Payless Car Hire
Newport News

After collecting your luggage from the baggage reclaim carousels, look for the overhead signs directing you towards the Rental Car Centre. The rental counters at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport are conveniently located together within the main terminal building. You will find the Payless desk in this designated area, making it a short and straightforward walk to complete your paperwork. Airport staff are also available to point you in the right direction should you need assistance.

The most reliable way to find your rental car pickup is to follow the airport's permanent signage for "Rental Cars" as soon as you enter the main terminal area. These signs are well lit and strategically placed to guide arriving passengers. The rental car counters are consolidated in one area, so once you spot the signs, they will lead you directly to the correct location. This removes any need to wander, as the route from baggage reclaim to the rental desks is very direct.

During peak travel times, it is sensible to budget approximately 45 to 60 minutes from the moment you deplane to driving away in your rental car. This accounts for time spent walking through the terminal, waiting for and collecting your luggage, and completing the rental agreement at the counter. Having your driving licence and reservation details ready can help expedite the process. On less busy days, the whole process could be significantly shorter.

The most direct and simplest route to Colonial Williamsburg is to take Interstate 64 West. From the airport, signs will clearly guide you onto I-64, which is the primary highway connecting the region. You will stay on this interstate for about 20–25 minutes before taking one of the designated exits for Williamsburg. This route is well signed with large, clear signage, making it very straightforward for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

To ensure you don't miss any turns, it's best to set your satnav destination specifically to the "Jamestown Settlement" or "Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center." The Colonial Parkway is a scenic, low-speed road with rustic signage that can be smaller than typical highway signs. Relying on your navigation app for turn-by-turn directions will help you anticipate the correct exits and enjoy the beautiful drive without worrying about getting lost.

First-time visitors should be aware that the Hampton Roads Bridge–Tunnel (HRBT) on I-64 is a major traffic bottleneck, especially during summer weekends and weekday rush hours. It's essential to check a real-time traffic app before you depart to gauge potential delays. As you approach the tunnel, be prepared for traffic to slow or stop, and stay focused on the overhead lane signals. Patience is key to navigating this route smoothly.

Yes, the Monitor–Merrimac Memorial Bridge–Tunnel (M-MMBT) on I-664 is often a less congested and less stressful alternative to the Hampton Roads Bridge–Tunnel (HRBT). While it may add some mileage depending on your exact destination, the time saved by avoiding HRBT traffic can make it a worthwhile choice. It is particularly useful if you are heading to the western parts of Chesapeake or Suffolk. Always check your traffic app to compare travel times on both routes before you leave.

To enjoy a smooth trip to Virginia Beach, plan to leave Newport News before 09:00, especially on a summer weekend. This allows you to get through the Hampton Roads Bridge–Tunnel before the heaviest traffic builds up. An early start not only helps you avoid frustrating delays but also significantly improves your chances of finding convenient parking near the seafront before the lots fill up for the day.

The most common and convenient strategy is to park at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Centre. This large complex offers ample parking and serves as the central hub for starting your visit. From the visitor centre you can easily walk to the historic area or take the complimentary shuttle bus service. The shuttles run on a continuous loop, providing easy access to all the key sites throughout the day.

A highly recommended and simple plan is to drive to the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Centre first to explore the area. After your visit, you can get directly onto the scenic Colonial Parkway heading west. This historic road connects Yorktown directly with Williamsburg, offering a beautiful and relaxing drive that is part of the experience itself. The parkway is well signed and leads you straight into the heart of the colonial capital.

To create the most efficient driving route, it's best to start at one end of the Colonial Parkway and work your way to the other. A logical sequence is to begin at Jamestown, then drive the parkway to Colonial Williamsburg for the main part of your day. Finally, continue on the parkway to Yorktown to finish your tour of America's Historic Triangle. This linear path minimises backtracking and turns the drive itself into a seamless historical journey.

During rush hour, I-64 through Newport News can become quite congested, requiring attentive driving. The interchanges around major arteries like Jefferson Avenue (Exit 255) and the approaches to the bridge–tunnels can be particularly busy with merging traffic. Out-of-towners are sometimes surprised by the lane shifts and exit-only lanes near the I-664 interchange, so it's wise to know your exit number in advance and move into the correct lane early.

The complex interchanges where I-64 and I-664 split to approach the two different bridge–tunnels can sometimes cause GPS confusion. Your navigation might issue last-second commands that are difficult to follow in heavy traffic. It's always a good idea to supplement your satnav by paying close attention to the large overhead highway signs, which provide clear, advance guidance for choosing the correct route to Norfolk, Virginia Beach, or Suffolk.

Many travellers find it convenient to stop for groceries along Jefferson Avenue, which is a major commercial road just a few minutes from the airport. You'll find several popular supermarket chains like Trader Joe's, Harris Teeter, and Food Lion located right off this main thoroughfare. These stores are easy to access before you get on I-64, making it a simple detour to stock up on supplies for your trip.

A great option for a break shortly after leaving the airport is Newport News Park, located right off I-64 at the Fort Eustis Boulevard exit. It offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and plenty of space for children to run around. Further along your route, once you are through one of the bridge–tunnels, there are numerous exits with familiar fast-food restaurants and petrol stations that provide quick and easy stops for toilets and snacks.

The key to a smooth arrival at Busch Gardens is following the large, official signs on Interstate 64, which will direct you to Exit 243A. The most common mistake visitors make is trusting a satnav that tries to guide them through a back entrance or a different exit, leading to confusion. The main entrance is designed to handle high volumes of traffic, so sticking to the signed route from the interstate is your most reliable and stress-free option.

To avoid the longest lines at Water Country USA, the best strategy is to arrive either right when the park opens or even 15–20 minutes beforehand. This allows you to get through the parking toll booths and find a spot before the peak morning rush. Alternatively, arriving after 13:00 can also be easier, as the initial wave of visitors has already settled in for the day.

The primary challenge on event nights is the sheer volume of traffic converging on the Hampton Coliseum area via Mercury Boulevard and I-64. This can cause significant backups on the exit ramps and surface streets leading to the car parks. The best strategy is to allow plenty of extra travel time and arrive early, which helps you avoid the worst of the pre-event gridlock and secure a more convenient parking space.

The most straightforward route is to take I-64 East toward Hampton and use Exit 268, which is the last exit before the Hampton Roads Bridge–Tunnel. The route to Fort Monroe is clearly signed from the exit. Once you arrive, you'll find the parking situation to be very low-stress, with ample free parking available in designated lots and along many of the streets throughout the historic site.

A reliable route is to take I-664 South through the Monitor–Merrimac Memorial Bridge–Tunnel toward Suffolk/Chesapeake, and then connect to I-264 East toward Downtown Norfolk. This path often has less traffic than the HRBT and leads you directly to the Waterside and downtown area via the Waterside Drive exit. Using a satnav set for a specific waterfront car park will help you navigate the final few blocks with ease.

Drivers typically park in one of the several large public car parks located within a very short walking distance of Nauticus. The Town Point Garage and the Main Street Garage are both excellent, convenient options. From either of these garages, it is an easy and pleasant walk of just a few minutes to the waterfront, the USS Wisconsin, and the Nauticus museum entrance.

For a smooth drop-off, set your satnav for the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk. The terminal has a well-organised, kerbside drop-off lane where you can unload passengers and luggage with the assistance of porters. After everyone is out of the car, you can then follow the clear signage that directs drivers to the designated long-stay cruise car park located just across the street.

To avoid the heaviest commuter traffic, it's best to leave Newport News after 09:30 on your way to Richmond. For your return trip, plan to leave Richmond either before 15:30 or wait until after 18:30. This schedule helps you miss the peak rush hour congestion on I-64 in both the Richmond and Hampton Roads metro areas, making for a much more pleasant drive.

The most straightforward route is to take Interstate 64 West the entire way; it's a direct drive of about two and a half hours. This major highway is easy to follow and well maintained. For a convenient stop, the areas around Richmond, which is roughly the halfway point, offer numerous exits with a wide variety of restaurants, petrol stations, and rest areas.

The most reliable plan is to travel on a weekday if possible, as weekend traffic can be extremely heavy. The main route involves taking I-64 or I-664 to connect with VA-168 South (Chesapeake Expressway) and then US-158 East into North Carolina. The biggest bottleneck is typically the Wright Memorial Bridge, so checking a traffic app before you reach that point can help you anticipate delays.

Most major roads in Newport News, such as Jefferson Avenue and Warwick Boulevard, are well lit and easy to navigate at night. However, visitors should be aware that some residential streets and scenic routes like the Colonial Parkway have minimal or no lighting to preserve their character. It's advisable to drive with extra caution and use your main beams when appropriate in these less developed areas.

Yes, the coastal location can bring specific weather challenges that affect driving. In spring and autumn, dense fog can develop suddenly, especially in the early morning near the James River and other waterways, significantly reducing visibility. During the summer, intense but brief afternoon thunderstorms are common, so it's always wise to check the local forecast before heading out on a longer drive.

A great way to protect your rental car is to bring along an old sheet or a large, inexpensive tarpaulin to line the boot or cargo area. This creates a barrier that makes cleaning up sand much easier at the end of your trip. It's also helpful to pack a few large plastic bags or waterproof totes specifically for wet towels and swimwear to keep the car's interior dry and comfortable.

The Hampton Roads region has several tolled facilities, primarily in the southside cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake. When you pick up your vehicle, it's a good idea to ask the rental agent at the counter about their specific policies for handling tolls. They can explain the different options available for your rental, ensuring you are prepared before you encounter any electronic tolling gantries on your journey.

Large, open car parks at shopping centres are ideal for this purpose. Locations like Patrick Henry Mall near the airport or the City Center at Oyster Point complex offer ample space to pull over and reorganise. These spots are easy to find, centrally located, and provide a low-stress environment for transferring luggage and passengers without the pressure of traffic or crowded kerbsides.

On busy weekends, finding on-street parking directly in front of your destination in downtown Hampton or Phoebus can be challenging. A more practical and less stressful strategy is to head directly for one of the designated public car parks or surface lots. These are typically just a short walk from the main streets and save you the time and frustration of circling for a kerbside spot.

City Center at Oyster Point is designed for convenient access, with multiple large car parks integrated directly into the development. The easiest approach is to simply follow the prominent signs for public parking as you enter the area. You can park once and then enjoy the walkable layout, moving between shops, restaurants, and the cinema on foot without needing to move your car.

A simple route is to take Mercury Boulevard east toward Hampton, then follow the signs for I-64 East, and finally take the exit for Mallory Street/Phoebus, which leads you toward the beach. On a busy summer day, the main car parks adjacent to the beach can fill up quickly. Arriving before late morning is your best bet for securing a convenient spot.

Evening traffic heading to Yorktown Beach is generally light, making for a pleasant drive. However, the prime parking spots along the waterfront are highly sought after, especially on evenings with good weather. To get a good spot, plan to arrive at least 45 minutes to an hour before sunset, which gives you time to park and enjoy a stroll before the view.

Drivers should be aware that the speed limit on the Colonial Parkway is low, typically 45 mph or less, and is strictly enforced. The road surface is a unique pebble aggregate that can feel different to drive on, especially when wet. Additionally, scenic pull-offs are designated and limited, so you should not stop on the grass or verge; plan to use the marked overlooks for any pauses.

A common strategy is for one adult to wait with the children and all the luggage in the terminal's baggage reclaim area while the other adult goes to the rental counter to complete the paperwork. Once the car is ready, the driver can bring it to the terminal's kerbside passenger pickup area. This allows you to load everything and install car seats without having to haul all your gear through the multi-storey car park.

An excellent spot for this is Newport News Park, located just a two-minute drive from the airport off the Fort Eustis Boulevard exit. The park has several large, quiet parking areas where you can pull over without any traffic pressure. It's the perfect place to take a few minutes to programme your navigation, adjust your mirrors, and get everyone settled before starting your journey on the interstate.

An efficient approach is to group your sightseeing by city to minimise bridge crossings. You could start by exploring Newport News attractions like the Mariners' Museum and Park and the historic Hilton Village. Afterwards, you can make a single crossing over one of the Hampton Roads bridges to explore Hampton sites like Fort Monroe, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center, and Buckroe Beach.

To ensure a stress-free departure, it is wise to budget at least 90 minutes from the time you arrive at the airport's rental car return area to the time you are at your gate. This provides a comfortable cushion for the vehicle return and inspection process, checking your luggage with the airline, and clearing through security. During peak travel seasons or holidays, allowing a full two hours is an even safer bet.

For an early morning flight, confirm the rental company's after-hours return procedure, which typically involves parking in a designated area and leaving the keys in a secure drop box. Plan your route to the airport the night before and allow a few extra minutes for your drive in the dark. Arriving at the airport a little earlier than you think you need to will provide peace of mind and prevent any last-minute rush.