Hertz Car Hire
Richmond

After you deplane and collect your luggage from the baggage claim carousels on the lower level, look for the prominent signs directing you to the Rental Car Centre. The Hertz service counter is conveniently located within this dedicated area inside the main terminal building. The walk is short and entirely indoors, making it a seamless transition from your flight to the next step of your journey. Simply follow the overhead signage, and you will find the counters straight ahead.

The entire process at Richmond International Airport is designed for traveller convenience and is located indoors. From the baggage claim area, it is a very short walk to the rental car counters. After completing your paperwork, you will proceed directly to the adjacent car park where the vehicles are staged. This connected structure means you are protected from the elements, whether it's a hot summer day or a rainy afternoon, from the moment you leave the plane until you are in your car.

To expedite your pickup during peak travel times, the best strategy is to be prepared. Having your reservation confirmation, driving licence, and any loyalty programme information ready will speed up your time at the counter. The walk from the terminal to the rental car garage is quick and direct, so the main variable is the queue. Enrolling in any available express rental programmes beforehand can also significantly reduce your wait time, often allowing you to bypass the counter altogether and proceed directly to your vehicle.

If you are managing several bags on your own, your best option is to use a complimentary luggage trolley from the baggage claim area. You can load all your belongings onto the trolley and easily push it from the carousel to the Hertz rental counter. After you receive your keys, you can continue with the trolley into the rental car garage. This allows you to bring your luggage directly to your vehicle's boot before returning the trolley to a designated collection point.

The most convenient place to load bulky items like golf clubs or ski equipment is in the rental car parking garage itself. After you complete the rental process at the counter, proceed to your assigned vehicle. The parking bays provide ample space to open your doors and boot fully, allowing you to organise and load your oversized gear without pressure. This is far easier than attempting to manage large items in the busier passenger drop-off or pickup lanes.

Yes, you can absolutely proceed with your car rental pickup even if your luggage is delayed. First, file a lost baggage report with your airline's baggage service office, which is located in the baggage claim area. Once that is handled, you can head to the Hertz counter to complete your rental agreement as planned. You can then drive away and simply return to the airport later to retrieve your bags once the airline notifies you of their arrival.

For a morning meeting, it's wise to build in a comfortable time buffer. Plan for the rental pickup process itself to take around 20 to 30 minutes, from walking to the counter to getting situated in your car. The drive from RIC to downtown Richmond is typically about 20 minutes without significant traffic. To be safe, especially during potential morning rush hour, arriving at the rental counter about an hour before you need to be at your destination is a prudent strategy.

The most direct and well‑signed route for a first-time visitor is to take Interstate 64 West. As you exit the airport, follow the clear signage for I‑64 West toward Richmond. You will stay on this motorway for about eight miles. For downtown access, you can take exits such as 3rd Street, 5th Street, or 9th Street, which will lead you directly into the heart of the city's business and historic districts.

The drive to Short Pump is primarily a straightforward motorway journey. You'll take I‑64 West from the airport and continue past the downtown Richmond area. The main interchange to be mindful of is where I‑64 briefly merges with I‑95 through the city; just be sure to stay in the lanes designated for I‑64 West. Once you are past the city centre, the drive is smooth until you reach the Short Pump exits, such as Exit 178 for Broad Street.

Both The Fan and Carytown are historic neighbourhoods known for their charm, which includes narrow, tree‑lined streets and a reliance on street parking. Be prepared for parallel parking, as driveways are uncommon. It's crucial to read all posted parking signs carefully, as many streets have time limits, permit restrictions, or street cleaning schedules. Finding a spot can be competitive, especially on evenings and weekends, so it's wise to park when you find a spot and explore the vibrant areas on foot.

For newcomers, The Fan District can be particularly tricky due to its extensive grid of one‑way streets, which can make circling a block a multi‑turn process. Additionally, the Monument Avenue roundabouts require some confidence to navigate during busy times. Downtown and Shockoe Bottom can also be challenging with their mix of one‑way streets, cobblestone surfaces, and roads that pass under the elevated interstate, which can sometimes interfere with GPS signals.

The most effective strategy is to park your rental car once in a central location and explore the different areas on foot or with a short rideshare. Consider using a paid parking garage near the Greater Richmond Convention Centre or Monroe Park Campus of VCU. From there, you can easily walk to most downtown offices and VCU buildings. Shockoe Bottom is also a manageable walk or a quick, inexpensive ride away, saving you the significant hassle of finding parking multiple times.

To avoid the heaviest congestion, plan your travel on the main interstates outside of the typical rush hour windows of 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM on weekdays. The interchange where I‑95 and I‑64 merge through the centre of Richmond is a frequent bottleneck. If you must travel during these times, using a navigation app with real‑time traffic data is essential for finding the least congested route, which may involve using surface streets like Broad Street or the Downtown Expressway.

For events at the Convention Centre or nearby venues, approaching from the north via I‑95 South or I‑64 East is often the most direct path. Taking the 3rd Street exit (Exit 74C) will place you very close to the venue and numerous parking garages. It is highly recommended to identify and pre‑select a parking garage using a map app before you leave, as this will save you from circling and dealing with event‑related street closures and traffic.

Driving to this area is fairly easy, but parking requires some planning, especially during weekends or events. There are several paid surface lots and parking decks located along Canal Street and Cary Street, just a short walk from the Canal Walk and the pedestrian bridge to Brown's Island. On a typical weekday, finding a spot is not difficult. However, for a festival or concert, these lots fill up quickly, so arriving early is your best bet.

Several bridges connect the north and south sides of Richmond, and many experience heavy traffic during commuter hours. The Powhite Parkway (Route 76) and the Huguenot Bridge are major arteries for suburban commuters and can be very busy. Closer to downtown, the Lee Bridge and Manchester Bridge also see significant congestion during morning and evening rush hours. For a more scenic and often less crowded crossing, you might consider the Boulevard Bridge, though it is a smaller, older toll bridge.

The most stress‑free plan is to park once and walk between the attractions. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) offers a large, convenient parking deck that is centrally located. You can park there for the day and easily walk to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture right next door. From there, it's a pleasant 10‑ to 15‑minute walk to one of Maymont's entrances, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful neighbourhood without reparking your car.

This is a very manageable and enjoyable plan. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is located in the Northside of Richmond, about a 20‑minute drive from the airport, primarily on I‑295 and I‑95. You can easily pick up your car, drive directly to the gardens, and spend two to three hours exploring before heading to your hotel. The garden has ample free parking, making it a hassle‑free first stop on your Richmond itinerary.

Parking in Scott's Addition can be challenging, especially on a weekend evening, as it's almost entirely on‑street. To avoid frustration, try looking for parking on the wider, more industrial streets on the periphery of the neighbourhood, such as Moore Street or Mactavish Avenue. From there, it's just a short walk to the main brewery hub. Arriving earlier in the day or considering a rideshare service for your brewery tour are also excellent strategies.

The VMFA makes parking very simple for visitors. The museum has a large, multi‑level parking garage with an entrance located on N Arthur Ashe Boulevard. This is the most reliable and convenient option, offering direct, covered access into the museum. While some limited street parking is available in the surrounding neighbourhood, the garage ensures you won't have to search for a spot and is just steps away from the main entrance.

The ideal plan is to park in the large lot located at Tredegar Street, which serves the American Civil War Museum and the entrance to Belle Isle. From this lot, you can easily carry your gear across the scenic pedestrian suspension bridge to the island's trail network. This lot is very popular and can fill up on sunny weekends, so arriving before late morning is highly recommended to secure a convenient spot.

A great first stop is the White Oak Village shopping centre, located just a five‑minute drive from the airport rental car facility. This large, open‑air mall has several family‑friendly restaurants, a Target, and other large stores. The expansive car parks provide a low‑stress environment to grab a meal, pick up any forgotten supplies, and make sure everyone is comfortable before you continue your journey into the city.

For a calm and safe space, drive a few minutes from the airport to a large retail car park, such as the one at White Oak Village. Find a parking spot in a quieter section, away from the main store entrances. This will give you plenty of room and time to properly install car seats, organise your luggage in the boot, and set up your navigation system without the pressure of being in a busy airport garage.

During a heavy downpour, drivers in Richmond should be cautious of roads becoming slick, especially at the beginning of a storm. Some low‑lying areas, particularly in Shockoe Bottom near the river and under certain viaducts, can be prone to localized flooding, so it's wise to avoid driving through standing water. The cobblestone streets in areas like Shockoe Slip can also become quite slippery when wet, requiring slower speeds and more gentle braking.

With daylight saving time ending in the autumn, the sun sets much earlier, meaning the evening commute often happens in the dark. Plan to use your headlights and be extra vigilant, especially on roads that border parks, like those in the James River Park System, as wildlife can be more active at dusk. When navigating unfamiliar neighbourhoods, the reduced visibility just means allowing a little extra time and relying on your GPS for guidance.

A day trip to the Historic Triangle is extremely practical and a popular choice for visitors to Richmond. The drive to Williamsburg is a straight shot east on I‑64 and takes about one hour. From there, the scenic Colonial Parkway connects you to Jamestown and Yorktown. Leaving Richmond in the morning allows for a full day of exploration before an easy drive back in the evening, making it a perfect excursion with a rental car.

Yes, a day trip to Charlottesville is very comfortable and highly recommended. The drive west on I‑64 takes about 75 minutes, making it easy to visit Monticello in the morning and a few nearby wineries in the afternoon. For the drive back, it's best to plan on leaving Charlottesville before 4:00 PM to avoid the beginning of Richmond's evening commuter traffic, ensuring a smooth and relaxing end to your day.

The most direct route is to drive west on I‑64 for about 90 minutes to the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station, which is the southern terminus of Skyline Drive. To make the day feel relaxed, it's best to choose a specific hike or overlook in the southern section of the park ahead of time. This allows you to drive directly to your destination, enjoy your hike, and soak in the views without feeling pressured to cover the entire length of the scenic drive.

Timing is absolutely critical for a trip to Virginia Beach to avoid the infamous traffic at the Hampton Roads Bridge‑Tunnel. For the best experience, plan your trip for a weekday and leave Richmond no later than 7:00 AM to get ahead of the congestion. On your return, aim to leave the beach by 2:30 PM to beat the afternoon rush. Avoiding travel on summer weekends is the most important strategy of all.

To easily visit historic Fredericksburg, take Exit 130A (Route 3 East) from I‑95. Instead of navigating the narrow downtown streets immediately, head toward the large public car park located at Wolfe Street. This provides a central and stress‑free place to leave your car. From the car park, you can comfortably explore the historic district, shops, and restaurants on foot before easily returning to I‑95 to continue your journey.

The drive north on I‑95 can be intense, especially through Northern Virginia. To minimise stress, a good strategy is to choose a lane and stay in it, preferably one of the centre lanes, to avoid the constant merging traffic from on‑ramps and off‑ramps. Using your GPS with live traffic alerts is essential. Most importantly, try to schedule your drive to avoid weekday rush hours, as the traffic volume can be overwhelming.

For a smooth arrival at Kings Dominion, plan to get there about 30 minutes before the park opens to secure a good parking spot and avoid the initial rush. The park is a simple 20‑minute drive north of Richmond on I‑95. When leaving at closing time, expect significant delays as everyone exits at once. A good tip is to either leave 30 minutes before the park closes or wait about 20‑30 minutes after closing for the initial wave of traffic to clear.

The simplest and most direct route is to use I‑295 North. Shortly after leaving the airport, you will see signs for this interstate loop. I‑295 bypasses the downtown Richmond traffic and is generally less congested than I‑64 or I‑95. It's a modern, well‑maintained motorway that provides easy access to all the major Glen Allen exits, such as Route 33 or Route 1, making for a low‑stress drive.

Ashland's charming downtown is very easy to visit. The best place to park is on the streets surrounding the central railway tracks, which run right through the heart of town. There is typically ample free on‑street parking available along Railroad Avenue. Once you've parked, the entire historic area, including unique shops, cafes, and the Randolph‑Macon College campus, is compact and easily explorable on foot.

A safe amount of time to budget is between 90 minutes and two hours. This allows for about 15 minutes to complete the car return process and gather your luggage. From the rental garage, it's a 5‑minute indoor walk to the airline check‑in counters. The remaining time provides a comfortable cushion for checking bags, clearing security, and walking to your gate without feeling rushed.

The process at RIC is very efficient. First, follow the signs for Rental Car Return and pull into a designated Hertz lane in the parking garage. Follow the instructions for after‑hours drop‑off, typically involving leaving the keys in the vehicle. From there, it's a short, fully enclosed walk from the garage directly into the terminal's main ticketing hall, where you can proceed to your airline's counter and then security.

The most efficient method is to first drive to the upper level, which is designated for Departures. You can pull up to the kerb and unload your passengers and their luggage right at the entrance to the airline check‑in counters. After they are safely on their way, you can simply continue driving around the terminal loop and follow the well‑marked signs for Rental Car Return, which is a separate entrance that requires no backtracking.

A great approach is to use Richmond as a central hub for a few days. Dedicate at least one or two full days to exploring Richmond's neighbourhoods, museums, and restaurants without long drives. Then, plan distinct day trips on other days—one day for Charlottesville to the west, another for Williamsburg to the east. This strategy allows you to return to your Richmond base each evening and minimises the feeling of constantly being on the move, blending city exploration with regional travel.