Getting Around Virginia Beach. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

The main public transit in Virginia Beach is the HRT bus service. A seasonal VB Wave Trolley service also operates, mainly serving the Oceanfront Resort Area. This trolley connects hotels, attractions, and the boardwalk. It offers multiple routes designed for tourist convenience.

HRT offers detailed route maps on its website. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront functions as a major hub for the VB Wave. Bus stops are marked throughout the city. Use online resources to plan your routes.

Ticketing & Accessibility

Cash: Exact change ($2.00 per ride) is necessary for HRT buses. Drivers do not make change.
GoPass App: HRT’s mobile ticketing app allows fare purchase directly from your smartphone.
Day Passes: A 1-Day GoPass costs $4.50, and a 3-Day GoPass costs $11. These passes present value for frequent transit use.
Accessibility: All HRT buses and VB Wave trolleys are wheelchair accessible, with ramps or lifts and designated seating.

Hours of Operation

HRT Buses generally operate from early morning until late evening. Frequency varies by route. VB Wave Trolley typically runs daily during its season (late spring through early fall), every 15-20 minutes during peak times. Check seasonal schedules.

Navigating Tips

Use Google Maps or the HRT GoPass app for real-time bus tracking and route planning. Purchase multi-day passes if you plan frequent transit use. The VB Wave is a fine option for travel along the Oceanfront, but a car or rideshare is often more practical for areas beyond the immediate resort.

Overall Efficiency

Public transportation provides a budget-friendly option for exploring Virginia Beach, especially for concentrated areas like the Oceanfront.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Services

Licensed taxis are typically yellow or have clear company branding.
Hail them on the street in high-traffic areas, find them at designated taxi stands (airports, major hotels), or call a taxi company.
Fares are metered. Expect $10-$30 for most city trips. Most accept cash and credit cards; prior to your ride, confirm payment options.

Ride-Sharing

Uber and Lyft are widely available and popular in Virginia Beach.
They offer competitive pricing and convenience through their smartphone apps.
Safety: Verify the driver's name, license plate, and vehicle make/model match your app info before entering. Share trip details for added safety.

Airport/Station Taxi Arrangements

ORF Airport

Taxis and rideshares are readily available. Follow signs to designated pick-up areas.

Norfolk Amtrak

Services are available from the station for onward travel to Virginia Beach.

Pre-Book Options

Consider pre-booking shuttle services for convenience.

Flexibility

On-demand services provide flexibility for spontaneous trips.

Rental Options

Car rental provides the most flexibility for exploring the region. Motorcycle and scooter rentals are limited. Virginia Beach offers numerous bike rental shops.

Car Rental Information

Requirements: Valid driver's license (IDP suggested for non-English) and a major credit card.
Minimum Age: Generally 21, but a surcharge frequently applies for drivers under 25.
Major Companies: Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty operate at ORF and various Virginia Beach locations.
Booking: Booking your rental car in advance is suggested, especially during peak season, to secure availability and better rates.

Driving Laws & Parking

Driving Laws: Standard U.S. Driving laws are in effect. Drive on the right, seatbelts are mandatory for all, obey speed limits.
Road Conditions: Roads are generally in good condition. Traffic may be heavy on I-264 and near the Oceanfront during peak times.
Parking: Plentiful paid public parking lots and garages are available in the Oceanfront Resort Area. Many hotels offer parking, often for an additional fee.
Free parking is available in some areas further from the Oceanfront or at attractions like First Landing State Park, which has a daily fee.

Cycling & Specialty Vehicles

Bicycle Rentals: Numerous bike rental shops are along the boardwalk and in other areas. Many hotels may also provide bikes.
Bicycle Safety: Dedicated bike lanes are available on parts of the boardwalk and some city streets. Helmets are suggested for cyclists (mandatory for children under 14).
Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Availability is limited, mainly from specialty shops. Requirements vary and often include a motorcycle endorsement.

Specialty Vehicles: Specialty vehicle rentals (like tuk-tuks or jeepneys) are not common for tourist rentals in Virginia Beach.
Pedestrian-Friendly: The 3-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk is ideal for walking, running, and cycling. The ViBe Creative District is walkable.
No-Go Areas: No specific "no-go" areas for safety, but exercise caution on busy roads without sidewalks or bike lanes.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian Zones

Virginia Beach offers many pedestrian-friendly areas and cycling routes. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a 3-mile paved pathway along the oceanfront. It is flat and offers continuous ocean views.

Walking Routes

The ViBe Creative District is walkable, featuring public art, galleries, and cafes. First Landing State Park offers miles of scenic trails suitable for walking and hiking, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty.

Cycling Infrastructure

Dedicated bike lanes are available on parts of the boardwalk (seasonal restrictions for certain hours) and some city streets. Virginia Beach has a growing network of shared-use paths. Be aware of vehicle traffic outside dedicated paths.

Specialized Transportation

Virginia Beach lacks extensive unique transit systems. Some specialized options cater to tourists or specific needs.

Tour & Water Transport

Tour Buses: Various tour companies offer sightseeing tours, often focused on dolphin watching, historical sites, or city highlights.
Hop-on-Hop-off: Virginia Beach lacks a regular hop-on-hop-off bus service like larger metropolitan cities.
Boat Taxis: These services are limited. Some water taxi services might operate for specific events or between certain points on waterways, but they do not function as a general mode of public transit.
No Unique Local Transport: Virginia Beach lacks cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems common in some other tourist destinations.

Accessibility Services

HRT buses and VB Wave trolleys are accessible for travelers using wheelchairs.
Many newer hotels and attractions are built to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, ensuring accessibility.
Beach wheelchairs are frequently available for rent or loan from the city or local vendors, making access to sandy areas possible.
Contact specific venues or services in advance for detailed accessibility information.

Public Transportation Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

All HRT buses and VB Wave trolleys include ramps or lifts.

Designated seating areas are available.

ADA Compliance

Many newer facilities and attractions meet ADA standards.

This makes Virginia Beach largely inclusive.

Beach Access

Beach wheelchairs assist with access to sandy areas.

Check with city services or local vendors.

Walking & Cycling Accessibility

Boardwalk Accessibility

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is flat and paved, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Accessible ramps are available at various points along the boardwalk for beach access.
Seasonal restrictions may apply to cycling hours on the boardwalk.

Park Trail Accessibility

Some trails in First Landing State Park are designed to be accessible.
Check park maps and information for specific accessible routes.
The ViBe Creative District's flat sidewalks make it easy for pedestrians and cyclists.

Safety Considerations for Renters

Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Verify licensing requirements for your specific vehicle and state.
Rental Car Insurance: Understand your rental car insurance coverage. Additional coverage may be necessary.
Age Restrictions: Be aware of age restrictions and potential surcharges for drivers under 25.
Vehicle Condition: Inspect rental vehicles for any prior damage before departure.

Bicycle Safety: Helmets are suggested for all cyclists, and mandatory for children under 14.
Road Awareness: Be aware of vehicle traffic, especially when cycling outside dedicated bike lanes.
Night Riding: Use proper lighting if cycling at night.
Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local cycling laws.

Final Transportation Tip

Virginia Beach offers a range of transportation choices.

Consider combining public transport for specific areas with rideshares or rental cars for broader exploration.

Getting Around Virginia Beach