Richmond Airport

Introduction

Richmond International Airport (RIC) — Virginia is a central east-coast hub. Seven miles from downtown Richmond, RIC offers easy access to destinations nationwide and worldwide. Being the third-busiest of Virginia's airports, RIC offers a vital link for connecting people and propelling regional economic development.

Airlines and Destinations

Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and also Southwest are operating to Richmond International Airport. Cumulatively, over 30 destinations in the United States and Canada can be reached nonstop on these airlines. Nonstop routes from RIC include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth, New York, and Washington D.C.

Most recently, T.F. Green has been working to widen its domestic route map, including routes from Providence to Las Vegas and Los Angeles — the only other airline in that market is United Airlines. The airport is also looking into nonstop international service as part of an ongoing effort to increase its number of destinations and attract both business and leisure travelers.

Passengers, Flights

Over the past decade, there has been consistent growth in passenger numbers and flight movements at Richmond International Airport. The airport served 4,755,889 passengers and processed over 206.6 million pounds of cargo in calendar year 2023; both all-time records for an entire year at Richmond International Airport. The total aircraft operations increased 7.3% to 104,952 movements also in the same period.

The airport had its busiest month on record in December 2023, reporting a total of 440,736 passengers for the month. Passenger traffic at RIC broke a record for the eighth straight month, indicating yet another way Richmond International is cementing itself as an important regional hub.

How to Get Here

It is about 7 miles southeast of downtown Richmond, so it can be accessed by a large portion of the city and surrounding counties. From IRCTC to air, it's possible for travelers via car, taxi, or ride-sharing options besides public transport.

Located along Interstate 64, the airport has direct access from Exits 197A and 197B with great signage that easily guides drivers to where they need to go. For those taking public transportation, you can take the GRTC bus system that has a few different routes so that RIC is accessible from downtown Richmond as well as other parts of town.

Parking

Richmond International Airport (RIC) provides a number of convenient parking choices to fit the price and time needs of passengers. Daily Parking: The airport's North and South parking garages offer daily parking rates that begin at about $12 per day. If you are looking to save a bit of cash, the airport also has an economy lot for parking at rates around $7/day.

Outside of the on-site parking facilities, there is a partnership between the airport and Richmond Airport Hotel that offers an off-site parking lot with a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to/from the airport. The Richmond Airport Hotel offers airport hotel parking at a rate of $7.00 per day, which is definitely one of the best options in terms of convenience and price for travelers from this particular area.

Transportation Pricing

Richmond International Airport Transportation Prices for Travelers: Taxi cab fares should be no more than $25-$30 from the airport over to downtown Richmond, and almost as little for Uber or Lyft service.

The GRTC bus system also provides one-way fares starting at $1.50 for people looking to travel more cost-effectively. These bus routes are the cheapest option from and to Richmond transportation services; they link destinations throughout metro Richmond with one another, as well as providing access between almost everything in town without having too many transfers.

Terminal Layout

Richmond International Airport features a clear terminal layout, with three principal zones: Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal. Concourses A and B are on opposite sides of the airport and can be reached through a centrally positioned Main Terminal.

The Main Terminal holds the airport's security checkpoint, baggage claim, and various food and shopping facilities. All are linked within the same building, so passengers will have no difficulty in making connections between the Main Terminal and the concourses.

Navigate the Airport

Thanks to its efficient layout and clear signage, navigating Richmond International Airport is relatively straightforward. When you arrive, just follow the signs to your correct concourse or terminal area depending on which airline/flight information that is for.

The airport's security checkpoint is located in the Main Terminal, and passengers are encouraged to check-in 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time during off-peak times or 2 hours for peak travel periods. Past security, passengers have access to the concourses with their own gates.

Getting Between Terminals

Richmond International Airport has a small layout with all of its terminals situated in the same building, thus transferring between them is quick and easy. One advantage of the airport is that travelers can more easily move between concourses because they are linked through the Main Terminal.

The airport also offers a shuttle bus service that runs between the concourses and Main Terminal for those who do not wish to walk. The shuttle is scheduled to run frequently, ensuring passengers can get from point A to terminal X with ease and convenience.

Services and Amenities

Richmond International Airport offers its passengers a variety of services and amenities to improve their travel experience. RIC has free Wi-Fi in the terminals, so you can hop onto your favorite time-wasting websites while killing some layover minutes.

Diners can also enjoy a range of dining and shopping options available at Richmond International Airport that serve from casual food stalls, coffee shops up to specialty retail stores. Whether looking to pick up a quick snack or buying some souvenirs, the amenities of RIC have something for everyone.

Restaurants and Shops

Dining and shopping destinations at Richmond International Airport help the airport in catering to a wide variety of culinary tastes for its passengers. Options include quick service restaurants such as Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Burger King, as well as full-service dining in Dooley's Tavern or Vino Volo.

Passengers looking to shop can browse a collection of specialty retail stores at RIC, like Hudson News and The Virginia Shop, as well as Duty Free Americas. Passengers can shop for gifts, snacks, and travel necessities so they are prepared completely when boarding.

Security and Customs

Richmond International Airport is constantly vigilant over the health and safety of its passengers. The Main Terminal security checkpoint is staffed by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers who are dedicated to an efficient and secure screening experience.

RIC has also launched a new customs screening facility for international travelers to accommodate flights from commercial passenger airlines, which began direct nonstop service with RIC just last year. The new facility is designed to simplify the customs and immigration process for international travelers arriving in the U.S. through Richmond.

Accessibility

Richmond International Airport is dedicated to ensuring a safe, efficient, and enjoyable trip for all flyers—especially those with disabilities. This will take the form of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (HD Sunflower) Program, which has been set up by the airport to support and champion passengers with non-visible disabilities.

The HD Sunflower Program enables travelers to discreetly self-identify as a person with invisible disabilities in order for airport staff to offer supplemental aid or make other plans if necessary. RIC also provides other accessibility features such as wheelchair assistance, service animal relief areas, and accessible parking.

Travel Tips

• Non-peak times: arrive 90 minutes prior to takeoff; peak travel time: two hours before departure helps allow for finding your way through the airport and security screening.
• Use the airport's dining and shopping offerings to take a jump start on your time while at RIC.
• Learn the layout of your airport and where terminals are located so that you can easily transition from check-in with your airline to security as well as gates.
• Use the parking facilities, such as Richmond Airport Hotel off-site, to save on your time and money.
• If you have any special needs or requirements, make the most of the accessibility features and services offered at your airport.

Travelers should use these tips and facilities at Richmond International Airport to ease the way on their journey home.