Enterprise Car Hire
Newport News

On arrival at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport you will find the hire car desks conveniently located inside the main terminal. After collecting your luggage from the baggage reclaim carousels, look for prominent signs directing you to “Car Hire” or “Ground Transport.” The desks for major rental companies are typically grouped together in this area, making it a simple one-stop process. Once you complete the paperwork, staff will direct you to the adjacent car park where the vehicles are staged for collection.

For a late-night arrival at PHF the process is generally efficient, but it’s sensible to plan for about 30 to 45 minutes from deplaning to driving away. Baggage reclaim at this smaller airport is typically quick, though late arrivals can sometimes mean consolidated staff at the hire car desks. This buffer allows time to collect bags, walk to the hire desk and complete the vehicle pickup without feeling rushed. It also gives you a moment to adjust the vehicle settings and enter your destination into the sat nav before setting off.

The most direct route from PHF to City Center at Oyster Point avoids complex motorway interchanges entirely. After leaving the airport, turn onto Jefferson Avenue (Route 143). Continue south on Jefferson Avenue for a few miles. City Center will be on your right; the main cross street is Oyster Point Road. This route uses a primary local artery with clear signage, allowing you to bypass I-64 and its potentially confusing ramps, making for a much less stressful first drive in the area.

Traffic on I-64 around Newport News is heaviest during standard commuter hours, roughly from 6:30am to 9:00am and again from 3:30pm to 6:00pm on weekdays. Congestion is particularly notable near the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel. For first-time visitors, the easiest driving windows are typically mid-day, between 10:00am and 2:00pm, or after 7:00pm. Weekend traffic can be unpredictable, especially during the summer, so checking a real-time traffic app is always a good strategy.

For a visitor driving from PHF to Williamsburg, taking the Interstate 64 West is by far the simplest and most direct option. While local roads like Route 60 (Warwick Boulevard) run parallel, they involve numerous traffic lights, lower speed limits and more complex navigation. I-64 provides a straight shot with clear signage for the Williamsburg exits. The drive is typically under 30 minutes without heavy traffic, making it the most efficient and least confusing choice to get your holiday started.

On a typical weekend morning, the drive from central Newport News to Colonial Williamsburg usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The primary route is I-64 West, which is generally free-flowing at this time unless there is an accident or special event. As you approach the Williamsburg exits you may encounter increased tourist traffic, especially during peak season. It’s a good idea to add a 15-minute buffer for parking and walking to the visitor centre.

The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) on I-64 is a notorious traffic bottleneck connecting the Peninsula to the Southside. Before you depart, always check a real-time traffic app as delays can be significant at any time of day, especially on summer weekends. Backups often begin miles before the tunnel entrance, so be prepared for stop-and-go conditions. To minimise frustration, consider travelling during off-peak hours, such as mid-morning or later in the evening, and always build a substantial time cushion into your schedule.

The two major water crossings, the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) and the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT), can be intimidating for some drivers due to their length and heavy traffic. The MMMBT on I-664 is often less congested than the HRBT and may feel more manageable. For an alternative that avoids underwater tunnels altogether when heading south, you can take the James River Bridge (US-17). While this route is longer if your destination is Norfolk or Virginia Beach, it’s an open-air crossing that many drivers find more comfortable.

To visit both sites efficiently from Newport News, a logical approach is to drive to the furthest point first and work back. Start your day at Historic Jamestowne via the scenic Colonial Parkway. After exploring Jamestowne, continue along the Colonial Parkway eastward towards Williamsburg and then on to Yorktown. This route allows you to enjoy the full length of the scenic parkway in one continuous drive. Ending the day in Yorktown gives you a more direct return to Newport News via Route 17.

Newport News Park offers multiple large car parks spread throughout its extensive grounds, each corresponding to different attractions like trailheads, picnic areas and the boat ramps. On entering the park follow the main road and look for signs directing you to your area of interest. On pleasant spring and autumn weekends the lots nearest popular picnic shelters and the disc golf course can fill by late morning. However, due to the park’s size you can almost always find parking, though it may require a short walk to your chosen start point.

Approaching The Mariners' Museum and Park is straightforward. The main entrance is directly off J. Clyde Morris Boulevard (US-17), a major local road. Clear signage marks the turn into the museum’s grounds. Once inside you will find a very large free car park situated directly in front of the museum’s main entrance. Ample parking is almost always available, and the walk from your car to the front door is typically very short and convenient.

The Ferguson Center for the Arts, located on the Christopher Newport University campus, has a dedicated multi-level car park conveniently next to the venue. Parking is typically well organised with attendants directing traffic before a show. After the performance expect some congestion as everyone exits the car park at once. It can take 15 to 20 minutes to get out of the car park and onto the main road, so a little patience is key. Exits onto J. Clyde Morris Boulevard are managed to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible.

Driving in Peninsula Town Center is designed to be user-friendly, with a mix of on-street parking and several large multi-storey car parks. During peak dinner hours or at weekends the most convenient on-street spots fill up quickly. However, the car parks almost always have space and are a reliable option. Navigating the centre’s streets is simple, but be mindful of pedestrians, as it’s a popular open-air shopping and dining destination. Arriving a few minutes early allows you to find a stress-free spot in one of the car parks.

Jefferson Avenue is a major commercial artery in Newport News characterised by a divided median along many of its busiest sections. This design often restricts direct left turns into shopping centres or hotels. Drivers should be prepared for a pattern known as a "Michigan left," where you must drive past your destination, make a U-turn at a designated crossover, and then make a right turn to enter. This is a standard traffic flow for the area, so watch for U-turn signs and get into the left lane after you pass your turn.

The most direct way to reach Fort Monroe from Newport News is to take I-64 East toward Hampton. Follow the signs for Fort Monroe/Phoebus and take Exit 268 (Mallory Street). Follow Mallory Street straight until it leads you over a small bridge into the historic fort area. Once inside you’ll find ample free on-street parking throughout the grounds, as well as designated lots near the Casemate Museum and North Beach. Finding a spot is rarely an issue, allowing you to explore the area on foot.

When visiting Norfolk’s Waterside District the most convenient option is to use one of the city-operated car parks. The Waterside Garage and the Main Street Garage are both located a block or two from the district, offering a short and easy walk. Driving directly to one of these garages using your sat nav is far more efficient than searching for limited on-street parking. This strategy saves time and frustration, letting you get straight to enjoying the waterfront attractions, restaurants and shops without the stress of circling for a spot.

The drive from Newport News to Busch Gardens typically takes about 25 to 35 minutes via I-64 West. To avoid the longest parking queues, plan to arrive about 30 to 45 minutes before the park’s official opening time. This allows you to get through access points, park your car and make your way to the entrance gates before the biggest crowds build up. Arriving early ensures a smoother start to your day and maximises your time enjoying the attractions rather than waiting in your vehicle.

To ensure a smooth arrival at Water Country USA aim to get there shortly after the park opens rather than right at opening time. The initial entry rush can cause backups on the exit ramp from I-64 and at the parking toll booths. By arriving around 30 minutes after the gates open you often miss the peak of this congestion. The drive itself from Newport News is quick, so timing your departure to hit that slightly later arrival window can lead to a much more pleasant and less stressful experience for the whole family.

The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is a scenic and enjoyable part of a driving tour, but wait times can vary. During weekday, off-peak hours you can often drive straight on. However, on summer weekends and holidays be prepared for a wait of 30 minutes to over an hour. When you arrive at the ferry terminal you will be directed into clearly marked lanes to wait for the next departure. The process is straightforward and you simply remain in your vehicle until instructed to board by the ferry staff.

A great one-day itinerary starts by driving to the furthest point first: Historic Jamestowne. Plan to spend your morning there. Afterwards take the scenic Colonial Parkway to Colonial Williamsburg, which is a perfect spot for lunch and an afternoon of exploration. In the late afternoon continue on the Parkway to the Yorktown Battlefield where you can take a driving tour and watch the sunset over the York River. This west-to-east route minimises backtracking and allows you to experience the whole historic triangle logically before a simple drive back to Newport News.

Yes, the drive and parking for the Virginia Air & Space Science Center are very straightforward. From Newport News you’ll take I-64 East to Hampton and use Exit 267 for Settlers Landing Road. The museum is well signed from the motorway. An attached city car park offers the most convenient parking, with an entrance directly opposite the museum. The car park is easy to navigate and provides covered, secure parking just steps from the main entrance, making it a hassle-free destination for visitors.

Planning a trip to Buckroe Beach for sunrise or sunset from Newport News is easily done without worrying about tunnel traffic. Buckroe Beach is located in Hampton on the same side of the water as Newport News so you will not need to use major tunnels like the HRBT. The drive is a simple surface-street route, often taking you down Mercury Boulevard or Pembroke Avenue. This makes it a reliable and stress-free destination for enjoying the waterfront at the beginning or end of the day.

A common point of confusion for visitors leaving PHF is navigating the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and J. Clyde Morris Boulevard to get onto I-64. Some drivers mistakenly turn too early or get into the wrong lane for the on-ramps. The key is to follow the airport exit road (Patrick Henry Drive) all the way to Jefferson Avenue. From there follow the large green overhead signs explicitly pointing to I-64 East or I-64 West. Trusting your GPS and paying close attention to those specific motorway signs will prevent a wrong turn.

A great plan for a group is to have the designated driver proceed to the hire car counter while the rest of the party collects all the luggage from baggage reclaim. Once the bags are gathered the group can wait in the spacious terminal lobby or just outside the baggage reclaim doors. After the driver has the rental vehicle they can pull up to the passenger pickup curb. This division of tasks prevents everyone from crowding the hire counter and makes loading the vehicle more organised and efficient.

Just a minute or two from the airport exit on Jefferson Avenue you’ll find several large shopping centre car parks, such as Patrick Henry Mall. These offer a perfect place to pull over safely into a parking space. Here you can take a few minutes to adjust your mirrors and seats, enter your destination into your sat nav, and ensure luggage is secure. This brief stop allows everyone to get settled comfortably before merging onto a busy road like Jefferson Avenue or Interstate 64.

A sensible first stop on a drive south to the Outer Banks is in the Great Bridge or Hickory areas of Chesapeake. This is about 45 to 60 minutes into your drive after you’ve navigated the Hampton Roads tunnel system. Exiting onto Route 168 you’ll find numerous petrol stations, coffee shops and fast-food restaurants. Taking a short break here allows you to stretch your legs and grab a refreshment before you begin the longer, more rural stretch of the drive down to North Carolina.

The easiest way to drive to Richmond is by taking I-64 West directly. The trip typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half. As you approach Richmond I-64 merges with I-295; be prepared for increased traffic and lane changes in this area. To avoid the worst of Richmond’s commuter traffic try to plan your arrival after 9:30am and your departure before 3:30pm. Using a sat nav app will help you navigate the city’s exits and any unexpected congestion on the motorway.

Using Newport News or Williamsburg as a base is generally easier for a trip that includes both destinations. Staying on the Peninsula (Newport News/Williamsburg side) means you only have to deal with crossing the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel for your Virginia Beach day trip. If you stay in Virginia Beach you would face potential tunnel traffic on every trip to the historic sites in Williamsburg and Yorktown. This makes a Peninsula-based stay more efficient for minimising time spent in traffic over the course of your holiday.

To avoid the worst of the traffic on a drive to Washington, D.C. you should aim to be on the road from Newport News no later than 6:00am. This helps you get past Richmond and Fredericksburg before their morning rush hours intensify. The drive can take anywhere from three to five hours depending on traffic around the D.C. area. Good places for a break are the rest areas on I-95 near Fredericksburg or the various service plazas in Ashland, just north of Richmond, which offer food and fuel options.

When driving in Newport News on weekdays be very attentive to posted school zones, which are common on main roads like Warwick Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue. These zones have significantly reduced speed limits, typically 25 mph, which are strictly enforced during specific morning and afternoon hours. The zones are usually indicated by flashing yellow lights. It’s crucial to slow down immediately upon seeing the flashing lights to ensure the safety of children and avoid a costly fine.

Most car parks in the Newport News area, including those at City Center or Peninsula Town Center, are modern and designed to accommodate larger vehicles like SUVs. However, some older garages in nearby downtown Hampton or Norfolk can have tighter turns and lower clearance. When entering any garage with a larger vehicle it’s always good practice to drive slowly, pay attention to clearance signs at the entrance, and take turns a bit wider than you would in an ordinary car.

For securing beach gear and valuables, renting an SUV with a retractable cargo cover is an excellent choice. This allows you to keep your cooler, chairs and bags completely out of sight when you make stops for lunch or shopping. If your vehicle doesn’t have a cover, packing a dark-coloured blanket to lay over your items can also be an effective deterrent. Always try to park in well-lit, populated areas and make sure to lock your vehicle doors whenever you leave it.

Coastal Virginia is prone to sudden, heavy rainstorms that can cause localised street flooding, known as "nuisance flooding." The best strategy is to check the weather forecast before heading out and use a real-time traffic app like Waze, which often shows user-reported flooding. If you encounter a street with standing water never attempt to drive through it, as the depth can be deceptive. It’s always safer to turn around and find an alternative, higher-elevation route, even if it adds a few minutes to your trip.

During foggy conditions major highways like Interstate 64 and well-maintained arterial roads like Jefferson Avenue or J. Clyde Morris Boulevard are generally the safest options. These roads have clear, reflective lane markings, ample lighting and predictable layouts that make them easier to navigate in low visibility. It’s best to avoid smaller, unlit back roads, especially those immediately adjacent to the James River or other bodies of water. Always reduce your speed, use your low-beam headlights and increase your following distance significantly in the fog.

For late-night arrivals, the easiest routes from PHF use the area’s main, well-lit thoroughfares. To reach hotels on Jefferson Avenue or in the Oyster Point area simply exit the airport and drive south on Jefferson Avenue. For hotels near I-64 the route is also direct, following signs from Jefferson Avenue onto the motorway. These primary roads are multi-lane, well-illuminated and have clear signage, making them the most secure and straightforward options for navigating to your lodging after dark.

When driving from Newport News to the Norfolk cruise terminal it is essential to plan a significant time buffer. You should allow at least 90 minutes to two hours for what would normally be a 30–40 minute drive. This accounts for potential heavy traffic at the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, which can be unpredictable. This extra time also covers navigating downtown Norfolk, finding the cruise terminal car park, and managing your luggage without feeling rushed before embarkation.

The simplest way to reach Hampton Coliseum is by taking I-64 East to Exit 267 (Hampton Roads Center Parkway). The Coliseum is highly visible from the motorway and signs will direct you right to the entrance. The venue is surrounded by a massive car park, making it easy to find a space. After a major event expect significant delays exiting the lot as thousands of cars try to leave at once. Patience is key; it can take 30 minutes or more to get from your parking spot back onto the main roads.

When planning a tour of local wineries or breweries it’s wise to map out your destinations in advance to create a logical route. The Williamsburg Winery is a major destination, while several craft breweries are clustered in Williamsburg and Hampton. Grouping your visits by location minimises driving time. Most importantly plan for responsible consumption by having a designated driver for your group. The distances between venues can be 15–20 minutes, so having a clear plan ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

A great way to combine these activities is to dedicate the morning to sightseeing in Colonial Williamsburg when you have the most energy for walking. After a couple of hours you can break for lunch near the historic area. In the afternoon drive just a few minutes down the road to the Williamsburg Premium Outlets for your shopping. The outlets are located very close to the main historic attractions, making it easy to transition from one to the other without a long drive, which helps conserve your time and energy.

For an early morning flight on a weekday you should budget extra time for both traffic and the hire car return process. Plan to leave your hotel at least 30 minutes earlier than your sat nav suggests to account for morning rush hour on roads like Jefferson Avenue or I-64. Allow another 20–30 minutes at the airport for the car return itself, which includes a vehicle check and completing paperwork. This timeline ensures you can drop off the car and still get to your airline’s check-in desk with plenty of time to spare.