Getting Around Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a sprawling coastal city best explored with a combination of transportation methods depending on where you're staying and what you want to visit. The Boardwalk and oceanfront area are highly walkable and bike-friendly, while reaching other parts of the city typically requires either a car or public transit.
Walking and Cycling
The Boardwalk is easily traversable on foot or by bicycle, making it an ideal way to explore the beachfront area. Bike rentals are widely available along the Boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue, so you can rent a bicycle for as long as you need.
Another popular option along the Boardwalk is renting a surrey—a multi-passenger pedal-powered vehicle that can accommodate between two and seven people. Surrey rentals are also available at multiple locations along the Boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue.
Public Buses and Light Rail
The Hampton Roads Transit system serves Virginia Beach and connects the city with other communities in the Hampton Roads area. The system includes both buses and light rail service.
Bus service is the primary public transit option for getting around the city. A single bus ride costs $2.00. You can plan your bus trips using the Hampton Roads Transit website, which is integrated with Google Maps, allowing you to map routes and schedules before you travel.
If you're staying at the oceanfront, the trolley and bus system operated by Hampton Roads Transit provides convenient access to the beach area. One useful connection is the number 22 bus, which serves Newtown Road light rail station, where you can transfer to the number 20 bus heading east toward the oceanfront.
Driving and Car Rentals
Virginia Beach is easily navigable by car during the off-season. However, driving can be challenging during the main tourist season due to congestion. If you plan to explore areas outside the oceanfront district or venture to other parts of Hampton Roads, renting a car is the most practical option.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
The source material provided does not contain information about taxi or ride-hailing services in Virginia Beach. You may wish to check with your hotel or local visitor services for current options in this category.
Getting from Norfolk International Airport to the City
Virginia Beach is served by Norfolk International Airport (ORF), located in nearby Norfolk just west of the border between the two cities. This is the primary airport for the region.
If you arrive by air and want to reach Virginia Beach using public transit, you can take the Sprinter Bus service, which stops at a location about two miles east of the airport at 5461 Wesleyan Drive. From there, you can take the number 22 Hampton Roads Transit bus to Newtown Road light rail station and transfer to the number 20 bus heading east toward the oceanfront area.
Alternatively, renting a car at the airport provides the most flexibility for exploring Virginia Beach and the surrounding region, though driving can be congested during peak season.
Alternative Airports
Also located within the Hampton Roads metro area is Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), which may offer additional flight options depending on your travel plans.
Long-Distance Travel to Virginia Beach
While Virginia Beach itself has no train station, Amtrak provides connecting shuttle bus service from stations in nearby Newport News and downtown Norfolk to Virginia Beach. Simply select Virginia Beach as your destination when booking your Amtrak ticket, and the shuttle will be included.
Sprinter Bus offers daily intercity bus service connecting Virginia Beach to Dover, Delaware and New York City. Buses arrive at 5461 Wesleyan Drive, about two miles east of Norfolk International Airport, from where you can access local transit as described above.