Hertz Car Hire
Newport News

The Hertz hire desk is conveniently located inside the main terminal building at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport. You will find it in the baggage reclaim area, making it easy to access straight after you collect your luggage. Once you complete the paperwork at the desk, the hire cars are parked just a short walk away in a dedicated car park directly adjacent to the terminal. The whole process is designed to be efficient, getting you on the road with minimal delay after your flight arrives.

Planning for a late arrival is straightforward and shouldn't cause stress. It's good practice to check the hire location's opening hours online before your trip to ensure they cover your arrival time. Including your flight number when you book allows staff to track your arrival. On landing, simply collect your bags at a normal pace and then proceed to the hire desk in the baggage reclaim area to complete your pickup.

The most direct and least complicated route to Colonial Williamsburg is to take I‑64 westbound. From the airport's main exit, follow the signs that lead you directly onto I‑64. This major motorway provides a straight route towards Williamsburg, minimising the need to navigate complex local roads or interchanges immediately after you pick up your car. The exits for the Williamsburg area are clearly marked, making for a low‑stress start to your trip.

Under normal conditions, the drive from PHF to Busch Gardens is relatively short, typically taking about 20 to 25 minutes via I‑64 westbound. However, during peak tourist season or on a sunny weekend, traffic on I‑64 can become quite congested, potentially extending the journey time. It's sensible to check a real‑time traffic app before you leave the airport to get the most accurate estimate for your trip.

The most straightforward route to Yorktown Battlefield involves taking I‑64 east from the airport. You will then take the exit for the Colonial Parkway, a scenic and historic road that leads you directly to the battlefield area. This route is well signed and offers pleasant views along the way. On arrival, the best place to park is at the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Centre, which has a large dedicated car park and serves as the ideal starting point for your tour.

Driving from PHF to City Center at Oyster Point is very convenient as it primarily involves one main road. You will spend most of your drive on Jefferson Avenue (Route 143), which you can access shortly after leaving the airport. City Center is located directly off this main thoroughfare, making it an easy and direct trip. This road will likely be your primary artery for getting around this part of Newport News during your stay.

For the most part, Newport News is easy to navigate, with major roads like Jefferson Avenue and Warwick Boulevard being wide and straightforward. However, first‑time visitors may find the older, historic downtown area near the shipyard has some one‑way streets and tighter intersections. The main commercial and tourist areas are generally laid out on a modern grid, so you are unlikely to encounter confusing patterns unless you venture into the oldest residential neighbourhoods.

To avoid the heaviest morning commuter traffic on I‑64 westbound, it's best to plan your departure from Newport News strategically. If you can leave before 07:00, you will likely experience a much smoother and quicker drive. Alternatively, waiting until after 09:00 will allow the peak rush to subside. The corridor between Newport News and Williamsburg can get quite congested with local commuters, so timing your trip outside that window is key.

The most scenic and direct route to Historic Jamestowne is via the Colonial Parkway. You can access it easily from the area's main roads, and it provides a pleasant, leisurely drive through woodland and along the James River. It's important to know that the Parkway is a protected historic road with no commercial development. This means there are no petrol stations, restaurants, or shops directly on it, so be sure to have enough fuel and any required supplies before you begin that leg of your journey.

A day trip to Virginia Beach requires planning around the Hampton Roads Bridge‑Tunnel (HRBT) on I‑64 eastbound. This tunnel is a major bottleneck and is notorious for significant traffic backups, especially on weekends, holidays and during the summer. It is essential to check traffic conditions before you depart and consider leaving very early in the morning to avoid the worst delays. Always build extra time into your schedule when your route includes the HRBT.

To efficiently visit the Historic Triangle, plan a linear route using the Colonial Parkway. A good approach is to start at Historic Jamestowne at the western end of the Parkway. From there, drive east along the scenic Parkway to Colonial Williamsburg in the middle. After your visit, continue east on the same Parkway to reach Yorktown Battlefield. This creates a logical progression and allows you to enjoy the continuous historical landscape without unnecessary backtracking.

When visiting downtown Hampton, the most convenient option is to use one of the public parking garages. The Settlers Landing Parking Garage, for example, is centrally located and provides easy access to the waterfront, restaurants and the Virginia Air & Space Science Center. Using a car park eliminates the stress of searching for limited on‑street parking, especially during busy evening hours. These facilities are generally well lit and clearly signed for visitors.

Accessing Fort Monroe is simple, as it's located right off I‑64 at Exit 268. Once you cross the bridge onto the fort, the road network is easy to follow. For beach access, particularly at Outlook Beach, you will find ample public parking available in designated lots right along the waterfront. These lots provide direct access to the beach and walking paths, making it very convenient for visitors to park and enjoy the area.

When travelling from Newport News to Norfolk International Airport (ORF), it is crucial to account for potential tunnel traffic. Your route will almost certainly involve either the Hampton Roads Bridge‑Tunnel or the Monitor‑Merrimac Memorial Bridge‑Tunnel. As a rule of thumb, you should add a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes of buffer time to your journey, on top of the normal drive time. Unexpected congestion or lane closures at the tunnels are common, and this extra time provides a necessary cushion.

The most direct route is to take I‑64 east through the Hampton Roads Bridge‑Tunnel toward Norfolk, then merge onto I‑264 west toward the city centre. Follow the signs for Waterside Drive, which will lead you directly to the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center. The terminal has a well organised, dedicated lane right at the entrance for passenger and luggage drop‑offs, allowing you to unload before the driver proceeds to the adjacent parking garage.

The Mariners' Museum and Park offers a very convenient parking experience for visitors. The main entrance is clearly signed and located directly off J. Clyde Morris Boulevard (US‑17). Once you turn into the park, signs will guide you to a large, complimentary car park situated right in front of the museum's main building. The walk from the parking area to the entrance is short and easy, making it accessible for all visitors.

Jefferson Avenue is a primary commercial corridor in Newport News, so you should expect a multi‑lane road with numerous traffic lights. While the road itself is not confusing, it can experience significant congestion, particularly around major shopping centres like Patrick Henry Mall and the City Center at Oyster Point area. Be prepared for stop‑and‑go traffic during peak shopping times and weekday rush hours, and allow extra time when travelling through these sections.

For events at Christopher Newport University, it's best to check the university's official website beforehand for specific visitor parking instructions. Typically, visitors are directed to park in designated lots, such as the one adjacent to the Ferguson Center for the Arts. The main entrances to the campus are off Warwick Boulevard and Avenue of the Arts. Following the event‑specific signage on arrival will be the easiest way to find the correct parking area.

Under normal traffic conditions, the drive from Newport News to Richmond via I‑64 westbound takes approximately one hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. A very popular and logical place to stop along the way is Williamsburg, which is located about halfway through the journey. It offers a wide variety of options for a meal, a coffee break, or a chance to stretch your legs before continuing on to Richmond.

To have a successful day trip to Fredericksburg, timing is everything. Plan to leave Newport News very early, ideally before 06:30, to get through the Richmond area before its morning rush hour begins. The best route is I‑64 west to the I‑295 north bypass around Richmond, connecting to I‑95 north. For your return, aim to leave Fredericksburg either before 15:00 or after 19:00 to miss the heavy afternoon commuter traffic heading south.

Visiting Monticello from Newport News is an ambitious but rewarding day trip. The most sensible route is to take I‑64 west directly to Charlottesville, a drive that typically takes about two and a half hours without traffic. To make the most of your day, it is highly recommended to depart from Newport News no later than 07:00. This early start will help you avoid the worst of the Richmond‑area traffic and arrive at Monticello with ample time to explore before the peak afternoon crowds.

The main entrance to Newport News Park is conveniently located directly on Jefferson Avenue (Route 143), making it very easy to find. Once you enter the park, a well‑maintained and clearly signed road network guides you to the various attractions within. Whether you are heading to the campsite, the golf course, a specific picnic area, or the Discovery Centre, you will find signs directing you to the appropriate turn‑off from the main park loop.

Families visiting the Virginia Living Museum will find the parking situation to be exceptionally convenient. The museum provides a large, free car park located directly in front of the main entrance. The distance from the parking spaces to the front doors is very short, with flat, paved walkways. This makes it incredibly easy to manage prams, changing bags and other family gear without a long or difficult walk.

The most efficient way to get to Williamsburg from the Patrick Henry Mall area is to use I‑64 westbound. From the mall, you have very easy access to the motorway via Jefferson Avenue. Taking I‑64 directly to the Williamsburg exits is much faster and simpler than trying to navigate a series of local back roads. This route keeps you on a major highway for the majority of your trip, making for a smooth and straightforward drive.

For a split stay, the most logical driving plan is to first head to Williamsburg from PHF by taking I‑64 westbound. After your time in Williamsburg, you will then travel to Norfolk by getting back on I‑64 and heading east. This route will take you through the Hampton Roads Bridge‑Tunnel to reach Norfolk. This plan uses the main motorway for both legs of your journey, making navigation simple and efficient.

While GPS is generally reliable, some travellers report that it can occasionally provide confusing directions around the complex motorway interchanges in Newport News. The area where I‑64 intersects with Jefferson Avenue and J. Clyde Morris Boulevard has several ramps and overpasses that can be tricky. It's a good idea to briefly look at a map of your exit before you start driving and pay close attention to the overhead road signs, which are often clearer than the GPS commands.

For travellers needing easier access, several attractions offer very convenient parking. The Virginia Living Museum and the Mariners' Museum and Park both feature large car parks situated directly in front of their main entrances, requiring only a very short, flat walk. Additionally, the visitor centres for major historic sites like Yorktown Battlefield are designed with accessibility in mind, providing close parking for a comfortable start to your visit.

During heavy rain, it's crucial to drive with extra caution in the Hampton Roads area. Visibility can be significantly reduced on bridges and at the entrances to tunnels like the HRBT. Some low‑lying local roads, particularly in coastal parts of Hampton and Newport News, are prone to temporary flooding or ponding water. It's safest to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and stick to major highways like I‑64, which are generally better equipped for drainage.

For easy access to sunset views, the Fort Monroe area is an excellent choice. There are numerous designated parking spots and pull‑offs along the waterfront that offer beautiful, unobstructed views over the water. Another great option is the Yorktown waterfront, where you can often find parking along Water Street. Both locations allow you to park your car and be just steps away from a perfect photo opportunity without a long walk.

The most direct and low‑stress route is to take I‑64 west from the airport to the Lightfoot exit (Exit 234). From there, follow the clear signage for Route 199 and then Richmond Road. The main entrances to the Williamsburg Premium Outlets are located right on Richmond Road. The complex is designed for easy access, with large, well‑marked car parks surrounding the stores.

Visitors should be aware that the streets immediately adjacent to Newport News Shipbuilding can be very congested, especially during employee shift changes in the morning and afternoon. While major thoroughfares like Huntington Avenue are open to the public, some smaller streets may have restricted access for security reasons. For general sightseeing, it's best to stick to the main public roads unless you have a specific, cleared destination within the shipyard complex.

The most effective strategy to minimise parking in Williamsburg is to drive to the official Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Centre and park your car there for the day. From the visitor centre, you can take advantage of the complimentary and efficient shuttle bus system. The shuttles run on a continuous loop, connecting the historic area, Merchants Square and other nearby attractions like the art museums, saving you the time and hassle of finding a new parking spot at each location.

Drivers new to the area should be particularly mindful of the speed limit changes when exiting a motorway onto a local road. For example, the speed limit drops significantly when you transition from I‑64 onto major arteries like Mercury Boulevard or Jefferson Avenue. Another key area is the Colonial Parkway, which has a strictly enforced, lower speed limit that is consistent along its entire length. Always watch for posted speed limit signs to ensure a safe drive.

To avoid the biggest traffic jams at Hampton Coliseum, consider approaching from I‑664 and using the Pine Chapel Road exit, which can be less congested than the main I‑64 exits. When leaving, exercising a little patience can make a big difference; waiting just 15–20 minutes in your parking spot can allow the initial exit surge to clear out. Using a navigation app with live traffic can also help you find a less crowded local street to begin your journey home.

If you want to avoid complex motorway merges during rush hour, the simplest route is to take Jefferson Avenue (Route 143) directly from the airport. While this road has traffic lights and can be busy, it is a straight and direct path through the city. This avoids the stress of navigating the high‑speed interchanges on I‑64, making it a more predictable and less demanding drive for someone unfamiliar with the area.

For a quick and rewarding half‑day trip, the Mariners' Museum and Park is an excellent choice due to its proximity to the airport. The drive is short and straightforward, primarily using J. Clyde Morris Boulevard. This allows you to spend a solid two to three hours exploring the museum and its attractive park setting. Its close location ensures you can easily get back to PHF for your hire return and flight without feeling rushed.

As you drive toward the airport on the main access road, stay toward the left‑hand lanes. You will need to watch for large, clear signs that specifically say "Rental Car Return." These signs will appear before you reach the main terminal departures and arrivals loops. Following them will guide you into a dedicated roadway that leads directly to the rental car return lots for all agencies.

When driving from Williamsburg to PHF on a weekday morning, you will be travelling on I‑64 eastbound, which is against the primary flow of commuter traffic. While this is advantageous, you should still plan for a drive of at least 45 minutes to be safe. It's always wise to build in a buffer for unexpected slowdowns or congestion near the airport itself. Leaving a little extra time ensures a relaxed journey to catch your flight.

I‑64 in this region is generally well lit, especially around major interchanges and urbanised areas like Newport News. However, some stretches between exits can be darker, so it's important to remain attentive. Exits can approach quickly, so it's helpful to know your exit number in advance. When merging, be aware that other vehicles will be travelling at high speeds, so use your mirrors and be decisive.