Richmond, VA instead of a DC airport

[anabelle]

I'm so happy hubby gave me the go ahead to start looking for flights. I just saved a bundle by choosing Richmond instead of a DC airport, I paid $189 round trip on Southwest for our early August trip.

My question is what is parking like down there ? Is it easy to get around? Is there offsite parking? I don't get down there very often. So I don't even know where the airport is.


TIA Ana

 

[bumbershoot]

I always find that the best place to start with questions like these to be the airport's website.


From my time traveling between Burke, VA and South Carolina, I don't remember Richmond being a quick and breezy drive from the DC area. So remember that when you're coming home, you get that drive to look forward to after arriving back in Richmond.

 

[aprilchem]

Parking is easy; there is a garage connected to the airport with long and short term parking. There are also satellite lots available.

I'd give yourself 3 hours to get to downtown DC; it's about 2 from the airport but we always hit traffic.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Wow - have you ever driven between DC and Richmond? The traffic can be horrendous! I would pay a lot more for a ticket from Dulles, National, or BWI just to avoid that drive. I think you made a BIG mistake.

 

[vicki_c]

I live in driving distance of all 4 airports mentioned (BWI, National, Dulles and Richmond) and I wouldn't even consider Richmond as a possibility. Or Dulles from my house in MD near Annapolis. You just can't factor in enough stress and inconvenience when it comes to traffic around here, and to Richmond is never a picnic. We don't really consider our drive to FL off and running until we are past Richmond.

 

[anabelle]

I live In Virginia about 30 miles south of DC. It takes me a hour to get to Dulles and about 45 minutes to Reagan. Forget about BWI, that's nightmare. Our flight is at 2:30PM. So that give plenty of time to get down there after the initial Saturday morning exodus.

 

[anabelle]

Parking is easy; there is a garage connected to the airport with long and short term parking. There are also satellite lots available.

I'd give yourself 3 hours to get to downtown DC; it's about 2 from the airport but we always hit traffic.

Thanks so much. It usually takes me about an hour and a half to hit the bypass, so that sounds about right if take into account end of summer traffic.

 

[vicki_c]

I live In Virginia about 30 miles south of DC. It takes me a hour to get to Dulles and about 45 minutes to Reagan. Forget about BWI, that's nightmare. Our flight is at 2:30PM. So that give plenty of time to get down there after the initial Saturday morning exodus.

Oh, then I can see why that makes some sense for you, just like BWI makes sense for me.

 

[NovaLady]

It may not be that bad. I live in Woodbridge and often fly out of BWI for cheaper flights which takes slightly over an hour. For Richmond, I'm guessing you'll be going against rush hour traffic. If you're leaving Saturday, then yes you could run into traffic. We regularly go to VA Beach and have never had a major issue. I always plan to leave early and check the traffic maps. As soon as it starts backing up, we head out.

Good luck!

 

[mischief32]

We only fly oout of Richmond and love it. We drive to Richmond from the Shenandoah Valley and it is so easy. We take 64 to to 295 and get off at the Airport exist right before you get back on 64 to VA Beach. Takes your right it with no traffic and to the parling lots. Just follow the signs. I thin it is $7.00 + to park but well worth it. A shuttle takes you over to the airport which is right across the street. So very easy. When you get back go to get your luggage downstairs and out the door to catch the shuttle back to your car. TSA is great here and we have never had any issues. I love the Richmond Airport and we have never had any issues.