at multiple locations and lets you focus on enjoying the sights.

To ensure the most relaxed start to your day at Busch Gardens, plan to arrive roughly 30 to 45 minutes before the park’s opening time. This lets you secure a parking space nearer the main entrance and get through security and ticket lines before the biggest crowds arrive. An early arrival means less waiting and more time enjoying the park from the moment it opens.

For historic sites like Historic Jamestowne, Jamestown Settlement, and Yorktown Battlefield, arriving in the morning is your best bet. Aim to get there before 11:00, especially at weekends or during the peak season. This timing generally allows you to find convenient parking close to the visitor centres before the midday rush of tour groups and other visitors.

The most scenic and efficient way to tour the Historic Triangle is via the Colonial Parkway. A logical approach is to start at one end, for example the Yorktown Battlefield, then drive the parkway to Colonial Williamsburg for your next stop. Afterwards continue along the same parkway to reach Jamestown. This linear route connects all three sites, avoids backtracking, and offers a pleasant, low-stress drive through countryside.

Yes — when navigating between the Historic Triangle sites, some sat-navs may try to route you off the scenic Colonial Parkway and onto faster highways like I-64. While this can save a few minutes, you would miss the intended scenic experience. It’s often best to follow the brown National Park Service signs directing you along the parkway to stay on the historic and picturesque route connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown.

For a less hectic drive to the shipyard, consider taking surface streets rather than the interstate. From the airport, driving south on Jefferson Avenue and then switching to Warwick Boulevard (US-60) offers a more direct and manageable route. This avoids the high-speed merges of I-64 and takes you through the city at a steadier pace, leading you to the shipbuilding area with fewer complex junctions.

When visiting a military installation like Fort Eustis, plan to use the main visitor gate, which is usually well signed from the main public roads. Sat-navs can sometimes direct you to employee-only or closed gates, so following the official base signage is crucial. Be ready to show identification at the gate, and be aware that if you go to the wrong entrance you will be redirected on public roads to the correct one.

The most reliable way to access the Langley side of the joint base is to follow signs for the LaSalle Gate, which serves as the primary visitor control point. This entrance is easily reached via main roads such as Armistead Avenue in Hampton. Relying on official base signage as you get close is more dependable than using sat-nav alone, which may not have up-to-date gate access information and could lead you to restricted areas.

For a pleasant and accessible waterfront experience, head to Fort Monroe in Hampton. You can enjoy a leisurely drive along the Chesapeake Bay, with plenty of designated spots to pull over, park, and take in the views. Another good choice is the road around The Mariners' Museum Park in Newport News, which offers attractive views of the James River and easy short-term parking for a brief walk.

During weekday rush hours, typically 7–9am and 4–6pm, expect significant congestion on main Newport News roads like Jefferson Avenue and Warwick Boulevard. These routes are lined with businesses and shopping centres, resulting in frequent traffic lights and many vehicles entering and exiting. It’s advisable to allow extra travel time or use a navigation app to find alternative routes if you must travel during these peak periods.

The City Center at Oyster Point or the Patrick Henry Mall area in Newport News are ideal halfway points. Both sit directly off Interstate 64, making them easily accessible from either direction. These areas host a wide variety of restaurants, from casual to upmarket, all of which feature large, convenient car parks, ensuring a stress-free meetup for your group.

A frequent mistake is turning the wrong way on Jefferson Avenue after leaving the airport. If you find yourself heading away from the interstate, the simplest recovery is to use a safe spot such as a shopping centre entrance to make a U-turn. Another common issue is missing the on-ramp for I-64; if that happens, continue along Jefferson Avenue and your sat-nav will reroute you to the next available entrance a short distance away.

To have the smoothest drive to Richmond for a day trip, plan to leave Newport News before 6:30am on a weekday. This allows you to get past the heavy commuter traffic around Williamsburg before it peaks. On the return, leaving Richmond before 3:30pm or after 6:30pm will help you miss the worst of the evening rush back into the Hampton Roads region.

Breaking up the drive to Washington, D.C. is a good idea. Fredericksburg, Virginia, roughly halfway off I-95, is an excellent place to stop, with a charming historic downtown and many dining options. For a quicker alternative, the Virginia Welcome Centre on I-95 north of Fredericksburg provides clean toilets and a safe place to stretch your legs before continuing.

Arriving at the Virginia Beach oceanfront at midday, especially in summer, means most surface lots near the boardwalk will be full. Your best strategy is to bypass the search for a street space and head straight to one of the city's multi-storey car parks. These are typically on Pacific Avenue, a block from the beach, and usually have spaces available, offering a secure and convenient option for your hire car.

Both the Virginia Aquarium and First Landing State Park are easy to access and offer straightforward parking. The aquarium, on General Booth Boulevard, has its own large dedicated car park right in front of the entrance. First Landing State Park has two main access points: one on Shore Drive for bay access and another off 64th Street for trails, both with designated visitor parking areas.

The most efficient plan is to park once and enjoy downtown Norfolk's waterfront on foot. Choose a central public car park, like the Town Point Garage or the Main Street Garage. From there you can easily walk to key attractions such as the Nauticus naval museum, the Battleship Wisconsin and the restaurants and shops at the Waterside District, without the hassle of moving your car.

Before you go, check the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel's official website for any weather-related travel advisories, as high winds can sometimes lead to restrictions. The drive is straightforward, but be prepared for the full crossing, as there are no turnaround points mid-span. There is a scenic overlook near the southern end where you can pull over, but otherwise you will travel the full length to Virginia's Eastern Shore.

While most car parks in the region meet modern standards, some older structures in Downtown Norfolk or at the Virginia Beach seafront may feature tighter turns and lower clearances. It's good practice to drive slowly and cautiously when entering an unfamiliar garage. Pay attention to posted clearance signs, especially if you're in a larger SUV or van.

For a great break with children, Newport News Park is just a few minutes from the airport and offers an excellent option. The park has wide open spaces, playgrounds and public toilets, making it a perfect spot for kids to stretch and play before a long car journey. Alternatively, many large modern petrol stations along Jefferson Avenue also provide clean facilities and space to regroup.

When stopping for a meal with all your luggage, prioritise security by choosing a restaurant in a busy, well-lit area. Park your hire car in a visible spot, ideally where you can see it from your table inside. The most important step is to ensure all bags and valuables are stored out of sight in the boot before you even arrive at the restaurant, making your vehicle a less attractive target.

For a quick change, the large, modern petrol stations and travel centres on Jefferson Avenue near the airport often have clean, spacious toilets. Another good option is to stop at one of the many hotels within a mile or two of PHF. Their lobby toilets are typically well maintained and provide a comfortable space to freshen up before you continue to your event.

Including a ferry, such as the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, can add a scenic element to your day trip. It’s a relaxing way to cross the James River and can help create an interesting driving loop through the countryside. When planning, check the ferry's operating schedule online and allow for possible wait times, particularly during peak hours or at weekends, to keep your itinerary on track.

A day trip to Chincoteague is long but rewarding. The drive takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours each way, so an early start is essential. Plan to leave the Newport News area no later than 7:00am to maximise your time on the island. The route takes you across the scenic Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, so you'll want plenty of daylight to enjoy the drive and explore the wildlife refuge.

The Hampton Roads region is low-lying and its roads are prone to ponding and flooding during heavy rain. It’s vital to reduce speed, increase your following distance and be especially cautious in underpasses and low spots on the highway. Never attempt to drive through deep standing water, as it can be much deeper than it appears and can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

During hurricane season, from June through November, the primary concerns are road closures due to flooding and bridge or tunnel closures caused by high winds. It’s critical to monitor local weather forecasts and official emergency alerts. If a storm is approaching, be prepared for heavy traffic on evacuation routes and follow local authority guidance to ensure your safety.

As you approach the airport, pay close attention to the overhead and roadside signs for 'Rental Car Return.' The entrance to the return area is a dedicated turn-off from the main airport loop road and is signed separately from the departures and arrivals curbs. Driving slowly as you near the terminal will help ensure you spot the correct turn, especially in the dark, for a smooth and stress-free return.

The most efficient method is for the driver to first proceed to the departures kerb and drop off all passengers and their luggage. This allows the group to head inside and begin the airline check-in process without delay. After the passengers are on their way, the driver can then circle back around the airport loop and follow the signs to the car hire return area to complete the vehicle drop-off.

When planning a one-way trip, especially northbound toward Richmond or D.C., it’s sensible to check real-time traffic for the local bridge-tunnels before you leave. Deciding whether to take the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (I-64) or the Monitor-Merrimac (I-664) based on current traffic can save significant time. A quick look at a traffic app right before you depart will help you choose the most efficient route out of the area.

The large car parks of the shopping centres on Jefferson Avenue, just outside the airport, are an ideal place for a quick orientation. Before joining the motorway, take a few minutes to drive around the car park to get a feel for the car’s braking and acceleration. It’s also the perfect opportunity to adjust mirrors, pair your phone with the car’s system, and input your destination into the sat-nav in a calm, controlled environment.