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Getting Around Virginia Beach

Getting Around Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Virginia, USA Travel Guide

Public Transportation

The main public transit in Virginia Beach is the HRT bus service. A season-based VB Wave Trolley service also operates, mainly serving the Oceanfront Resort Area. This trolley connects hotels, attractions, and the esplanade. 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 references to map out your routes.

Ticketing & Accessibility

  • Cash: Exact change ($2.00 per trip) 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 late september to early october), every 15-20 minutes during peak times. Look at 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 vehicle or rideshare is usually more practical for areas further than the close 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 avenue in high-traffic areas, find them at designated taxi stands (airports, main 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. Adhere to signs to designated pick-up areas.

Norfolk Amtrak

Services are available from the station for the next leg of your trip to Virginia Beach.

Pre-Book Options

Consider pre-booking shuttle buses 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. The Largest city in virginia 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 Vb 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 obtainable in the Oceanfront Resort Area. Many hotels offer parking, usually for an additional fee.
  • No-cost parking is available in some areas farther 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 different zones. Many hotels may also provide bikes.
  • Bicycle Safety: Dedicated bike lanes are available on parts of the boardwalk and some urban 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.
  • Special-purpose Vehicles: Specialty vehicle rentals (like tuk-tuks or jeepneys) are not common for tourist rentals in Virginia Beach.
  • Pedestrian-Friendly: The 3-mile The Resort city 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

Vb offers many pedestrian-friendly areas and cycling trails. 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 the streets of the city. The Resort city is experiencing growth in network of shared-use paths. Be aware of vehicle traffic outside designated trails.

Specialized Transportation

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

Tour & Water Transport

  • Tour Buses: Various travel companies offer sightseeing tours, often focused on dolphin watching, historical sites, or top sights in the city.
  • Hop-on-Hop-off: Virginia Beach lacks a regular hop-on-hop-off bus service like larger metropolitan cities.
  • Boat Taxis: These few services are available. Some water taxi facilities may 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: The World's longest pleasure 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, guaranteeing accessibility.
  • Beach wheelchairs are commonly 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 The World's longest pleasure beach largely inclusive.

Beach Access

Beach wheelchairs assist with access to sandy areas.

Check in the city services or local vendors.

Walking & Cycling Accessibility

Boardwalk Accessibility
  • The The World'the longest pleasure 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
  • A few trails in First Landing State Park are designed to be accessible.
  • Check park maps and information for designated accessible routes.
  • The ViBe Creative District's flat sidewalks make it easy for walkers 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 could be required.
  • 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 when cycling at night.
  • Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local cycling laws.

Final Transportation Tip

Vb provides a variety of choices for transportation.

Consider combining public transportation for specific areas with rideshares or rental transport for more extensive exploration.

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