Thrifty Car Rental
Norfolk

Once you have collected your luggage at Norfolk International Airport, simply look for the overhead signs directing you to the Rental Car Center. This dedicated facility houses Thrifty and other rental agencies, making it a convenient, centralized location for travelers. The center is located within the main airport complex, just a short walk from the baggage claim area. Following the clear signage will lead you directly to the counter to begin the rental process.

Navigating from baggage claim to the Thrifty counter with a stroller and luggage is designed to be as smooth as possible at ORF. The airport is equipped with elevators and wide, accessible pathways that lead directly to the Rental Car Center. You will not have to contend with stairs or difficult terrain, which is a great relief when managing children and bags. The entire route is indoors and well-signed, ensuring you can move at your own pace without hassle.

When your flight arrives late, having a reservation with your flight number included is the best way to ensure a smooth pickup. This information helps the rental staff anticipate your delayed arrival. The process at the Thrifty counter remains the same, though there may be fewer staff members on duty during off-peak hours. The Rental Car Center at ORF is designed for efficiency, so you can generally expect a straightforward experience to get your keys and be on your way.

For a weekday morning departure, it's a good practice to budget an extra 20 to 30 minutes for your car return. Plan to arrive at the Thrifty return location before you would typically want to be inside the airport terminal for check-in and security. This buffer allows ample time for the vehicle inspection, finalizing your receipt, and walking to the departures level. Weekday mornings can be a peak time, so this extra cushion helps prevent any last-minute rushing.

The most straightforward way to get to Virginia Beach after picking up your car is to follow the airport exit signs for I-64 East. This major interstate will take you most of the distance toward the coast. As you get closer, you will merge onto I-264 East, which is clearly marked for the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This route is direct and well-signed, making it easy for visitors to navigate, though it's always wise to anticipate heavier traffic during peak commute times.

The drive from ORF to the Norfolk cruise terminals at Nauticus typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes without significant traffic. The least stressful approach is to take I-64 West and then merge onto I-264 West toward Downtown Norfolk. Follow the signs for Waterside Drive, which will lead you directly to the waterfront area where the cruise terminal is located. Using a GPS for real-time traffic updates is highly recommended, especially if you are traveling on a weekday.

Driving from ORF to Naval Station Norfolk is a relatively short trip, usually under 20 minutes. The most direct route involves taking I-64 West and following the signs for I-564, which leads directly to the base gates. Be prepared for increased traffic, especially during morning and afternoon shift changes when personnel are entering or leaving the base. Always have your identification ready for inspection upon arrival at the gate, as access procedures are strictly enforced.

When visiting Old Dominion University, the most practical approach is to identify a designated visitor parking garage ahead of time. The university's website provides maps and information on where visitors are permitted to park. Driving to a specific garage rather than searching for street parking will save you considerable time and frustration. Once parked, the campus is very walkable, allowing you to leave your rental car for several hours while you attend meetings or explore the grounds.

Driving in downtown Norfolk around the Waterside and Granby Street areas can be challenging on a weekend night due to increased traffic and pedestrians. Many streets are one-way, and finding on-street parking can be difficult. The best strategy is to head directly to one of the numerous public parking garages in the area. Parking in a garage is more predictable and allows you to enjoy the vibrant nightlife on foot without the stress of circling for a spot.

A great plan for this itinerary is to park your rental car once and explore the area on foot or by using a short rideshare. You can park at the Chrysler Museum's free lot and then enjoy a pleasant walk into the historic Ghent neighborhood for lunch or shopping. Later, you can either move your car to a downtown garage near The NorVa or take a quick five-minute rideshare to the venue. This approach minimizes parking stress and lets you fully enjoy each distinct location.

When staying at a downtown hotel, expect to use a multi-level parking garage, which can sometimes have narrow ramps and tight turns. It's helpful to take your time and be mindful of your vehicle's size, especially if you've rented a larger SUV. Most hotel garages are designed for standard vehicles, but cautious driving is always recommended. Check with your hotel in advance about their specific parking setup and whether they offer valet services, which can be a convenient alternative.

To reach Chartway Arena or Harbor Park from ORF, your best bet is to take I-64 West towards Norfolk and then merge onto I-264 West. For Harbor Park, you'll take the City Hall Avenue exit, and the stadium will be clearly visible. For Chartway Arena on the ODU campus, you'll continue on I-264 and follow signs for the university area. For any major event, plan to leave early to account for event-related traffic and to find parking without feeling rushed.

The Downtown and Midtown Tunnels are major connectors between Norfolk and Portsmouth that frequently experience heavy congestion. To avoid delays, it's best to avoid them during morning and evening rush hours, typically from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Using a real-time traffic app is essential for checking conditions before you go. Be aware that these tunnels are part of the regional tolling system, so it's good to be prepared for that aspect of the drive.

The easiest way to travel between Norfolk and Portsmouth by car is via the Downtown Tunnel (I-264) or the Midtown Tunnel (Route 58). The Downtown Tunnel often provides the most direct access to the core tourist areas of both cities. For a more scenic and relaxed alternative, you can park in downtown Norfolk and take the Elizabeth River Ferry, a pedestrian ferry that offers a pleasant ride between the two waterfronts. This can be a great way to avoid tunnel traffic altogether.

A day trip to Colonial Williamsburg is very manageable from Norfolk. The drive typically takes about an hour via I-64 West, but it's wise to budget extra time for potential traffic, especially near the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. Plan to leave Norfolk in the morning after rush hour to ensure a smoother drive. On your way back, consider a stop in the city of Hampton for a short break or a waterside dinner to round out your day.

The most straightforward route to Jamestown from Norfolk is to take I-64 West toward Richmond. You will then take exit 242A for Route 199 West. This route leads you directly toward the Colonial Parkway, a scenic road that connects Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. The signage is excellent and designed for tourists, making it a simple and enjoyable drive without complex interchanges to navigate.

For a trip to Busch Gardens, aim to arrive about 30 minutes before the park opens to get a good parking spot and avoid the initial entry rush. The drive from Norfolk via I-64 West usually takes around an hour. To avoid the worst of the return traffic, consider leaving the park either before 4 p.m. or after 7 p.m. This helps you miss the peak Hampton Roads evening commute, ensuring a less stressful end to your fun-filled day.

Driving from Norfolk to the Outer Banks in North Carolina involves taking VA-168 and US-158, which can become very congested, especially on summer weekends. The main pinch point is the Wright Memorial Bridge leading onto the islands. To avoid the worst traffic, try to travel on a weekday or plan your drive for very early in the morning or later in the evening on Saturday. Packing snacks and water is always a good idea in case you encounter significant delays.

For a stay at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, it's often easiest to park your car at your hotel and explore the immediate boardwalk area on foot, by bike, or using the local trolley. Parking can be scarce and costly right near the beach. Your rental car is then perfect for day trips to other attractions like the Virginia Aquarium, First Landing State Park, or the quieter Sandbridge area, giving you the best of both worlds without the daily parking hassle.

Planning a visit to these two spots is simple as they are located very close to each other. From Norfolk, drive towards the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and follow signs for Shore Drive (Route 60). This scenic road runs directly along the Chesapeake Bay and will lead you to the entrance of First Landing State Park. The Cape Henry Lighthouse is located on the Fort Story military base just past the park, so be sure to have your identification ready for entry at the gate.

A great plan is to start your day at the Virginia Aquarium, which has its own large parking lot. Arrive early to enjoy the exhibits before the biggest crowds. After your visit, you can leave your car there and walk or take a short drive to nearby beaches like Croatan Beach, which is less crowded than the main Oceanfront. This strategy allows you to enjoy both attractions without having to search for a new parking spot in the middle of the day.

The least stressful way to reach the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is to take Northampton Boulevard (US-13) north. This route is a direct path from the Norfolk area to the bridge-tunnel entrance and is generally less hectic than the interstate. The drive itself is part of the experience, offering expansive views of the Chesapeake Bay. Be sure to check the bridge-tunnel's official website for any potential wind restrictions or closures before you head out.

For visitors driving from ORF to Hampton or Newport News, the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) via I-64 West is the most direct and commonly used route. While it can experience significant traffic, it is a straight shot on the interstate and is very well-signed. The Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (I-664) is an excellent alternative that often has less congestion. Your GPS app will be your best guide for choosing the faster route based on real-time traffic conditions.

While the Hampton Roads area has several ferry services, most are designed for pedestrians, not vehicles. The primary vehicle ferry is the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, which crosses the James River and can be a scenic part of a trip to the historic triangle. For travel between Norfolk and Portsmouth, it's best to park your car and use the Elizabeth River Ferry for passengers. This allows you to easily explore both downtown waterfronts without driving through the tunnels.

Driving in Ghent during peak dining hours can be challenging due to its popularity and residential nature. The main thoroughfare, Colley Avenue, gets busy, and on-street parking becomes very competitive. Many side streets are reserved for residents with permits. Your best strategy is to look for a spot a few blocks away from your destination and enjoy a short walk, or find one of the small public lots scattered throughout the neighborhood.

For an accessible outing, the Norfolk Botanical Garden is an excellent choice, as you can drive through parts of it or use their tram tour. The Chrysler Museum of Art offers a convenient, free parking lot right next to the entrance, minimizing walking distance. Similarly, Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin have adjacent parking garages that provide close access to the main attractions, making them great options for visitors with limited mobility.

When you get to your rental vehicle, take a moment to pull into a less congested part of the parking spot or a designated waiting area if available. This gives you more space to open the doors fully without feeling rushed by other customers. If it's raining, you can often pull the car up closer to the covered walkways of the rental facility to provide some shelter while you secure the seat. Don't hesitate to take your time to ensure the seat is installed correctly and safely.

The best place to wait for arriving passengers is the airport's cell phone lot. This free waiting area allows you to park until your friends have collected their luggage and are standing at the arrivals curb. Once they call you, it's just a short two-minute drive from the cell phone lot to the terminal pickup zone. This is far more efficient and less stressful than repeatedly circling the terminal.

If you realize you've left an item behind, you should immediately contact the Thrifty rental office at the Norfolk airport directly. The sooner you call, the higher the chance the cleaning crew will find and set aside your belongings. Have your rental agreement number handy to help them locate the specific vehicle you returned. They will be able to provide you with the next steps for retrieving your lost item.

To balance beach time and history, plan your activities based on location and traffic patterns. Dedicate one day to exploring Norfolk's historic sites, like the Chrysler Museum and the Battleship Wisconsin, which are close together. On the other day, head to Virginia Beach in the morning to beat the worst of the beach-bound traffic. By grouping your destinations geographically, you minimize cross-town driving and spend more time enjoying the attractions rather than sitting in your car.

The key to navigating Hampton Roads' complex highways is to use a GPS app with voice guidance and to pay close attention to the overhead signs well in advance of your exit. It's helpful to have a passenger act as a co-pilot to watch for upcoming turns. Since many interchanges involve multiple splits, knowing which lane you need to be in a mile or two ahead of time is crucial. Staying calm and avoiding last-minute lane changes will ensure a safer and less stressful drive.

If you're driving from Chesapeake into Norfolk for sightseeing, you should expect typical suburban commute traffic, especially on major routes like I-64 and I-464. The morning rush into Norfolk and the evening rush back out to Chesapeake can cause significant delays. To have a more pleasant experience, plan your travel to Norfolk after 9:30 a.m. and consider heading back either before 4 p.m. or after 6:30 p.m. to avoid the heaviest congestion.

The most common parking issue that surprises visitors is the prevalence of residential permit parking zones, especially in historic neighborhoods like Ghent. In these areas, on-street parking is often restricted to residents, and enforcement can be strict. Additionally, many downtown streets have metered parking with specific time limits that are actively enforced. Always read parking signs carefully to avoid a ticket and consider using a public garage for longer-term parking.

For a peaceful sunrise trip, driving to the North End of Virginia Beach or the Chesapeake Bay-facing Chic's Beach is a great option. The drive from Norfolk is quick and traffic-free in the early morning hours. At that time of day, you'll find ample street parking available in residential areas or in the municipal lots at the Oceanfront before they fill up. This allows for a simple, stress-free start to your day by the water.

A great plan is to focus on one city's brewery scene at a time to minimize driving. You could spend an afternoon exploring the breweries clustered in Norfolk's Chelsea and Railroad districts, which are very close to each other. Alternatively, dedicate a day to Virginia Beach, where many breweries are located in distinct zones. Always have a designated driver, and consider using a rideshare service for the final leg back to your accommodation for a safe and responsible experience.

The Norfolk Botanical Garden is conveniently located right next to the airport, making it an ideal first stop. After picking up your rental car, simply follow the signs for the garden instead of getting on the interstate. You can spend a couple of hours enjoying the scenery and stretching your legs after your flight. From the garden, you have easy access to I-64 to continue on to your hotel or next destination without any backtracking.

During heavy rain, low-lying areas and underpasses throughout the region can be prone to flooding, making them stressful for unfamiliar drivers. In Norfolk, streets around the Hague in Ghent and areas near the waterfront are particularly susceptible. Major routes like the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel can also experience significant delays and visibility issues. It is always safest to check local news for road closure information and avoid driving through any standing water.

The return process at ORF is very efficient. After you drop off your car at the designated Thrifty return area in the garage, you'll complete a quick vehicle check-in. From there, it's a short, covered walk from the Rental Car Center directly into the main airport terminal. The entire building is connected, so you simply take an elevator or escalator up to the departures level to find your airline's check-in counter, a process that usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes.