Van Hire
Norfolk

The most convenient option is to collect your van directly at the Norfolk International Airport (ORF) rental car centre on arrival. This allows you to load your group and luggage immediately without needing separate transport. However, if you don’t need the van for your first day, picking it up later from a downtown or neighbourhood location can save you the hassle of navigating and parking a large vehicle in the city centre straight away. Ultimately, the airport location offers the most streamlined process to get your trip started.

During a busy weekend, it’s wise to allow an extra 30 to 45 minutes for the entire van pickup process. This accounts for potential waits for the shuttle from the terminal to the consolidated rental car facility. You should also expect longer queues at the rental desk and the additional time it takes to carry out a thorough walk-round inspection of a larger passenger van before you drive off. Planning for this buffer helps ensure a relaxed start to your trip.

The most efficient method is for the designated primary driver to go to the rental car centre alone to handle the paperwork and collect the van. The rest of the group can wait comfortably inside the airport terminal at a pre-arranged meeting spot, like the baggage reclaim area. Once the driver has the van, they can easily circle back to the terminal’s passenger pickup curb to collect everyone and their luggage, avoiding congestion at the rental facility.

The most direct and well-signed route for a first-time van driver is to take Interstate 64 East from the airport area. Follow the signs for a few miles until you reach the interchange for Interstate 264 East, which is clearly signed for Virginia Beach and the Oceanfront. This all-motorway route minimises complex turns on city streets and provides multiple lanes, making it a less stressful initial drive in a larger vehicle.

For drivers unfamiliar with the area’s geography, sticking to the main interstate loops like I-64 and I-264 is often the least stressful option for longer distances. For local travel, using major surface roads such as Military Highway (US-13) or Virginia Beach Boulevard (US-58) can be a good alternative. While these routes have traffic lights, they help you avoid the feeling of confinement that comes with navigating the region’s narrow bridge–tunnel sections.

Traffic backups at the Hampton Roads Bridge–Tunnel (HRBT), especially on summer weekends or during rush hour, can easily add an hour or more to your travel time in each direction. When planning a day trip to the Peninsula (like Williamsburg or Hampton), it’s crucial to check a real-time traffic app before you leave. Always have the Monitor–Merrimac Memorial Bridge–Tunnel (I-664) as a potential alternate route in your navigation plan.

When driving a van through these tunnels, the most important things are to be aware of your vehicle’s height and to stay centred in your lane. The lanes can feel narrow, so it’s best to maintain a steady speed and minimise distractions. Before entering, take a moment to get a feel for the van’s width in your mirrors. This preparation helps make the passage through the underwater sections of your drive feel much more controlled and secure.

For a longer drive like the one to the Outer Banks, prioritise a van with robust rear air conditioning to keep all passengers comfortable. Ample cargo space behind the last row of seats is also essential to keep luggage from crowding the cabin. Additionally, look for features such as multiple USB charging ports to keep devices powered and cup holders for everyone, which can make a significant difference in the overall travel experience for a family.

A great plan is to dedicate one full day to the Historic Triangle. Leave Norfolk in the morning and take I-64 West to the Jamestown Settlement, which has ample parking for vans. After exploring, take the scenic and van-friendly Colonial Parkway over to Colonial Williamsburg for the afternoon. You can enjoy dinner there before heading back to Norfolk in the evening, which helps you avoid the worst of commuter traffic.

Parking a large passenger van in the city centre during peak dinner hours can be challenging, but it is manageable with some planning. Your best bet is to avoid often-tight multi-storey car parks and look for surface car parks, which are common in the area. Arriving a little before the main 6–7 pm dinner rush will significantly improve your chances of finding a spot that is easy to pull into and out of.

Most visitors driving a larger van to Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin use one of the several city-operated car parks nearby, such as the Town Point Garage or the Main Street Garage. However, it is absolutely critical to check the posted height clearance at the entrance before you enter. If your van is too tall, there are also several surface car parks within a few blocks that offer a safer and more accessible alternative.

Yes, the historic Ghent neighbourhood is particularly challenging for van parking. Its narrow residential streets, tight spaces, and permit-parking zones make it very difficult to find a suitable spot for an oversized vehicle. Similarly, the Freemason historic district in the city centre has very limited on-street parking, so it’s best to find a commercial lot or garage on the periphery when visiting these areas.

When driving a van in the centre for the first time, pay close attention to the grid of one-way streets, especially around Granby Street and the Freemason area. It’s crucial to give yourself extra space and swing wider when making turns to avoid clipping kerbs. Plan your route in advance using a sat-nav app so you can anticipate your turns and get into the correct lane early, which helps prevent stressful last-second manoeuvres.

The most stress-free plan is to wait in a nearby car park or on a side street until your friends call to say they have their bags and are outside. The pickup area directly in front of the station can get congested. Once they are ready at the kerb, you can make a quick and easy loop into the passenger loading zone without having to circle or idle in a busy lane.

To ensure a smooth start to your cruise, plan to leave your Norfolk location at least 90 minutes before your scheduled arrival time at the terminal. This generous buffer accounts for potential city traffic, especially near the Downtown Tunnel. It also allows ample time for unloading luggage and passengers from a full van in the designated drop-off zones without feeling rushed.

The most efficient method is to drive to your hotel first and unload all passengers and luggage. This allows the whole group to get settled or wait comfortably in the lobby. The driver can then return the van to the airport rental centre with an empty vehicle, making the process much quicker and easier than trying to manage a crowd and all their bags at the rental desk.

After collecting your van from the rental facility, a great option is to pull into the airport’s mobile-phone waiting area. These lots are free, typically not crowded, and provide plenty of space to organise luggage, install car seats, and get everyone situated comfortably. Alternatively, a nearby petrol station with a large parking area also works well for a quick stop before hitting the main road.

This day trip is definitely manageable in a van but requires an early start to make the most of your time. The drive is about two hours each way and includes crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel. Be sure to plan your trip around potential bridge traffic, especially on weekends. Parking at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge can be limited during peak season, so arriving earlier in the day is highly recommended.

The most straightforward and van-friendly route is to take Interstate 64 West directly from Norfolk all the way to Richmond. This is a major, multi-lane motorway with clear signage and no complex city interchanges to navigate until you reach the outskirts of Richmond. Sticking to I-64 West provides a direct path and is the simplest option for drivers in a larger vehicle.

Navigating a college tour in a van is quite feasible, as all three universities have designated visitor parking areas that can accommodate larger vehicles. Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University are in more urban settings, so allow for city traffic, while Hampton University’s campus is more self-contained. It’s always a good idea to check each university’s website beforehand for a visitor parking map and specific instructions.

During peak summer weekends, expect significant congestion and slow-moving traffic on Interstate 264 heading toward the Oceanfront. The drive can take much longer than anticipated, so patience is key. In a larger van, it’s important to leave plenty of following distance between you and the car ahead. The return trip from the beach on a Sunday afternoon is often just as crowded.

The best strategy is to book accommodation that explicitly offers on-site parking suitable for oversized vehicles. Many hotels have large surface car parks that can easily accommodate a passenger van. Relying on public multi-storey car parks is risky due to height restrictions, and street parking is extremely limited. Confirm your parking situation with your hotel before you book to prevent a major headache on arrival.

The key to a stress-free parking experience at Busch Gardens is to arrive early, ideally before the park officially opens. The main car parks are enormous and designed to handle all types of vehicles, including large passenger vans. By arriving early, you’ll get a spot closer to the entrance and avoid the long lines of cars that build up later in the morning.

A frequent mistake is not getting into the correct lane early enough for major interchanges, such as the I-64/I-264 split or the exits for the various tunnels. In a large van, making abrupt, last-minute lane changes is both difficult and unsafe. Visitors should review their route beforehand and pay close attention to overhead signs well in advance of their exit to ensure a smooth transition.

When driving in the more rural parts of Chesapeake and Suffolk, be prepared for two-lane roads that may have narrow shoulders and be poorly lit at night. It’s important to drive at a moderate speed and be vigilant for wildlife crossing the road. The larger size of the van can make these roads feel tighter, so extra caution is recommended, especially after dark.

The roads around ORF are designed for easy access to the interstate system. To head toward the Outer Banks, you’ll be naturally guided onto I-64 East. From there, take the well-signed exit for I-464 South, which seamlessly connects to VA-168 South and the Chesapeake Expressway. This route is the most direct and efficient path from the airport to the bridge leading into North Carolina.

The route to Washington, D.C. via I-64 and I-95 is well-equipped with large, modern rest areas and commercial travel plazas. A good strategy is to plan a primary stop around the halfway point, near Richmond, where you’ll find numerous options. These facilities have ample parking for vans and are designed to handle large groups, making them ideal for a coordinated restroom and snack break.

Before you leave the rental lot, perform a thorough inspection focused on your cargo needs. Open the rear doors completely to ensure they function properly and check that the cargo area is clean and free of obstructions. If you plan to use them, verify that any tie-down hooks are present and secure. Also, confirm that your gear can be loaded without blocking aisles or emergency exits.

Comfort on a long drive often comes down to seating configuration and legroom. When inspecting the van, pay attention to whether it has bench seats or individual captain’s chairs, as the latter provide more personal space. Take a moment to sit in the back rows to gauge the actual legroom. A van that feels spacious when empty can become quite cramped once filled with adults and their carry-on items.

For a large group with significant luggage, a 15-passenger van is almost always a better choice than a 12-passenger model, even if you don’t need all the seats. The extended length of a 15-passenger van provides crucial dedicated cargo space behind the last row. This prevents you from having to pile suitcases in the aisles or on seats, ensuring a safer and much more comfortable ride for everyone.

Visitors often encounter issues with low-clearance garages in the city centre and at some of the older hotels, particularly near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. It is absolutely essential to read the posted height-clearance sign at the entrance of any parking garage before attempting to drive in. When in doubt, the safest option is always to find a surface car park to avoid costly damage.

A fantastic and van-friendly scenic drive is along Ocean View Avenue, which follows the coastline of the Chesapeake Bay. The road is wide with multiple lanes, and there are numerous beach access points and parks with large car parks where you can easily pull over. This route provides beautiful water views and a relaxed driving experience without the stress of navigating tight city streets.

This is a very easy and direct route. From the Norfolk Botanical Garden, take Azalea Garden Road or Norview Avenue a short distance to the entrance for Interstate 64 East. Follow I-64 for a few miles and then take the well-signed exit for Interstate 264 East. This motorway will take you directly to the heart of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront with no complex turns.

To avoid chaos at the busy rental centre kerb, it’s best to handle this in a less congested area. After you’ve picked up the van, drive it to the nearby mobile-phone lot or an empty section of the rental car parking area. This gives you the space and time to install car seats correctly and get everyone settled into their seats without the pressure of holding up traffic.

Parking a van at the Norfolk Premium Outlets is exceptionally easy. The entire complex is surrounded by a massive, open-air surface car park designed to accommodate a high volume of traffic. You will have no trouble finding a space with plenty of room to manoeuvre and open your doors fully, making it simple to load all of your shopping bags into the vehicle.

When taking a van across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel, be mindful that high-profile vehicles can be subject to wind restrictions during bad weather, so it’s good to check conditions beforehand. The drive itself is straightforward, but be prepared for the toll, which is paid on the Norfolk side. Also, plan a stop at the scenic overlook on the southern island to enjoy the incredible views of the bay.

GPS is generally very reliable in the Hampton Roads area, but it’s common to lose the satellite signal temporarily while inside the tunnels. The best backup plan is to have a co‑pilot who can watch the road signs. Before entering a tunnel, make sure you know which lane you need to be in and what your next turn will be upon exiting, as this prevents confusion when the signal reconnects.

The most efficient plan is to drive to the airport terminal first and drop off all passengers and luggage at the departures kerb. This allows your group to proceed directly to check-in while one person handles the vehicle return. The driver can then take the empty van to the rental car facility and catch the shuttle back to the terminal, a much faster process than managing everyone at the rental desk.

For major events at these venues, expect significant traffic delays and directed parking procedures. You will likely be guided by event staff into designated lots, which are typically large surface car parks that can accommodate vans. The key is to arrive much earlier than you normally would, as access roads get very congested and finding a spot takes longer than usual.

The best approach is to drive directly to the large visitor centre car park at the Yorktown Battlefield. This lot is free and has ample space for oversized vehicles like passenger vans. From there, you can take advantage of the free and convenient Yorktown Trolley, which makes a loop through the historic village, the waterfront, and the battlefield, saving you the major headache of navigating and parking on narrow historic streets.