Car Hire
Norfolk

At Norfolk International Airport the hire-car process is set up for convenience and shuttles are not required. After you disembark and collect your luggage at baggage reclaim, follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Cars." Those signs lead straight to the hire-car desks inside the arrivals terminal. Once you have completed the hire agreement you will be directed to a dedicated area of the adjacent multi-storey car park to collect your vehicle, making the whole process a short, indoor walk.

On a busy afternoon at ORF a realistic timeline from deplaning to driving away in your hire car is typically between 45 and 75 minutes. This allows for the walk from your gate, a possible wait at baggage reclaim and the time to complete paperwork at the hire desk. The hire desks can have queues at peak arrival times, so having your reservation details to hand helps speed things up. As the cars are kept in a car park right next to the terminal, the final step of locating your vehicle is usually quick.

To reach Virginia Beach from ORF with minimal fuss, aim to get on Interstate 64 East. As you leave the hire-car car park, follow the airport signs for I-64 E / Virginia Beach. That will take you along Norview Avenue for a short distance before you merge onto the interstate. Continue on I-64 East and take the exit for I-264 East, the main expressway that leads directly to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This is the most straightforward route and helps you avoid most of Norfolk's surface-street traffic.

When driving from ORF to Downtown Norfolk, the interchange where I-64 meets I-264 can be tricky for first-time visitors. You need to be in the correct lane to exit onto I-264 West towards the city centre. Once off the interstate, navigating the grid of one-way streets such as Brambleton Avenue and Waterside Drive requires attention. Using a sat-nav is highly recommended as it will help you anticipate required turns and lane changes as you approach the downtown core.

Driving from ORF to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on a summer weekend can be quite stressful due to heavy traffic, especially on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. The I-264 often becomes congested as locals and visitors head to the beach. To avoid the worst of it, plan to drive during off-peak hours such as before 9am or after 7pm. The return trip on Sunday afternoon can be equally slow, so allowing extra travel time is essential for a lower-stress journey.

The historic Ghent neighbourhood, home to the Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), is known for its charming but often narrow residential streets. When driving a hire car here, be prepared for tighter turns and a substantial amount of on-street parking that can reduce lane width. Finding a parking spot directly outside your destination can be challenging, especially in the evenings. It's sensible to check your hotel's parking arrangements in advance, as you may need to use a designated lot or be prepared to walk a block or two.

Planning a visit to Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin is straightforward with a hire car since they are located together on the downtown waterfront. The most convenient option is to use the dedicated car park directly across the street on Main Street. From that car park it's just a short, easy walk across an intersection to the attractions' entrance. This allows you to park once and spend as long as you like exploring the museum and the battleship without worrying about moving your car.

A sensible approach is to park your hire car near your planned dinner spot in Downtown Norfolk first and then walk to the museum. The Chrysler Museum of Art sits on the edge of the NEON Arts District and is a pleasant 10–15 minute walk from the downtown core. By parking in a central downtown car park, such as one near the MacArthur Center or Waterside Drive, you secure your space for the evening. You can then enjoy the museum and stroll to your restaurant without searching for another parking space.

For boat tours and dolphin watching, the Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers the most accessible options for drivers. Rudee Inlet is a major hub for these activities, located at the southern end of the main resort area. There are several large public car parks and multi-storey car parks nearby specifically serving the marina and surrounding restaurants. Arriving a little early, especially on a summer day, is advisable to secure a convenient spot before your scheduled tour time.

For an event at Chartway Arena on the ODU campus or a baseball game at Harbor Park, it's wise to arrive about 60 to 90 minutes before the start time. This buffer accounts for event-specific traffic that builds on surrounding roads such as Hampton Boulevard or Waterside Drive. Arriving early also ensures you can find a spot in the closest car parks or lots before they fill up, giving you plenty of time to walk to the venue and get settled without feeling rushed.

Driving through the Hampton Roads Bridge–Tunnel (HRBT) on I-64 is a major regional route that frequently suffers heavy congestion, especially in the summer. First-time drivers should be prepared for significant slowdowns and stop-and-go traffic approaching the tunnel portals. Within the tunnel the lanes can feel narrow, so maintain a steady speed and be aware of surrounding vehicles. Always check a real-time traffic app before you travel, as delays of an hour or more are common in peak times.

For a day trip to Williamsburg from Norfolk, the key to avoiding traffic is timing your drive around the Hampton Roads Bridge–Tunnel (HRBT). Aim to leave Norfolk early in the morning, ideally before 7:30am, to cross the HRBT before the heaviest commuter and beach traffic builds. The drive on I-64 West is generally smooth after the tunnel. For the return trip, try to leave Williamsburg after 7pm to miss the evening rush hour, which will make for a much more pleasant drive back to Norfolk.

Visiting all three sites of the Historic Triangle in one day from Norfolk is ambitious but achievable with a hire car and careful planning. You must start very early to maximise your time and focus on the main highlights at each location. A sensible plan is to drive to Jamestown first, then follow the scenic Colonial Parkway to Williamsburg, finishing the day at Yorktown. Be prepared for a full, fast-paced day, as each site could justify several hours on its own.

The most direct driving route from Norfolk to the Outer Banks is to take VA-168 South, which becomes US-158 East after you cross into North Carolina. From the Norfolk area you want to get onto I-464 South, which merges into VA-168. This route, known as the Chesapeake Expressway, is a toll road for part of the way, so be prepared for that. Stay on this main highway as it leads you over the Wright Memorial Bridge and onto the Outer Banks, with Nags Head just a few miles further south.

While sat-navs are generally reliable in the Norfolk area, they can sometimes offer confusing reroutes during heavy traffic at the Hampton Roads Bridge–Tunnel (HRBT) or the Downtown Tunnel. If traffic is heavily backed up, your navigation app might suggest complex detours along unfamiliar surface streets to save a few minutes. It's often better to stay on the main interstate unless the delay is exceptionally long, as these detours can be tricky to navigate and may not save significant time.

When visiting Naval Station Norfolk it is crucial to know your specific destination and the correct gate for visitor access. Do not simply navigate to "Naval Station Norfolk," as this may take you to a gate with restricted entry. Your host or the event organiser should provide you with the exact gate number, such as Gate 2 or Gate 5, and the physical address to enter into your sat-nav. Always have your identification ready and be prepared for a vehicle inspection on entry.

A good strategy for exploring Norfolk's distinct neighbourhoods is to park your hire car once in a central location within each area and explore on foot. In Ghent, find a spot along Colley Avenue and walk to the shops and cafés. In the compact NEON Arts District a single parking spot allows you to see all the murals easily. For Ocean View, park near the beach and walk along the waterfront. This 'park once' approach saves you the frustration of finding multiple parking spots and lets you experience the unique character of each neighbourhood.

For overnight parking in Downtown Norfolk, public car parks are by far the easiest and most secure option. Look for car parks concentrated around the MacArthur Center mall, the Waterside District and along Main Street, as these are well lit and centrally located. While some street parking is available, it often has time limits or is reserved for residents, making it an unreliable choice for overnight stays. Choosing a car park gives peace of mind and ensures your hire car is safe while you enjoy the city.

The simplest plan for parking at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is to head straight to one of the large municipal car parks on Pacific Avenue, a block from the ocean. These car parks, commonly found around 9th Street, 19th Street and 31st Street, offer ample space and clear pricing. Arriving before 10am on a summer day greatly increases your chances of getting a spot without circling. This is far more efficient than hunting for limited and time-restricted on-street parking closer to the boardwalk.

For a sunrise trip to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront you'll find parking much easier. Early in the morning you can often find metered spots directly on Atlantic Avenue or on the side streets between Atlantic and Pacific Avenues. These spots are ideal for short-term stays and provide immediate beach access. The municipal lots and car parks will also be mostly empty at that hour, offering a simple and stress-free start to your day before the crowds arrive.

When planning a day at First Landing State Park aim to arrive with your hire car before 10am, especially on summer weekends, as the main beach-access car park off Shore Drive can fill up quickly. The park has two main entrances: the Shore Drive entrance is for the beach and Chesapeake Bay access, while the 64th Street entrance leads to trailheads and the Trail Centre. Roads inside the park are paved but narrow and winding with low speed limits, so drive cautiously and be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians.

Driving to Sandbridge Beach, a more secluded area south of the main Virginia Beach resort, involves negotiating two-lane roads that can get very congested. On holiday weekends expect significant traffic backups on Sandbridge Road, the primary access route. Parking is limited to a few public lots which fill extremely early in the day. The best plan is to leave very early in the morning or consider visiting on a weekday to avoid spending much of your day in traffic.

When driving into Norfolk from Chesapeake or Suffolk the most significant bottlenecks are typically the tunnels and interstate interchanges. The Downtown Tunnel (I-264 East) and the Midtown Tunnel (US-58 East) are major choke points during morning and evening rush hours. Additionally, the interchange where I-64, I-264 and I-464 converge, known as Bowers Hill, can be very slow. Planning your travel outside peak commuter times is the best way to ensure a smoother drive to Norfolk's attractions.

The most direct route from ORF to the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center is to take I-64 West to I-264 West toward Downtown Norfolk. Then take the Waterside Drive exit. A common point of confusion is navigating the final approach, as you must make a specific turn onto Nauticus Loop to reach the terminal entrance. Pay close attention to the large signs for the cruise terminal as you leave the highway to avoid missing this turn and having to circle back through the city centre.

For a smooth cruise departure the best plan is to drive your hire car to the cruise terminal first to drop off luggage and any passengers with a porter. This saves you from hauling bags after returning the car. After the drop-off, one person can drive the short distance back to Norfolk International Airport to return the vehicle. From the airport it's a quick taxi or rideshare trip back to the cruise terminal, making for a very efficient and low-stress process.

The Norfolk Botanical Garden is conveniently located next to the airport, making it a great first or last stop on your trip. To avoid airport-related traffic plan your visit for mid-morning or early afternoon, well after the morning rush and before the late-afternoon departure peak. A good itinerary would be to pick up your hire car at ORF and drive directly to the garden before heading to your hotel. Alternatively, visit on your departure day, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the grounds before your flight.

For visitors with limited mobility several Norfolk attractions offer excellent accessibility. The Chrysler Museum of Art has a dedicated car park right next to its entrance, ensuring a very short walk. Similarly, Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin are served by a large car park directly across the street with an accessible crossing. The Norfolk Botanical Garden also offers tram tours and ample parking close to the visitor centre, making it easy to enjoy the grounds without extensive walking.

When picking up your hire car at ORF with family gear, a good strategy is to have one adult wait with the children and luggage in the terminal while the other completes the hire paperwork. Once you have the keys and the car location you can drive the vehicle to the passenger pickup curb right outside baggage reclaim. This allows you to load car seats, pushchair and luggage in a designated, less-congested area without trying to manage everything in a tight car park spot.

Arriving late at ORF is generally straightforward as the airport is well lit and easy to navigate. The hire-car desks are inside the terminal and the pickup car park is attached, so you won't be exposed to the elements. For the drive, ensure your phone is charged and your sat-nav is set before you leave the car park. Main roads and motorways in the Norfolk area are well lit, but residential streets can be darker, so drive cautiously in unfamiliar areas.

A common local driving habit that surprises visitors is the sudden braking and lane changes near tunnel entrances as drivers react to traffic alerts or try to get into a faster-moving lane. Additionally, during heavy rain be aware that some roads, particularly near the waterfront, can be prone to temporary flooding. Drivers in the region are used to military convoys, so always give these vehicles ample space. Finally, expect heavy traffic related to beach-goers and military personnel during peak travel times.

To avoid getting stuck in a backed-up tunnel approach it's crucial to use a real-time traffic app and make your decision to reroute well in advance. As you get closer to a tunnel like the HRBT or Downtown Tunnel, physical barriers and solid lane markings will prevent you from exiting. Pay attention to overhead electronic signs which often provide warnings about delays ahead. If you see a major delay reported, take the last possible exit before the final approach to find an alternative route.

A low-stress plan is to start early to cross the Hampton Roads Bridge–Tunnel (HRBT) before 9am to avoid the worst traffic. Once on the Peninsula the attractions are relatively close together. You could start at the Virginia Air & Space Science Center in Hampton and then drive to the Mariners' Museum and Park in Newport News. For the return to Norfolk, plan to cross the HRBT after 6pm or consider using the Monitor–Merrimac Memorial Bridge–Tunnel (I-664) as an alternative, which often carries less congestion.

To visit multiple beaches efficiently, a geographical approach works best. Start at Sandbridge Beach in the south since it's the most remote and gets crowded early. From there drive north to the more central Virginia Beach Oceanfront. In the afternoon continue north to the local-favourite Chic's Beach on the Chesapeake Bay. Finish your day at Ocean View in Norfolk, a great spot to watch the sunset over the bay before a short drive back to your accommodation.

Immediately after leaving ORF you'll find several convenient options for groceries and supplies without a major detour. As you head out on Norview Avenue towards I-64 there are numerous shopping centres with major supermarkets, pharmacies and big-box retailers. The Military Circle area, just a few minutes from the airport, is a major commercial hub. This allows you to easily stock up on essentials for your trip before you even get onto the motorway to head to your final destination.

If you're staying near the Waterside District the best strategy is to park your hire car and leave it. Use your hotel's parking if available, or one of the large, secure public car parks such as the Waterside Garage or Town Point Garage for the duration of your stay. The entire downtown area including Waterside, Granby Street's restaurants and the NEON Arts District is very walkable. This approach lets you enjoy the nightlife without the stress of finding parking late at night or worrying about driving.

When driving to a waterfront event like Harborfest expect significant road closures and detours, especially on Waterside Drive and Boush Street. The best plan is to park on the periphery of the event and walk in. Look for public car parks further into downtown, such as those near the MacArthur Center, which are less likely to be affected by the closures. Arrive much earlier than you think you need to, as thousands of other attendees will be navigating the same reroutes and searching for parking.

For an early flight you need to account for morning rush hour, which can be heavy on I-64 and other roads leading to the airport. Plan to have your hire car at the airport return area at least two hours before your flight's departure time. The return process itself is usually quick, but building in a buffer for potential traffic delays on your way to ORF is critical. This ensures you have ample time to drop the car, check in and get through security without stress.

A common mistake when returning a hire car to ORF is missing the specific turn-off for "Rental Car Return" from the main airport loop road. Drivers sometimes follow the signs for "Departures" or "Arrivals" too far. As you approach the terminal complex, slow down and look carefully for the dedicated rental return signage which directs you into the correct lane for the car park entrance. Using a sat-nav set specifically to the rental car return address can also help prevent a last-minute wrong turn.

For a simple and scenic drive, take a trip along Ocean View Avenue in Norfolk, which offers miles of pleasant views of the Chesapeake Bay. Another excellent option is to drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel to Virginia's Eastern Shore for a unique over-water experience. For a shorter loop, you can drive from Norfolk to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and then take Shore Drive along the coast past First Landing State Park, which provides a lovely mix of beach and woodland scenery.

To minimise crossings, plan your itinerary by grouping activities on the same side of the water. Spend one day exploring Norfolk and Virginia Beach, which are connected by the I-264 expressway and don't require a major water crossing between them. On another day, take a tunnel to the 'Peninsula' side to visit Portsmouth, Hampton or Newport News. This approach prevents you from repeatedly driving back and forth through the Downtown or Midtown tunnels, saving significant time and potential traffic headaches.