Access to Richmond
Richmond has the advantage of being located on the interstate highway system, as well as having direct access by air to Richmond International Airport. The airport is within 10 miles of the city center on the eastern side of Richmond in Sandston, off I-64 at exit 197.

     - On-Line Printable Map -


The major north-south highway route through central Virginia is I-95, which bisects the major east west highway, I-64 at Richmond. The north-south interstate goes directly through downtown Richmond on I-95 or depending on where your accommodations are you may want to take the eastern bypass around downtown Richmond on I-295. The two interstates, I-95 and I-64 merge for a few miles when they enter the major downtown area of Richmond, they then branch off into their appropriate directions as soon as they leave the city center. I-95 also branches off into I-195 just south of the financial district and feeds traffic into the western side of the city via the Powhite Parkway, it also reconnects to I-95 at the I-64 interchange, northwest of the city center.

I-64 from points southwest out of Knoxville and Nashville, take I-81 north. Interstate 81 merges with I-64 at Lexington, Virginia and proceeds north until I-64 re-emerges toward the east just west of Waynesboro. Take I-64 east over the Blue Ridge at Afton Mountain, (watch for fog condition alerts) and proceed on I-64 east towards Richmond. Points directly west out of Lexington, Kentucky would take 1-64 east to the I-81 exchange at Lexington, Virginia and proceed north to the same I-64 veer towards the east.

From the Virginia Tidewater area (Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Newport News and Williamsburg), take I-64 west directly to Richmond.

I-85 from points southwest out of Atlanta, Charlotte, and Raleigh, merges into I-95 at Petersburg. Continue on I-95 north for 23 miles to Richmond.

From I-95 south coming from Savannah, Jacksonville and Miami, follow I-95 directly to downtown Richmond.

When traveling from the northeastern U.S., Washington D.C.; Wilmington - Philadelphia area; New York City and Boston, remain on I-95 south for a direct route into Richmond. Bypasses and beltways around the aforementioned metropolitan areas will aid in avoiding some major traffic difficulties. Follow highway signs through these regions for your destination. HOV lanes south out of Washington D.C. require at least two occupants per vehicle, during certain times lanes are reserved for three or more occupants per car. If you qualify to use these lanes, you can get through the major metro drive-time traffic congestion and save time on your approach towards Richmond. Depending on where your accommodations are, you may want to take the eastern bypass around downtown Richmond on I-295. Please check out your specific accommodations locator map for the best route to your hotel.

(See your specific Richmond area hotel or attractions map for more detailed interstate exiting information.)