Richmond travel guide

Richmond travel guide

National Airports

Richmond International Airport (RIC) is the main airport serving the city of Richmond, Virginia. It is located about 7 miles southeast of downtown Richmond and serves as a hub for several airlines, including Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. RIC offers nonstop flights to several domestic and international destinations, including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Toronto.

Trains in Richmond

Richmond has a central train station, the Richmond Staples Mill Road Station, which is located in the northwestern part of the city. This station is served by Amtrak, the national passenger rail service, and offers several daily trains to destinations along the East Coast, including Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston. Amtrak also offers long-distance train service from Richmond to destinations in the Midwest and West, including Chicago and New Orleans. The Richmond Main Street Station, located in downtown Richmond, also offers limited Amtrak service on the Northeast Regional and the Carolinian trains.

Buses in Richmond

Richmond has a public transit system called the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) that operates buses throughout the city and surrounding areas. GRTC offers several bus routes with frequent service throughout the day, including express routes to suburban areas and a bus rapid transit line called the Pulse. The Pulse runs along Broad Street and Main Street, providing fast and convenient service to several popular destinations in the city, including Virginia Commonwealth University, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and downtown Richmond. GRTC also offers a mobile app that provides real-time bus tracking and other helpful information for riders. In addition to GRTC, there are also several private bus companies that offer service to and from Richmond, including Greyhound and Megabus.

How to get to Richmond

Richmond is accessible by several modes of transportation:

By air: The city’s main airport is Richmond International Airport (RIC), which is located about 7 miles southeast of downtown Richmond. Several major airlines offer nonstop flights to Richmond from domestic and international destinations.

By train: Amtrak operates several daily trains to Richmond’s Staples Mill Road Station from cities along the East Coast, including Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston.

By bus: Greyhound and Megabus offer bus service to Richmond from several cities in the region and across the country.

By car: Richmond is located at the intersection of several major highways, including I-95, I-64, and I-195. If you are driving from the north, take I-95 south; from the south, take I-95 north; and from the west, take I-64 east.

By bike or foot: The Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile trail that connects Richmond to Williamsburg, provides a scenic and safe route for bicyclists and pedestrians.

What is the best time to travel to Richmond

The best time to travel to Richmond depends on your preferences and what you want to do while you’re there. Here’s a general overview of what to expect during different seasons:

Spring (March to May): Spring is a great time to visit Richmond, as temperatures are mild and flowers are in bloom. There are also several events and festivals during this time, including the Richmond International Film Festival and the Historic Garden Week.

Summer (June to August): Summers in Richmond can be hot and humid, but there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep you busy. The city hosts several outdoor concerts and festivals, including the Richmond Jazz Festival and the Richmond Folk Festival.

Fall (September to November): Fall is a popular time to visit Richmond, as the leaves change color and the weather is cool and comfortable. There are also several fall events and festivals, including the Richmond Oktoberfest and the Virginia Wine Festival.

Winter (December to February): Winters in Richmond can be chilly, but there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, including museums, art galleries, and theater performances. There are also several holiday events, including the Tacky Lights Tour and the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights.

How to get around Richmond

Richmond has several transportation options for getting around the city:

Public Transit: The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) operates bus routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. The GRTC offers several bus routes with frequent service throughout the day, including express routes to suburban areas and a bus rapid transit line called the Pulse.

Biking: Richmond has several bike-friendly streets and trails, including the Virginia Capital Trail, which runs from Richmond to Williamsburg. The city also has a bike-share program called RVA Bike Share, which offers short-term bike rentals at several locations throughout the city.

Walking: Richmond’s compact downtown area is easily walkable, with several pedestrian-friendly streets and sidewalks. The city also has several walking tours and trails, including the Canal Walk and the Slave Trail.

Car rental: There are several car rental companies located in and around Richmond, making it easy to rent a car for day trips or longer excursions.

Taxis and ride-sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Richmond, and are a convenient option for getting around the city without a car.

Driving: Richmond has a well-connected network of highways, including I-95, I-64, and I-195, making it easy to get around the city by car. However, traffic can be congested during rush hour, so plan accordingly.

Accommodations in Richmond

Richmond has a variety of accommodations to suit every budget and preference, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Here are some options to consider:

Hotels: There are several hotels located in and around downtown Richmond, including large chain hotels like the Marriott and Hilton, as well as boutique hotels like the Quirk Hotel and the Graduate Richmond.

Bed and Breakfasts: Richmond has several bed and breakfasts located in historic homes and buildings, such as the Linden Row Inn and the Jefferson Hotel.

Vacation Rentals: There are several vacation rentals available in Richmond, ranging from apartments and townhouses to larger homes and estates. Popular vacation rental websites like Airbnb and VRBO offer a wide variety of options.

Hostels: For budget-conscious travelers, there are several hostels located in Richmond, such as HI Richmond Hostel and the HI Richmond Downtown Hostel.

Camping: For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several campgrounds located within an hour’s drive of Richmond, including Pocahontas State Park and the Richmond North / Kings Dominion KOA.

When choosing accommodations in Richmond, consider factors like location, price, and amenities to find the best option for your needs.