Norfolk International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

Norfolk International Airport is 10-20 minutes from both the motels along Military Highway and downtown, so the flight schedule matters more than the actual distance. Those departing at dawn or arriving late at night find it convenient to stay close to the terminals, where taxis and shuttles arrive in a few minutes without depending on buses or trains, which don't serve this route. Those with a free evening, on the other hand, can head for the downtown Norfolk waterfront, between the harbor and the USS Wisconsin museum, or for the tree-lined Ghent neighborhood, quieter and close to Old Dominion University.

Airport area (Military Highway)

Airport area · Taxis, Uber and hotel shuttles reach the terminals in 5-10 minutes along Military Highway; there's no direct train or city bus to the airport.

Best for: Those departing at dawn or arriving late at night who want check-in just minutes from the terminal.

Pros

A few minutes by taxi or shuttle to check-in, useful for early-morning flights
Several chain hotels just steps from one another, convenient for comparing availability

Cons

Around it only busy roads and shopping centers: in the evening you dine at the hotel
Downtown Norfolk still requires 15-20 minutes by car

Recommended hotels in this area

DoubleTree by Hilton Norfolk Airport: Two miles from the terminal, with a free airport shuttle and an indoor pool for those with a long layover.
Hampton Inn & Suites Norfolk-Airport: Free airport shuttle, hot breakfast included and an indoor pool; reviews praise the breakfast variety.
Residence Inn by Marriott Norfolk Airport: Suites with a full kitchen 4 minutes by car from the terminal, useful for multi-night stays; indoor pool and gym.

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Downtown and the waterfront

City centre · Taxis or Uber take 15-20 minutes to the terminals along Military Highway; there are no direct shuttles from downtown.

Best for: Museums, bars and the harbor on the Elizabeth River, for those who accept a 15-20 minute taxi ride to the airport.

Pros

Within walking distance of the USS Wisconsin pier, the Waterside District and the bars on Granby Street
Several mid-to-upscale hotels concentrated in a few streets, convenient to explore on foot

Cons

No shuttle to the airport: you always need to book a taxi
Outside scheduled events the streets empty out early in the evening

Recommended hotels in this area

Norfolk Waterside Marriott: Connected to the Waterside Convention Center, with river views and an indoor pool; just steps from the USS Wisconsin pier.
Hilton Norfolk The Main: A 22-story tower on the waterfront with a panoramic terrace and pool; reviews praise the location and cleanliness.
Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, Autograph Collection: Boutique hotel in a 1912 building in the historic district, with art-glass works on display in the common rooms.

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Ghent and Old Dominion University

Neighbourhood · By car about 15 minutes from the airport along Hampton Boulevard; no direct bus link to the terminals.

Best for: Those who prefer a residential, tree-lined neighborhood, close to the Chrysler Museum, a few minutes from downtown.

Pros

A tree-lined neighborhood with independent cafes and restaurants on Colley Avenue
The Chrysler Museum of Art can be reached on foot from the area

Cons

A car or a taxi is still needed for the airport, with no dedicated shuttle
Fewer hotel choices than downtown or the airport area

Recommended hotels in this area

SpringHill Suites Norfolk Old Dominion University: Larger-than-average suites with a kitchenette, just steps from the ODU campus and the Ghent neighborhood.

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