Payless Car Rental
Richmond

After you deplane and collect your luggage at baggage claim, look for the overhead airport signs directing you to "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars." The rental car counters at RIC are conveniently grouped together in a dedicated area within the main terminal building. Following the clear airport signage is the most straightforward way to locate the Payless service desk and begin the pickup process.

At Richmond International Airport, the rental car pickup and return areas are located in a parking garage directly across from the terminal building. Once you have completed your paperwork at the rental counter inside the terminal, you can simply walk across the covered pedestrian walkway to the garage. Clear signage will guide you to the designated level and stalls for Payless vehicles, making it a quick and convenient transition.

It is essential to verify the operating hours for the Payless location at RIC before your trip, as counter hours can vary. If your flight is scheduled to arrive late, be sure to include your flight number in your reservation details. This information can help the staff anticipate delays, though service is not guaranteed after closing time. Should you arrive after the counter has closed, you will need to arrange for alternative transportation and pick up your vehicle the following day.

To ensure a smooth and efficient pickup experience, it's best to have all your necessary items ready before you reach the counter. This typically includes your valid driver's license and your reservation confirmation number, which you may have on your phone or as a printout. Having these documents in hand allows the rental agent to process your rental quickly, getting you on your way to explore Richmond with minimal delay.

After picking up your vehicle from the rental garage, a great place to get situated is the airport's cell phone lot. It's located just a minute or two away from the main terminal area and provides a safe, out-of-the-way spot to park for a few minutes. Here, you can comfortably program your destination into the GPS, pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth system, and adjust your mirrors and seat before merging onto the main roads.

When leaving RIC for downtown, the primary route is I-64 West, which quickly leads to a major interchange with I-95. A common mistake for visitors is not getting into the correct lane early enough for the I-95 South exit toward Downtown/Petersburg. To avoid this, use a GPS navigation app and pay close attention to the overhead highway signs as you approach the city, as they provide ample warning for the upcoming split.

During weekday rush hours, generally between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM, the drive from Richmond International Airport to the Carytown neighborhood can take significantly longer than usual. A trip that might be 20 minutes in light traffic could easily extend to 40-50 minutes. The main sources of congestion are on I-64 West and the Downtown Expressway (I-195), so it's wise to budget extra time for your journey during these peak periods.

To get to Short Pump from RIC, your main route will be I-64 West for the majority of the drive. Once you exit the interstate, you'll primarily use West Broad Street (Route 250). Visitors are often surprised by the sheer volume of traffic and the number of stoplights on Broad Street, especially around the Short Pump Town Center mall. This area is a major retail hub, so expect heavy, stop-and-go traffic, particularly on weekends and weekday afternoons.

For a less stressful drive to the Fan District, take I-64 West from the airport to I-195 South (signs will say Downtown Expressway/Powhite Parkway). Exit at Hamilton Street or Thompson Street to enter the neighborhood from its western edge. This route allows you to bypass the more complex I-95/I-64 interchange closer to downtown and puts you directly onto the Fan's grid-like streets, which are easier to navigate.

Downtown Richmond and the area around Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) are known for their extensive network of one-way streets, particularly Franklin and Grace Streets, which run parallel to each other. Additionally, the intersection at Belvidere Street and Leigh Street can be confusing due to its multiple lanes and turning options. Using a GPS is highly recommended, and it's always a good idea to be extra alert when navigating these areas for the first time.

Driving on I-95 through Richmond during the morning commute, typically from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, requires patience. This corridor is a major route for both local commuters and long-distance travelers, leading to significant congestion and slowdowns. The interchanges with I-64 and the Downtown Expressway are particular choke points. If possible, planning your arrival outside of this peak window will make for a much smoother start to your visit.

Weekend traffic on I-64 through Richmond can be deceptively heavy, especially on Saturdays. While you won't face the typical commuter rush, the corridor is busy with shoppers heading to areas like Short Pump and travelers en route to Williamsburg or Virginia Beach. The downtown interchanges where I-64 meets I-95 and I-195 can still experience backups, so it's best not to assume the roads will be completely clear.

The most straightforward route to Kings Dominion is to bypass downtown Richmond entirely. From the airport area, take I-295 North. This beltway will loop you around the east and north sides of the city with minimal traffic and complexity. You will then merge onto I-95 North, and the exit for Kings Dominion is just a few miles ahead in Doswell, clearly marked with large signs for the theme park.

Visitors should be aware that Virginia, including the highways around Richmond, has a reputation for strict speed limit enforcement. State and local police actively patrol major corridors like I-95, I-64, and I-295. It is highly advisable to pay close attention to the posted speed limits and use cruise control to maintain a consistent speed. Driving cautiously and adhering to traffic laws is the best way to ensure a pleasant journey.

Yes, the primary area for sudden slowdowns is the I-95 bridge crossing the James River just south of downtown, which often acts as a bottleneck. Additionally, the complex interchange where I-95 and I-64 merge north of the city can be confusing, with lanes splitting for different directions. The Downtown Expressway (VA-195) also has toll plazas and exits that can cause traffic to back up unexpectedly, so staying alert in these zones is important.

During a rainstorm, Richmond's historic neighborhoods with cobblestone or brick streets, such as Shockoe Bottom and parts of Church Hill, can become particularly slick. At night, heavy rain can reduce visibility on the city's many tree-lined residential streets, like those in the Fan District. It's wise to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and use extra caution when driving in wet conditions, especially on unfamiliar roads.

For a sunrise at Libby Hill Park, you can typically find ample street parking directly alongside the park on North 29th Street, offering immediate access to the famous view. To visit Belle Isle, the closest parking is the large lot on Tredegar Street near the American Civil War Museum. Arriving very early ensures you get a spot right by the pedestrian bridge entrance, minimizing your walk before the crowds arrive.

The most convenient option for visiting the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is its on-site parking deck, accessible from Arthur Ashe Boulevard. This large garage offers direct access to the museum entrance. On weekends, especially during popular special exhibitions or nice weather, the deck can fill up by late morning. Some street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood, but be sure to read the signs for any restrictions.

For a visit to Maymont with family, the most practical parking is at the Hampton Street Entrance or The Robins Nature Center Entrance. Both lots offer more direct access to popular attractions like the Children's Farm and the nature exhibits, with relatively flat pathways that are easier for strollers. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on a weekend, will help you secure a spot closer to the entrance gates.

Street parking immediately surrounding Capitol Square is metered and highly regulated, often with a strict two-hour time limit during business hours. This makes it difficult for a thorough visit to multiple sites. For a more relaxed experience, it is advisable to use one of the public parking decks in the area, such as those located near 8th & Cary Street, which allow for longer-term parking.

On a Saturday afternoon, finding a parking spot directly on Cary Street is extremely challenging. When the main strip is full, the common strategy is to drive one or two blocks north or south into the adjacent residential neighborhoods. These side streets offer free on-street parking, but it may require a bit of patience to find an open spot. Always be sure to check for any posted parking restrictions.

If your downtown hotel is on a busy street, the most efficient plan is to use the designated passenger loading zone at the hotel's entrance first. This allows you to check in and unload your luggage with the help of hotel staff without blocking traffic. Afterward, you can either use the hotel's valet service or ask the front desk for directions to their recommended self-parking garage.

When parking in historic neighborhoods like The Fan or Church Hill, be mindful of the narrow streets and tight spaces. The most important thing to watch for are signs indicating residential permit parking zones, as parking in these areas without a permit can result in a ticket. Also, be careful not to block driveways or alleys, and check for any posted street cleaning schedules that may require you to move your car.

On nights with a popular show, the streets immediately surrounding downtown venues like The National become very congested with traffic and pedestrians. Nearby public parking garages and surface lots are the best option, but they fill up quickly and may have special event pricing. It's a good idea to arrive in the area well before the show starts to secure a spot and expect a short walk to the venue.

During an event at VCU's Siegel Center, expect heavy traffic congestion on West Broad Street, Harrison Street, and Belvidere Street. Street parking becomes nearly impossible to find. The most reliable option for visitors is to use one of the designated VCU parking decks, such as the West Broad Street Deck or the Bowe Street Deck, which are open to the public for event parking.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden provides a large, free parking lot for its visitors, which is a major convenience. However, during peak seasons like spring and fall, or for special events on weekends, the lot can reach capacity by late morning. To ensure you get a good spot and avoid a long walk, it's best to plan your arrival for shortly after they open or consider visiting later in the afternoon as the morning crowds begin to leave.

The easiest and most direct route for a day trip to Williamsburg is to take Interstate 64 East from Richmond. The drive typically takes about one hour without significant traffic. For a convenient rest stop, there is a state-run rest area near New Kent, about halfway through the drive. If you prefer a quick bite, there are several fast-food options at the Lightfoot exit (exit 234) just before you arrive in Williamsburg.

To avoid the heaviest traffic when driving to Virginia Beach, especially during the summer, try to travel outside of peak windows. The worst times are typically Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings heading east, and Sunday afternoons heading west. The stretch of I-64 near the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel is the most significant bottleneck. Leaving Richmond very early in the morning or mid-day during the week often results in a much smoother drive.

A day trip from Richmond to Shenandoah National Park is very realistic and popular. The drive to the southern entrance of Skyline Drive via I-64 West takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. To make the most of your day and avoid long lines at the entrance station, especially on a beautiful fall weekend, it's best to leave Richmond no later than 7:30 AM. This gets you to the park ahead of the peak crowds.

The most direct route to Charlottesville is to take Interstate 64 West from Richmond. The drive is scenic and typically takes just over an hour, making it an easy day trip. This route will take you directly to the exits for the University of Virginia, the historic downtown mall, and the surrounding countryside where many of the region's most popular wineries are located. The exits are clearly marked, making navigation simple.

When driving west on I-64 from Richmond towards I-81, the towns of Charlottesville and Staunton are your best bets for easy stops. Both cities have multiple exits with a wide variety of gas stations, fast-food chains, and casual restaurants located just off the highway. These service hubs are designed for traveler convenience, allowing for a quick and easy break before you get back on the road.

For those staying in the West End or Short Pump, the Wegmans and Kroger stores right off I-64 have large, easily accessible parking lots. If you are staying closer to downtown or the Museum District, the Kroger on Lombardy Street is a popular and convenient choice. While its parking lot can be busy, it is designed for high turnover and is relatively easy to navigate for stocking up on supplies.

You'll find several gas stations conveniently located within a few minutes of the airport, making it easy to refuel before your return. Look for options along Airport Drive, which is the main road leading to the terminal, as well as on South Laburnum Avenue, a major cross-street nearby. These stations are accustomed to serving airport travelers and provide quick, easy access for a final fill-up.

As you drive toward Richmond International Airport, pay close attention to the large overhead highway signs. There will be specific signs that read "Rental Car Return," which direct you into a dedicated lane. This lane is separate from the ones for Departures and Arrivals, so it's important to follow the correct signage to avoid having to circle the airport loop again. The entrance is well-marked and leads you directly to the return garage.

For an early-morning flight, a safe plan is to arrive at the rental car return garage at least two hours before your scheduled departure. The return process itself is usually quick, and the walk from the garage to the terminal is just a few minutes. This two-hour buffer provides ample time to drop off the car, check your bags, and get through security without feeling stressed or rushed.

The most efficient strategy is to first drive to the Departures curb for your airline. There, you can drop off all the passengers and the luggage, allowing them to proceed to the check-in counter. This leaves one person to drive the empty car to the rental return garage without the hassle of managing multiple bags. It streamlines the process and makes the experience much smoother for everyone in your group.

The drive on I-95 North from Richmond to DC is known for its challenging traffic. The most frustrating times are weekday mornings from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and weekday afternoons from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, when commuter traffic is at its peak. Additionally, Friday and Sunday afternoons are often heavily congested with weekend travelers, so planning your drive for mid-day or later in the evening is highly recommended.

A frequent navigation mistake occurs at the complex interchange where I-95 and I-64 split and I-295 begins, just north of downtown. It's easy to find yourself on the wrong interstate if you're not in the correct lane early. To reach Mechanicsville, you'll typically need Route 360 (Mechanicsville Turnpike), so using a GPS and paying close attention to the specific route numbers on signs is crucial to avoid a wrong turn.

Carytown is an ideal neighborhood for a 'park once and walk' day, offering a mile of unique shops, restaurants, and theaters all on one street. The Fan District is another excellent choice, where you can park on a residential street and spend hours strolling through its beautiful historic avenues. For history and dining, finding a spot in a garage near Shockoe Slip allows you to easily explore that area and the nearby Canal Walk on foot.