Avis Car Hire
Newport News

After collecting your luggage at baggage reclaim, you will see clear signage directing you towards the car hire counters. These are conveniently located within the main terminal building, so you won't need a shuttle or a long walk. Once you complete the paperwork at the Avis desk, you'll be directed to the adjacent car park where the hire vehicles are staged. The whole process is designed to be straightforward and to keep you sheltered from the elements.

While times can vary, a reasonable expectation on a typical weekday afternoon is about 30 to 45 minutes from the time you deplane to when you're driving away. This allows for walking to baggage reclaim, waiting for your luggage, and completing the hire paperwork at the desk. Newport News/Williamsburg International is a relatively compact airport, which makes the process more efficient than at larger hubs. Having your reservation details and driving licence ready will help speed things up.

To ensure a smooth pickup on a late flight, it's a good idea to check the branch's opening hours online beforehand. Joining a loyalty scheme like Avis Preferred can significantly speed the process, as your rental agreement is often prepared in advance. That frequently allows you to bypass the main desk and go straight to your vehicle. Including your flight number in the booking also helps staff anticipate your arrival.

A practical approach is for the rest of the party to wait in the main terminal lobby or the baggage reclaim area. These locations provide ample seating and space for luggage, keeping the car hire desk clear. Once the driver has the car, they can easily return to the terminal's passenger pickup kerb. This method is far more comfortable and organised than having the whole party manoeuvre the hire car park with all their bags.

For a simple and direct drive to City Center at Oyster Point, it's best to avoid the motorway. From the airport exit, take Jefferson Avenue (VA-143) heading south. This main local road will lead you directly into the heart of Oyster Point in just a few miles. It's well signed and multi-lane, allowing you to bypass the complexities of I-64 for this short trip.

The most direct and least stressful route for a first-time visitor is to take the Interstate 64 West. The entrance to I-64 is located only a minute from the airport exit and is clearly signed. This motorway will take you directly to the exits for Williamsburg, which are also well signed for tourist destinations like Colonial Williamsburg. Staying on the motorway avoids navigating unfamiliar local roads.

The primary route from Newport News to Virginia Beach is via the Hampton Roads Bridge–Tunnel (HRBT) on Interstate 64 East. This is the most direct path and the one most travellers will take. However, check traffic conditions before you depart, as the HRBT is well known for significant delays, especially during summer weekends and commuter hours. Being aware of potential congestion lets you adjust your timing or consider an alternative route if necessary.

When travelling between Newport News (PHF) and Norfolk (ORF), traffic is the most significant factor because of the Hampton Roads Bridge–Tunnel. To be safe, allow at least 90 minutes for the drive itself, particularly during peak times. Factoring in time to return the hire car and go through security at ORF, it's sensible to plan for a total transit window of two to three hours. Always check a real-time traffic app before you leave.

During the morning and afternoon shift changes for Newport News Shipbuilding, traffic on I-64 and parallel roads like Warwick Boulevard becomes extremely heavy. This typically occurs between 06:00–08:00 and 15:30–17:30 on weekdays. If you're planning a day trip, it's best to leave after the morning rush has cleared. Aim to be back in the Newport News area before the afternoon commute begins to avoid significant delays.

The best place to start is the main Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Centre, which has a large, convenient car park. The battlefield itself is best explored via the self-guided driving tours, as the historic sites are spread over a wide area. You'll drive your own vehicle along marked routes, pulling over at designated parking areas for each point of interest. Driving between sites is far more practical than attempting to walk the entire tour.

To visit the Historic Triangle efficiently, use the scenic Colonial Parkway as your connecting route. A logical plan is to start at one end, such as Jamestown Settlement, and work your way geographically. From Jamestown, drive the parkway to Colonial Williamsburg for the middle of your day, then continue to Yorktown Battlefield. This creates a linear path that minimises driving time and eliminates backtracking.

For a smoother start to your day at Busch Gardens, plan to arrive at the parking toll booths roughly 30 to 45 minutes before the park's scheduled opening. This buffer allows you to park, take the tram to the entrance, and get through security before the biggest crowds build up. Following the clear signage to the general car parks is straightforward, but arriving early ensures you don't end up in the furthest part of the lot.

After a day at a water park, a little planning goes a long way to keep your hire car clean. Bring a few large towels to cover the seats for the drive back to your hotel. Packing a couple of plastic bags or a waterproof tote is also sensible for storing wet swimwear and towels. These simple steps prevent moisture and chlorine soaking into the upholstery and keep the interior comfortable for the rest of your trip.

Driving in the Hampton Roads area requires a bit more defensive awareness than in other regions. Due to the large military and port presence, you'll share the road with everything from naval convoys to oversized commercial lorries. Frequent lane changes are common near the many base exits on the motorway. The key is to remain alert, maintain a safe following distance, and be patient, especially around the bridge–tunnels and major interchanges.

If you anticipate tight parking at your hotel, consider that when selecting your vehicle. A compact or mid-size saloon will be much easier to manoeuvre in narrow entrances and low-clearance garages than a large SUV or people carrier. While at the hire lot, you can visually assess vehicle sizes available within your booked class. Choosing a slightly smaller vehicle can significantly reduce parking-related stress during your stay.

A good spot for a quick organisational stop is one of the large shopping centre car parks on Jefferson Avenue, just a minute or two from the airport. Pulling into a quiet corner, for example at Patrick Henry Mall, gives you a safe, stress-free environment. Here you can take a few minutes to adjust mirrors, programme your sat-nav, and connect your phone to the car's system without the pressure of moving traffic.

Driving directly to the Mariners' Museum and Park is by far the most convenient option. The museum provides a large, dedicated on-site car park for visitors, located right next to the main entrance. There is no need to search for off-site parking or plan for a long walk. The ample, free parking makes arrival and departure simple and hassle-free.

To have the best experience at Fort Monroe, especially on a fine weekend, arriving earlier in the day is the best strategy. Aim to get there before late morning to secure a space in one of the more convenient lots near the main attractions or beaches. If primary lots are full, be prepared to park in a designated overflow area and enjoy a short, scenic walk. A little flexibility and an early start help avoid the frustration of searching for parking during peak hours.

A good beach day requires a bit of preparation to protect your hire car's interior. Before you leave, pack a few extra towels to lay over the seats to keep them dry and sand-free on the ride home. It's also helpful to bring a small brush to sweep sand off your feet and mats before getting in. Keeping wet swimwear and sandy towels in a separate beach bag or plastic tote will ensure the rest of the car stays clean and comfortable.

For a successful day trip to Richmond, timing is key to avoiding traffic on I-64. Plan to leave Newport News after 09:00 to miss the morning rush. On your return, aim to depart Richmond no later than 15:00. This schedule helps you avoid the heavy afternoon commuter traffic that builds heading eastbound back towards the Peninsula and the bridge–tunnels.

A stress-free way to meet relatives is to have them wait in the airport's cell phone lot until you are ready. Once you have collected your luggage and picked up your hire car, you can call them. You can then either drive to the cell phone lot to meet them or arrange for them to meet you at the passenger pickup kerb, making the transfer of people and bags much more relaxed.

A frequent issue for drivers unfamiliar with the HRBT is not getting into the correct lane far enough in advance. The approaches on I-64 have multiple merging points and exits for naval bases and local traffic. It's crucial to pay close attention to the overhead signs at least a mile or two before the tunnel entrance to avoid making abrupt, last-minute manoeuvres to get into the proper lane for the tunnel.

For those who prefer to avoid tunnels, the primary alternative is the James River Bridge, which carries US-17, 258 and 32. This route is a good option but may add some time to your journey depending on your final destination. A much longer alternative involves driving west on I-64 to the I-295 beltway around Richmond, which completely bypasses the Hampton Roads area. This route is significantly longer but avoids all major tunnels.

For any visit to Naval Station Norfolk, consult the base's official website for the most current visitor information. Civilians generally cannot drive onto the base without official business and proper credentials. Public tours typically depart from a designated off-base location, where you will park your car and board a tour bus. Always allow extra time for traffic near the base gates, as it can be heavy during shift changes.

The Virginia Air & Space Science Center is very family-friendly regarding access and parking. It has a dedicated parking garage connected directly to the building, which is incredibly convenient if you have children and a pushchair. You can park and walk straight into the centre without having to cross busy roads. The garage is easy to find by following the signs as you approach the downtown Hampton waterfront.

The most effective way to enjoy both destinations is to dedicate separate days to each. Plan one full day to explore the Historic Triangle—Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown—as they are geographically close. On a different day, make the trip to Virginia Beach. This approach accounts for the driving time and potential delays crossing the Hampton Roads Bridge–Tunnel, allowing you to relax and fully experience each location.

When driving from Newport News to a cruise terminal, the key is to allow ample extra time. You'll be navigating through a busy port area, so follow the cruise terminal signs carefully for passenger drop-off and long-term parking. Before you leave, check your cruise line's website for the specific address of the parking garage. Packing your car so that your main luggage is easily accessible will make the drop-off process much smoother.

For a major concert or event at the Hampton Coliseum, traffic on nearby I-64 and Mercury Boulevard can become severely congested. To avoid the worst of the gridlock, it's sensible to arrive in the immediate area at least 60 to 90 minutes before the event's start time. This provides a comfortable buffer to navigate heavy traffic, find a parking spot and walk to the venue without feeling stressed.

The most convenient strategy for an evening in downtown Norfolk is to pick a central car park and leave your car there. The car parks at MacArthur Center or near the Waterside District are excellent choices. From these locations you can easily and safely walk to a wide variety of restaurants, shops and attractions in both the Waterside and nearby Ghent neighbourhoods. This ‘park once’ approach is far more enjoyable than moving your car multiple times.

When driving near the water in the evening, it's important to prioritise safety. Before you head out, check the local weather forecast for any fog advisories or rain. During your drive, always use your headlights to increase your visibility to others, even at dusk. Reduce your speed and increase your following distance on bridges and causeways, as conditions like fog and spray can appear suddenly.

The hire car lot at the airport is the ideal place to install your child safety seat. After you've completed the hire paperwork and located your vehicle, you can take your time in a designated parking bay. This provides a safe, low-traffic environment away from the main roadways. You'll have plenty of space to ensure the seat is installed correctly and securely before you start your journey.

While many of the primary interstates like I-64 on the Peninsula are toll-free, several key crossings in the greater Hampton Roads area do have tolls. These often use all-electronic tolling, particularly for the tunnels connecting Norfolk and Portsmouth. It's good practice to ask the hire agent at the desk about their specific programmes for handling tolls. That will help you understand the process and avoid any unexpected charges later.

For a more relaxing and scenic drive, the Colonial Parkway offers beautiful views between Jamestown and Yorktown. To get to Smithfield, taking the James River Bridge (US-17) and then following Route 10 provides a much calmer experience than the interstate. Another excellent choice is Route 5 (John Tyler Highway), a designated Virginia Scenic Byway that winds along the James River from Williamsburg towards Richmond, passing several historic plantations.

For an easy supermarket stop, turn right out of the airport onto Jefferson Avenue (VA-143 North). Within a mile you will find several major groceries located in shopping centres on your right-hand side. This avoids the need to make any difficult left turns across busy traffic. These shopping centres are designed with straightforward entrances and exits, making for a quick and low-stress errand before you head to your hotel.

When visiting Christopher Newport University, follow the campus signs that direct you to visitor parking. This is typically located in a designated lot near the main administration building. It's a good idea to check the university's website ahead of your visit for a campus map that clearly marks the visitor lots. Be sure to avoid parking in any spaces marked for faculty, staff or students to prevent getting a ticket.

The most efficient plan is to drive to downtown Norfolk and park once for the entire visit. The city car parks adjacent to Nauticus and the MacArthur Center mall are your best options. From there, the USS Wisconsin, Nauticus and the rest of the waterfront attractions are all easily accessible within a short walking distance. This strategy saves you the time and hassle of trying to find new parking for each individual site.

For a smooth early morning return, first drive to the terminal's departures kerb. Here you can drop off all passengers and luggage, allowing them to head inside to the check-in desk. The driver can then proceed alone to the clearly marked car hire return area. This process is much more efficient and less stressful than trying to manage the whole party and all the bags in the return lot.

Before setting off on a long drive, take a few moments in the parking bay to get fully situated. Adjust your seat, steering wheel and all mirrors for maximum comfort and visibility. It's also the perfect time to pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth and enter your full destination into the sat-nav. A quick walk-round to familiarise yourself with the location of the headlight and wiper controls will ensure you're prepared for any conditions on the road.

During hurricane season, from June through November, it's vital to stay informed about local weather conditions. Pay close attention to any tropical storm or hurricane watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Also monitor local news for information on potential road closures, especially for low-lying coastal routes and major bridges. Be aware of designated evacuation routes and maintain a flexible travel plan in case conditions change.

To make a vehicle exchange as smooth as possible, call the rental location in advance to coordinate the swap. Try to schedule it during a non-peak time, such as mid-morning or early afternoon on a weekday, to minimise your wait. You can incorporate the stop into your day's itinerary, perhaps planning it on a day when your activities are already located near the airport. This proactive planning can turn a potential disruption into a quick and simple errand.