You've finally booked that oceanfront hotel. The sunscreen is packed. Now comes the annoying part—actually getting there. If you’re trying to figure out the closest airport to Virginia Beach, you’ll probably see a few names pop up. Norfolk? Newport News? Maybe even Richmond? Honestly, it depends on whether you value your time or your wallet more.
Basically, the "correct" answer is Norfolk International Airport (ORF). It's the big player in the region and sits about 18 miles from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. In a world without traffic, you’re looking at a 20-to-25-minute drive. But let’s be real: I-64 is rarely a world without traffic.
The Winner: Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
Norfolk International is the undisputed heavy hitter. It's the closest airport to Virginia Beach and handles the vast majority of commercial traffic. If you're flying in from a major hub like Atlanta, Charlotte, or New York, this is where you’ll land.
The airport is tucked right next to the Botanical Garden, which is kinda pretty if you're landing during the day. It’s serviced by all the big names:
- Delta
- American Airlines
- Southwest
- United
- Breeze Airways (this one is huge for Norfolk)
Breeze actually has a major base here. Starting in early 2026, they've even added international routes, like nonstop flights to Cancun. That’s a big deal for a regional airport that’s historically been domestic-heavy.
Getting to the Sand
Once you grab your bags from the carousel—usually near carousel 3 if you're looking for the shuttle desks—you have a few choices. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are plenty. A typical ride to the Oceanfront usually runs between $25 and $35, depending on the surge. If you prefer a taxi, you're looking at closer to $50 or $60.
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Pro Tip: There is basically zero direct public transit from ORF to the beach. Don't expect to hop on a subway. You either rent a car, call a car, or wait for a shuttle like James River Transportation.
The Backup Plan: Newport News/Williamsburg International (PHF)
Then there’s PHF. It’s about 35 to 45 miles away from Virginia Beach. People often overlook it, but it’s a solid secondary option if Norfolk’s prices are sky-high.
Driving from here takes about 45 minutes to an hour. You have to cross the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). This is the part where I have to warn you: the HRBT is notorious. If there’s an accident or just a heavy weekend rush, that one-hour drive can easily turn into two.
American Airlines is the main lifeline for this airport, mostly connecting through Charlotte. It’s smaller, quieter, and way less stressful than Norfolk, but the flight options are much more limited.
The Wildcard: Richmond International (RIC)
Why would you fly into Richmond? It's almost 100 miles away.
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Simple: money. Sometimes, the price difference between flying into RIC versus ORF is enough to pay for your entire hotel stay. Richmond is a much larger airport with more competition, which often drives fares down.
If you land in Richmond, expect a nearly two-hour drive to Virginia Beach. It’s a straight shot down I-64, but again, you’ll be fighting the tunnel traffic as you get closer to the coast. It’s a gamble. If you’re traveling with a big family, the savings might be worth the extra driving time. If you’re on a quick weekend getaway? Stick to Norfolk.
Comparison at a Glance
- Norfolk (ORF): 18 miles. 25-minute drive. Most flights.
- Newport News (PHF): 45 miles. 50-minute drive. Fewer flights.
- Richmond (RIC): 100 miles. 1 hour 45-minute drive. Often cheapest.
Private Flyers and Small Planes
If you're fancy and flying private, you actually have even closer options. The Virginia Beach Airport (Pungo) is a small, grass-strip-style field mostly for vintage planes and hobbyists. It’s not where you’re landing your Gulfstream.
For private jets, Chesapeake Regional (CPK) or Norfolk Executive are the go-to spots. They’re technically closer to certain parts of the city than the main commercial terminals.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Tunnels
If you aren't from the 757 area code, you might not realize that "distance" doesn't equal "time" here.
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Virginia Beach is surrounded by water. To get there from the north or west, you usually have to go through a tunnel. The closest airport to Virginia Beach, Norfolk International, is on the "correct" side of the major tunnels, meaning you don't have to worry about the HRBT. This is a massive advantage.
If you fly into Newport News or Richmond, you are at the mercy of the bridge-tunnels. One stalled car at 4:00 PM on a Friday can ruin your first night of vacation.
Final Takeaway for Travelers
If you want the least amount of stress, book your flight to Norfolk International Airport (ORF). It’s the closest, has the most rental car options, and avoids the worst of the regional traffic bottlenecks.
Check the flight schedules for Breeze Airways first—they often have "secret" direct flights from random mid-sized cities that the major carriers don't offer.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check ORF first: Use a flight aggregator to see if the price is within your budget.
- Book your ride: If you aren't renting a car, download the Uber or Lyft app before you land; the pickup zone is clearly marked outside the Arrivals terminal.
- Monitor the Bridge-Tunnel: If you do end up flying into PHF or RIC, download the Waze app to keep an eye on real-time tunnel delays.