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How to transport from Richmond Airport to Downtown

Downtown Richmond is the ideal cultural hub for explorers of American history. While you visit landmarks like the Black History Museum and the famous State House, you can indulge in southern-style restaurants and boutique hotels. 

When you arrive at Richmond Airport, you have two options to travel downtown. A taxi or private transfer is the most convenient method. The 16 km journey takes just 22 minutes by car. Alternatively, there’s free public transit from Richmond Airport to downtown via the reliable bus system. However, the bus route takes 1 hour and 10 minutes on a good traffic day. 

If time is a factor for you and you’d like an expedient, comfortable ride to downtown Richmond, it is best to book a private transfer from a top-rated, international company like Welcome Pickups.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Richmond at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Taxi €26.20 22min 24/7
Bus €0 70min 05:11–22:11

How to transport from Richmond VA Airport to downtown by taxi

Taking a taxi is the fastest and most comfortable method for getting from Richmond VA Airport to downtown. The journey is around 22 minutes in light traffic, though this can rise to closer to 40 minutes during busy times. 

Taxis are readily available from outside of Richmond Airport whenever flights are scheduled. Or you can pre-book a private transfer for your convenience.

Taxi fare from Richmond Airport to downtown

Unfortunately, Richmond taxis do not operate with fixed fares. Instead, your driver will use a taximeter to calculate the fare according to the distance travelled, the number of passengers, and the time of day. You also have to consider the tip. Tipping your driver 10-20% is customary and expected. You can expect your fare to cost around $28.75 (€26.20) during the day. It will cost $1 (€0.90) extra after 21:00.

If you’d like to take the guesswork out of your taxi fares, booking a private transfer in advance with flexible cancellation options and no wait fees is the best option. 

Cost

$28.75 (€26.20)

Trip Duration

22 Min.

*Prices vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Taxis are available in line with the flight schedule from Richmond International Airport (RIC).

Where do I get the taxi from?

You can find taxis waiting near the north and south parking garages. There are signs from the Arrivals Hall to the taxi stand.

Convenience

Taxis and private transfers are highly convenient for getting you from Richmond VA Airport to downtown. Not only is the journey quite short, but you also won’t have the hassle of carting your luggage onto public transport. Wheelchair-accessible taxis are also often available from the airport which makes things much easier for those with accessibility needs.

Editor’s Note

If you’re travelling with young children, a taxi will be the most convenient and relaxing way to travel because public transit from Richmond Airport to downtown doesn’t have guaranteed seating for all passengers. A taxi or private transfer will be much more comfortable.

Useful Tips

It’s customary to tip your driver 10-20% in Richmond, VA.
Your driver will add an extra $1 to your fare for every passenger over six years old.
Richmond Airport taxis all accept cash and credit/debit card payments.

How to transport from Richmond VA Airport to downtown by bus

Public transit from Richmond Airport to downtown is limited but reliable. The bus runs every hour from 05:11 to 22:11 on weekdays, and 06:15 to 22:15 on weekends. Because there are so many stops, the bus takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach downtown. However, this also depends on traffic conditions.

How much is the bus from Richmond Airport to downtown?

The bus from Richmond VA Airport to downtown is completely free. This was a decision made after the COVID-19 pandemic and is subject to change. Do check the website for the latest information, and enjoy the free ride!

Cost

$0 (€0)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 10 Min.

The bus departs from Richmond International Airport (RIC) every hour.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Buses are available from 05:11 to 22:11 on weekdays. Weekend hours differ.

Where do I get the bus from?

The bus stop is located outside of the main terminal building. Follow the signs to the bus stand and don’t hestitate to ask for help if you have trouble finding it.

Convenience

The bus route is not very convenient because it is so long. Navigating public transport with heavy luggage, young children, or folks who have trouble getting around can also be stressful after a long flight. That said, if you’re a solo traveller with a flexible schedule, the bus is a budget-friendly option.

Editor’s Note

The schedule can vary on public holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Martin Luther King Jr Day. You can consult the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) website for updates.

Useful Tips

Seats are not guaranteed on buses so you may need to stand during the journey if the bus is crowded.
Buses from Richmond Airport are fully wheelchair accessible per the Americans with Disabilities Act.
There is limited storage space for luggage on public buses in Richmond, so the bus is only recommend it if you’re packing light.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Richmond from Richmond Airport?

Downtown Richmond is 16 km away from Richmond Airport. The journey shouldn’t take longer than 22 minutes by car in light traffic conditions.

How do I get from Richmond Airport to downtown?

You can get from Richmond Airport to downtown in two main ways. The first is by taxi or private transfer. This is the fastest method clocking in at just 22 minutes of travel time. It should cost around $28.75 (€26.20) during the day. There is also a free bus service from the airport to downtown, but the journey will take 1 hour and 10 minutes in normal traffic conditions. So most tourists take a taxi or private transfer for convenience.

What’s the taxi fare from Richmond Airport to downtown Richmond?

The taxi fare from Richmond Airport to downtown Richmond is around $28.75 (€26.20). However, this amount varies depending on the distance travelled, the number of passengers, and the time of day. Your driver will use a taximeter to calculate the final fare according to these factors. Then you have a 10-20% tip to consider. If you’d like more control over your travel budgeting, a private transfer with Welcome will guarantee you a competitive, fixed fare.

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