Virginia Beach Airport: Where To Fly In And Out

Virginia Beach is served by several airports, with Norfolk International Airport (ORF) being the closest, at 20 miles from the city centre. Other nearby airports include Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (44 miles from Virginia Beach), Richmond International Airport (102 miles from Virginia Beach), and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (210 miles from Virginia Beach). The choice of airport can depend on various factors such as convenience, travel time, and cost.

Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is the nearest airport to Virginia Beach

The airport is easily accessible from Virginia Beach via the I-64 East highway. From the airport, travellers can join the I-64 East towards the Virginia Beach Oceanfront by taking the I-264 East exit. At the end of the I-264, the Virginia Beach Convention Centre can be found on the right.

Other airports in the region include Newport News Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), which is approximately 44 miles from Virginia Beach and services United Airlines and Delta. Richmond International Airport (RIC) is another option, located 102 miles from Virginia Beach, although this adds approximately one hour and twenty minutes to travel time. However, Richmond International Airport often provides more economical flight options and a greater selection of airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, United, and Allegiant.

The timing of your travel can also impact your choice of airport and overall trip cost. Summer is the peak travel season for Virginia Beach, resulting in higher flight prices. Spring and autumn offer moderate weather and fewer crowds, leading to lower flight prices, while winter has the lowest flight prices but may be too cold for beach activities.

Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) is 44-45 minutes away

Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) is a good option for those looking beyond Norfolk International Airport. It is located 44-45 minutes away from Virginia Beach and is served by United Airlines and Delta. This airport is a good alternative if you can justify the price difference, as it is only about 24 minutes further out than Norfolk International Airport.

Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is smaller than Norfolk International Airport, but it still offers a pleasant travel experience. The airport provides essential amenities such as dining options, and its smaller size may even make for more efficient security checks.

For travellers looking to save money, Richmond International Airport (RIC) is another option. While it is the furthest airport from Virginia Beach, at about one hour and twenty minutes away, it often provides the most economical flight options. The greater selection of airlines serving this airport, including Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, United, and Allegiant, contributes to more competitive pricing.

The timing of your travel can also significantly impact your overall trip cost. Summer is the peak travel season for Virginia Beach, resulting in higher flight prices. Spring and fall offer moderate weather and lower prices, while winter has the lowest flight prices but may be too cold for beach activities.

When deciding which airport to choose, consider factors such as travel time, convenience, and cost. Norfolk International Airport is the closest and most convenient option, but it can also be the most expensive. Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is a good middle ground, being only slightly further away while offering potential savings. Richmond International Airport is the best choice for those prioritizing cost-effectiveness, despite being the furthest option.

Richmond International Airport (RIC) is the furthest but often the cheapest option

While Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is the closest airport to Virginia Beach, Richmond International Airport (RIC) is the furthest but often the cheapest option. Located about 102 miles from Virginia Beach, RIC is approximately one hour and twenty minutes away by car. Despite the longer travel time, flying into Richmond can offer significant savings, especially for larger families or groups. The airport serves a wider range of airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, United, and Allegiant, which means more flight choices and potentially lower fares.

When planning your trip to Virginia Beach, it's essential to consider not only the distance to the airport but also the overall cost of your travel. By booking your flight in advance and comparing rates across different airports, you can find excellent deals that fit your budget. Additionally, travelling during off-peak seasons, such as spring, fall, or winter, can result in even more significant savings on airfare.

Norfolk International Airport, being the closest, is a convenient option if you want to minimise travel time. It is located only 20 miles from the centre of Virginia Beach and offers over 200 flights daily, including direct and non-stop flights from most US carriers. The airport also provides various amenities, such as dining options, shops, and lounges, ensuring a comfortable start to your journey.

However, if you're looking to cut costs, Richmond International Airport is worth considering. The savings you make on airfare could offset the additional travel time and even provide extra spending money for your vacation. With a greater selection of airlines, you can compare rates and choose the most economical option for your trip.

Ultimately, the choice of airport depends on your specific needs and preferences. While Norfolk International Airport offers convenience and a hassle-free experience, Richmond International Airport provides economical flight options and a broader selection of airlines. By weighing your priorities, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your travel plans and budget.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is 210 miles away

When choosing an airport for your trip to Virginia Beach, it is essential to consider your travel preferences and budget. If you prioritise convenience and shorter travel times, Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is the closest option, located just 20 miles from the centre of Virginia Beach. This airport offers amenities such as dining options, shops, and lounges, making it a comfortable choice for travellers.

However, if you are looking to save money on your vacation, especially if you have a larger family, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport could offer more affordable flight options. By comparing prices and shopping at different airports, you can find great rates and reduce your overall travel time. Additionally, if you choose to drive to Virginia Beach instead of flying, you can take advantage of the low gas prices and further stretch your vacation budget.

Another factor to consider is the timing of your travel. Summer is the peak travel season for Virginia Beach, resulting in higher flight prices. Spring, fall, and winter offer lower prices, with winter being the most budget-friendly season for flights. Planning your trip during off-peak times can lead to significant savings on airfare, allowing you to allocate more funds to other aspects of your vacation.

In conclusion, while Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is 210 miles away from Virginia Beach, it presents a viable option for travellers looking for a combination of convenience and cost-effectiveness. By taking into account factors such as travel time, flight prices, and seasonal variations, you can make an informed decision about which airport best suits your needs for your trip to Virginia Beach.

Travel season impacts flight prices—summer is peak season, and winter is budget-friendly

Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is the closest airport to Virginia Beach, with a drive time of around 20 to 25 minutes. Other airports nearby include Newport News Williamsburg International (PHF) and Richmond (RIC). Choosing the right airport can save you money on your trip to Virginia Beach, especially if you have a larger family.

Now, onto how travel seasons impact flight prices. Generally, summer is the peak season for flights, and winter is when you're more likely to find budget-friendly deals. Let's delve into the details.

Summer is the peak season for flights, and prices tend to be at their highest during this period. This is because it is a popular time for vacations and travel. To secure the best airfare for summer trips, it is recommended to book at least 90 days in advance for international travel and within 90 days of departure for domestic travel. However, it is worth noting that the specific travel dates and destination also play a role in determining the best time to book. For example, delaying your trip until late August instead of early July could save you up to 30%. Additionally, flying on off-peak days, such as Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, can result in significant savings.

On the other hand, winter can be a budget-friendly season for flights. The winter holidays, particularly from December to February, are among the busiest times for travel, and early planning is essential to secure the best deals. September and October have been identified as the best months to book flights for lower prices. Being flexible with travel dates and avoiding peak travel days can also result in significant savings.

To summarize, summer is typically the peak season for flights, with higher prices, while winter offers more opportunities for budget-friendly travel if you plan early and remain flexible with your travel dates.

Frequently asked questions