Dollar Car Hire
in Norfolk

After deplaning at Norfolk International Airport, follow the overhead signs for "Baggage Reclaim" and "Ground Transport." The car hire desks are conveniently located in the arrivals area, typically grouped together in a dedicated section adjacent to the baggage reclaim belts. You won't need to exit the building to find them. This central location makes it easy to complete your hire paperwork before heading out to the multi-storey car park to pick up your vehicle.

Navigating Norfolk International Airport is generally efficient, but it's sensible to allow around 30 to 45 minutes from your gate to the hire car. This accounts for the walk through the concourse, a potential restroom stop, and collecting your luggage at baggage reclaim. The hire car desks are located right in the arrivals hall, and the pickup car park is a short walk from there. Factoring in this buffer ensures a relaxed start to your trip without feeling rushed.

For the most straightforward route to downtown Norfolk, take Norview Avenue directly from the airport exit. Follow Norview for a few miles until you can turn left onto Tidewater Drive (VA-168 S). This road will lead you south and offers a direct path towards the city centre, eventually connecting with streets like Brambleton Avenue. This surface-street route is generally less complex than immediately merging onto the interstate and helps you get acclimatised to the city's layout.

To reach the Ghent neighbourhood with minimal stress, consider a route that bypasses the most congested parts of the motorway. From the airport, take Norview Avenue west to I-64, but only for a very short distance to connect to I-264 West towards Downtown Norfolk. Take the exit for Waterside Drive/St. Paul's Boulevard and then navigate north on local streets like St. Paul's Boulevard to Brambleton Avenue, which will lead you directly into the Ghent area. This approach helps you avoid the heaviest backups that can occur further along the interstate.

A smart strategy for a grocery run is to make your stop before you get onto I-264 East, the main artery to Virginia Beach. As you leave the airport on Norview Avenue, you can head towards Military Highway, a major commercial corridor with numerous large grocery stores. Shopping here allows you to stock up without diverting far from your primary route. Once you're done, you can easily join I-264 from Military Highway and continue your journey to the beach, having already avoided the retail congestion closer to the seafront.

Driving to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on a summer Friday afternoon requires patience, as you'll be joining the peak rush of weekend visitors. The primary route, I-264 East, will likely be very congested, with traffic moving significantly slower than the speed limit, especially as you get closer to the beach. Expect the journey to take considerably longer than a sat-nav might estimate during off-peak hours. It's a good idea to have drinks and snacks in the car and to treat the drive as the start of your relaxed holiday mindset.

The drive to Naval Station Norfolk is relatively direct, primarily using I-564 West. The most common point of confusion for visitors is navigating the specific gates and the security checkpoints. Be sure to know which gate you need to enter (e.g., Gate 2, Gate 3A) and stay in the correct lane on approach, as some lanes are designated for personnel with specific credentials. Following the overhead signs for I-564 and then for the specific gate you need is the key to a smooth arrival.

When visiting Old Dominion University, a convenient parking strategy is to use one of the visitor car parks located on campus. The car park on 43rd Street and the one on 49th Street are both excellent options, offering central access to the main parts of the university. Parking in a designated visitor car park ensures you won't have to worry about on-street time limits or permit restrictions. From these car parks, the entire campus is easily explorable on foot.

The most direct route is to take I-264 West from the airport area towards downtown Norfolk. You will then take the Waterside Drive exit, which puts you right at the heart of the waterfront. Traffic tends to build up on I-264 during standard commute times, especially near the interchange with I-64. Once you exit onto Waterside Drive, be prepared for slower speeds and city traffic, particularly on weekends or during events at Town Point Park.

For a morning flight out of ORF, it is crucial to leave Virginia Beach much earlier than you might think necessary. During the week you'll be driving against the main flow of commuter and military traffic heading east, but regional congestion, especially near tunnels, can cause unexpected delays. A good rule of thumb is to double the off-peak travel time estimated by your navigation app. This provides a comfortable buffer for returning the car, catching the shuttle, and getting through airport security without stress.

The most efficient method is to first follow the signs for "Departures" at the main terminal. You can pull up to the kerb and unload all passengers and luggage with a single driver remaining in the vehicle. Once your group is safely on the kerb, the driver can then follow the signs for "Hire Car Return." This process prevents the entire group from having to manage luggage on the shuttle from the return area and streamlines the check-in process.

Don't worry if you miss the entrance; the airport road system is designed as a simple loop. Just continue following the main airport roadway as it circles back around towards the terminal entrances. Pay close attention to the signs for "Hire Car Return" on your second approach. The loop will take you past the arrivals and departures areas again, giving you a clear and safe opportunity to make the correct turn without any complex manoeuvres.

The most critical area to watch is the interchange where I-264 and I-64 meet, just a few miles from the airport. As you approach the interchange, signs will direct you to I-64 East (towards Virginia Beach/Chesapeake) or I-64 West (towards Hampton/Richmond). To avoid a last-second merge, get into your desired lane as early as possible. Using a sat-nav with lane guidance can be extremely helpful in this area, as it will alert you well in advance which lane you need to be in for your destination.

To have the most pleasant drive to Colonial Williamsburg, plan to leave Norfolk after the morning rush hour, typically between 9:30am and 10:00am. This allows you to miss the heaviest commuter traffic heading towards Hampton and Newport News through the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. For your return trip, aim to leave Williamsburg either before 3:00pm or after 6:30pm to avoid the evening rush hour flowing back into the Southside. This timing strategy helps minimise your chances of getting stuck in significant tunnel congestion.

The drive to Busch Gardens is straightforward, primarily following I-64 West. The main variable is traffic at the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, which can be unpredictable, so it's always wise to check traffic conditions before you depart. Once you are through the tunnel and on the Peninsula, the drive is generally smooth. A popular and convenient place for a break is the City Center at Oyster Point area in Newport News, which has plenty of options for food and restrooms just off the interstate.

The key to a low-stress trip to Jamestown is timing your crossing of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel on I-64. Leave Norfolk after 9:30am to avoid the morning rush. Once you're on the Peninsula, you'll take the scenic Colonial Parkway, a beautiful and historic road that leads directly to Jamestown. This parkway has lower speed limits and offers a relaxing drive through woods and along the James River, making it a pleasant part of the journey itself.

Reaching the Norfolk Botanical Garden from the airport is incredibly easy, as it is located right next door. Simply exit the airport and follow the signs for Azalea Garden Road. The entrance to the gardens will be almost immediately on your right. The garden has a large, dedicated car park right at the main entrance, so finding a space is typically not an issue. The close proximity makes it a perfect first stop after picking up your car or a last stop before dropping it off.

The Chrysler Museum of Art offers a very convenient parking solution for its visitors. The museum has its own dedicated, free car park located directly behind the building, accessible from Grace Street. This eliminates the hassle of searching for on-street parking or paying for a garage in the busy Ghent neighbourhood. Simply navigate directly to the museum's lot for the most straightforward and stress-free parking experience, allowing you more time to enjoy the art.

Driving to the downtown waterfront on a busy weekend can be challenging due to traffic, but parking is well-managed. The most convenient option is the City of Norfolk's Waterside Parking Garage, located directly across the street from Nauticus. While it can fill up during major festivals, it provides the closest access. Arriving earlier in the day, before the lunchtime rush, is the best strategy to secure a spot easily and avoid circling the area.

When a major event is happening, expect significant traffic congestion on the surrounding streets, particularly on Brambleton Avenue, St. Paul's Boulevard, and Monticello Avenue. Parking garages near the venues will fill up quickly, so it's wise to arrive very early or consider parking in a garage further away and walking the last few streets. Be prepared for road closures, directed traffic patterns, and allow plenty of extra time for both your arrival and departure from the area.

The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) on I-64 is notoriously the most congested crossing, especially during morning and evening rush hours. Backups can stretch for miles and cause significant delays. The Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT) on I-664 is often a less congested alternative, though it does add some distance to your trip depending on your specific destination in Hampton. It's always a good idea to check a live traffic map before you commit to a route.

The simplest way to reach the Children's Museum of Virginia is by taking the Downtown Tunnel (I-264 West) to Portsmouth. Once you are through the tunnel, take the first exit for Crawford Street. The museum is located just a few blocks away in the heart of Olde Towne Portsmouth. For parking, the County Street Garage and the Middle Street Garage are both conveniently located within a short walking distance of the museum and other local attractions.

To explore the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, your main entry point will be the refuge headquarters off US-17 (George Washington Highway) in Chesapeake. From there, you can drive the Washington Ditch Road, a well-maintained gravel road that takes you deep into the swamp's interior toward Lake Drummond. This road provides a true sense of remoteness and offers the best opportunities for wildlife viewing. Be sure your vehicle is fueled up before you enter, as services are non-existent within the refuge.

The drive to North Carolina's Outer Banks involves navigating through Chesapeake on VA-168, which becomes US-158. The main bottleneck occurs in Chesapeake and Currituck County, especially on weekends. To minimise traffic, try to leave Norfolk very early in the morning, aiming to be south of the Virginia–North Carolina border before 8:00am. For the return trip, leaving the Outer Banks either in the mid-afternoon or later in the evening can help you avoid the worst of the northbound congestion.

The most direct route to Sandbridge is to take I-264 East towards the Oceanfront, then exit onto Birdneck Road, which eventually turns into General Booth Boulevard. Follow General Booth south and then take a left on Princess Anne Road, which leads to Sandbridge Road. Once you arrive, be prepared for narrow residential streets with strictly enforced speed limits. Public parking is available in a large municipal lot near the beach, but it can fill up quickly on summer weekends, so an early arrival is highly recommended.

The drive to Town Center is very straightforward from the airport. You'll take I-64 East for a short distance and then merge onto I-264 East. Town Center has its own dedicated exit at Independence Boulevard. The primary slowdown point is the I-64/I-264 interchange, which can be busy during commute times. Once you exit onto Independence Boulevard, traffic is generally manageable, with plenty of signs directing you to the various car parks in the Town Center area.

A common mistake is to head towards I-64 East, which leads away from the Ocean View area. The correct route is to get on I-64 West as if you were heading towards Hampton. You will then take one of the exits for Ocean View Avenue or 4th View Street. Another point of confusion can be the local street grid once you exit the interstate, so having your sat-nav ready is helpful. Following the signs for I-64 West is the most critical first step.

During heavy rain, several low-lying areas in Norfolk are prone to flooding, making driving hazardous. Be particularly cautious around The Hague area in Ghent, parts of Brambleton Avenue, and streets near the Lafayette River. Underpasses on major roads like Tidewater Drive can also accumulate water quickly. It's best to stick to major interstates like I-264 and I-64 if possible, as they are generally better drained, but always reduce your speed and never drive through standing water.

Driving in the local tunnels requires extra awareness. As you enter, your eyes will need a moment to adjust to the light change, so it's wise to slow down slightly. The stop-and-go "wave" effect is common; to manage it safely, maintain a generous following distance from the car ahead of you. This buffer gives you more time to react to sudden braking and helps smooth out the flow of traffic. Also, be aware that lane changes are typically prohibited inside the tunnels.

A great option is the cell phone lot at Norfolk International Airport, which is designed for waiting and is usually very quiet. Alternatively, the nearby Norfolk Botanical Garden has a large, peaceful car park where you could take a few minutes to organise your vehicle and navigation. Another choice is to drive a short distance to a shopping centre on Military Highway, where you can park in a large, open lot away from the main store entrances to get everything settled before hitting the motorway.

A convenient spot for a coffee stop is along Military Highway, which you can easily access from the airport before you commit to the interstate. This major road has numerous familiar coffee chains and local cafes with easy drive-thru or parking options. Another good area is the Ghent neighbourhood, which you will pass near on your way downtown. A quick turn onto Colley Avenue or 21st Street will present several excellent local coffee shops just a few blocks off your main route.

On weekends, especially during summer, the traffic pattern shifts dramatically. Instead of a concentrated morning and evening rush hour, you'll find heavy, slow-moving traffic on I-264 East for most of the day, starting mid-morning and lasting through the afternoon. The return traffic heading west begins to build in the late afternoon and can remain heavy into the evening. The drive becomes less about avoiding commuter times and more about anticipating a steady, day-long flow of beachgoers.

A sensible plan is to start your day in the city and end at the beach. Begin by exploring Norfolk's downtown waterfront or the Ghent neighbourhood in the morning when traffic is lighter. Then, after lunch, drive east on I-264 to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for the afternoon and evening. This itinerary generally aligns with traffic patterns, as you'll be heading to the beach after the initial morning rush and returning to Norfolk in the later evening after the heaviest westbound traffic has subsided.

Norfolk International Airport is designed to be accessible. After you collect your luggage and complete your hire agreement at the desk in the arrivals hall, you will proceed to the adjacent car park where the cars are located. The walkways are paved and equipped with dropped kerbs and lifts for easy navigation with wheels. The distance is relatively short, making it a manageable transition from the terminal to your vehicle without encountering steps or significant obstacles.

For a low-stress return, use the kerbside drop-off strategy. First, drive to the "Departures" level of the main terminal and check your bags with your airline at the kerb or just inside the doors. After dropping the bags, you can then proceed to follow the signs for "Hire Car Return." This separates the tasks, ensuring your luggage is handled first. It prevents you from having to transport large bags from the hire facility to the terminal, saving valuable time and effort.

If you realise you've left an item behind shortly after returning the vehicle, your best first step is to go directly back to the hire car counter inside the airport's arrivals hall. Do not go through security. The staff at the counter can quickly contact their colleagues at the return lot to locate your vehicle and retrieve the item for you. Acting quickly and returning to the counter is the most efficient way to resolve the situation before the car is moved or cleaned.

The area around MacArthur Center and Waterside District can be tricky due to a grid of one-way streets. Pay close attention to Monticello Avenue and Granby Street, which are major one-way thoroughfares. A common point of confusion is navigating the turn from Waterside Drive onto Boush Street, as it requires being in the correct lane well in advance. Using a sat-nav is highly recommended for your first time driving in this specific area to help anticipate these turns and one-way directions.

When dealing with tight parking garages, especially in historic downtown Norfolk or older Virginia Beach hotels, opting for a compact or mid-size saloon is a wise choice. These vehicles are much easier to manoeuvre in narrow spaces and around tight corners common in urban parking structures. While an SUV offers more space for luggage, its larger footprint can make parking a daily challenge. Prioritising a smaller vehicle can significantly reduce the stress associated with navigating and parking in confined areas.

A key aspect of driving in the Hampton Roads area is being prepared for sudden changes in speed, especially near tunnel entrances and major interchanges. Traffic can go from free-flowing to a complete stop with little warning. Local drivers are accustomed to this, so it's important to maintain a safe following distance and be attentive. On local roads like Military Highway or Virginia Beach Boulevard, be aware of frequent traffic lights and vehicles entering from shopping centres, which can also cause abrupt slowdowns.

A logical itinerary to minimise driving time would be to start in Norfolk, as it's centrally located and where the airport is. From Norfolk, drive west to explore Williamsburg and the historic triangle, which involves one round trip through a tunnel. After you've finished in Williamsburg, return to your base in the Norfolk area. Finally, make separate trips east to Virginia Beach, which avoids any tunnel crossings and keeps your driving routes distinct and efficient.