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

Richmond International Airport is just a fifteen-minute drive from the historic center, so even travelers with a dawn flight or a simple business layover do well choosing a hotel in Sandston, right next to the terminal. Anyone who wants to visit the city instead - the James River, Shockoe Slip, the museums - does better sleeping downtown, saving the trip back. Short Pump, the West End's commercial district, is the right base for anyone in the area for work or shopping who already travels by car, because it's over half an hour from both the airport and downtown.

Airport area (Sandston)

Airport area · Almost all hotels offer a free shuttle to the terminal in under 5 minutes; by car, downtown Richmond is about 15 minutes away.

Best for: anyone with a dawn flight or a business layover who has no time for the city

Pros

Free shuttle almost everywhere, handy for an early flight
A quiet area, little traffic hassle in the evening

Cons

A commercial/industrial area, little to do on foot in the evening
Richmond proper remains a quarter hour away by car

Recommended hotels in this area

Hyatt Place Richmond Airport: Free shuttle to the terminal, breakfast included and an in-house Starbucks.
Four Points by Sheraton Richmond Airport: Indoor pool and free shuttle, reviews note cleanliness and helpful staff.

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Historic center

City centre · By car or rideshare the airport is about 15 minutes away; there's no direct rail link to downtown.

Best for: anyone who wants to visit Shockoe Slip, the James River and the museums without moving the car

Pros

Within walking distance of Shockoe Slip, Canal Walk and the Virginia State Capitol
Good choice of restaurants and evening spots

Cons

Parking is almost always paid
Some historic hotels have small rooms

Recommended hotels in this area

Linden Row Inn: A nineteenth-century mansion in the heart of downtown, appreciated for its tranquility and carefully prepared breakfast.
Graduate by Hilton Richmond: Across from Virginia Commonwealth University, with a rooftop bar, convenient without a car.

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Short Pump and West End

Neighbourhood · The district is about 35 minutes by car from the airport, on the opposite side of the city from downtown.

Best for: anyone in the area for work or shopping who already travels by their own or a rental car

Pros

The Short Pump Town Center shopping mall is a few steps away
More recent and spacious hotels than downtown

Cons

A car is always needed, it's not a walkable area
Far from both the airport and the historic center

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa Short Pump: In-house spa and indoor pool, adjacent to the Short Pump shopping center.
Residence Inn by Marriott Richmond West End: Suites with kitchen, useful for long stays near the Innsbrook office park.

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