Richmond Airport (RIC) Guide
Welcome to Richmond Airport, where southern hospitality meets efficient air travel. With a convenient location just minutes from downtown Richmond, RIC offers a stress-free travel experience for both business and leisure travelers. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a frequent flyer, our guide provides all the information you need to navigate the airport with ease.
Looking for a comprehensive guide to help you get from your door to your gate? Look no further than our RIC Airport guide. Our extensive guide provides helpful information and tips to make your travel experience as smooth as possible. From flight status and tracking to airline departure terminals and gate locations, parking options, terminal maps, and food and shopping directories, we've got you covered. For more details on major commercial airports, check out iFly's Airport Guide.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
When flying from the airport, it is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. The busiest times at the airport are typically early mornings and late afternoons, so if possible, try to avoid booking flights during those times to minimize wait times and potential delays.
Getting to the Airport
Richmond Airport is conveniently located just 7 miles southeast of downtown Richmond. There are several transportation options available to get to the airport, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation. The GRTC bus route 7 provides service to the airport from downtown Richmond. If you are driving to the airport, there are several parking options available, including hourly, daily, and long-term parking. It is recommended to book parking in advance to ensure availability.
Getting Oriented
When arriving at Richmond Airport, it is helpful to use the interactive airport maps available on iFly.com to get oriented and navigate the airport. The maps provide detailed information on the airport layout, including the location of terminals, gates, restaurants, and shops. Additionally, the airport has several information desks located throughout the terminal where friendly staff can assist with any questions or concerns.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid potential delays at RIC, it is recommended to arrive early, pack light, and check in online before arriving at the airport. Additionally, be sure to check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport to ensure there are no unexpected delays or cancellations. If you do experience a delay, the airport has several amenities available to make your wait more comfortable, including restaurants, shops, and free Wi-Fi.
Security Wait Times
When traveling through RIC Airport, it's important to plan ahead for TSA Security wait times. The airport recommends arriving at least two hours before your flight for domestic travel and three hours for international flights. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer. To avoid any stress or potential missed flights, it's best to plan accordingly. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Richmond Airport (RIC) Terminals
Navigating RIC's Terminals
Richmond International Airport has three terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal. Concourse A has 8 gates and is used by Delta Airlines, while Concourse B has 14 gates and is used by American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. The Main Terminal has 17 gates and is used by all other airlines.
When arriving at RIC, passengers will enter the Main Terminal, which houses the baggage claim, ticketing counters, and security checkpoints. From there, passengers can access Concourse A and B through the walkway located near the food court. The airport also offers a shuttle service that runs between the Main Terminal and Concourse B.
For those with layovers or waiting for their flight, RIC offers a variety of food and beverage options, including Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Vito's Market. There are also several retail shops, including a duty-free store, and services such as a massage bar and a pet relief area.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
The airport has three terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, and Main Terminal. To get between the terminals, travelers can walk or take a shuttle bus. The walk time between Concourse A and Main Terminal is approximately 5-7 minutes, while the walk time between Concourse B and Main Terminal is approximately 10-12 minutes.
For those who prefer not to walk, a shuttle bus is available to transport passengers between the terminals. The shuttle bus runs every 5-10 minutes and is free of charge. The shuttle bus stop is located outside of the baggage claim area in the Main Terminal.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight, Richmond Airport has plenty of options to choose from. In Concourse A, you can grab a quick snack at Cinnabon or a sandwich at Quiznos. For a sit-down meal, head to Concourse B where you'll find Cross Grain Brewhouse, serving up craft beers and pub fare, or Vito's Market, offering Italian-inspired dishes.
If you're in the Main Terminal, be sure to check out Sam Adams Brewhouse for a cold beer and some classic pub food. For a healthier option, visit Saladworks for made-to-order salads and wraps. And if you need to pick up some souvenirs or travel essentials, head to the Hudson News or CNBC Newsstand.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Richmond Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, plan your visit using this guide.
Airport Hotels
Are you looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? Our comprehensive guide provides you with a selection of accommodations that are not only close to the airport but also offer excellent amenities and services. These hotels range from affordable motels to luxurious suites, all within a few miles of the airport. Many of them provide complimentary shuttle services for a hassle-free travel experience. Whether you're a business traveler, a vacationer, or simply in transit, you'll find a hotel that suits your needs. Discover the best options for your stay by exploring our RIC Hotels.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At RIC Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the designated curbside areas outside of the Main Terminal, Concourse A, and Concourse B. However, it is important to note that curbside parking is not allowed and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers must remain in their vehicles at all times and move their vehicle promptly once their passengers have arrived or departed.
For those waiting to pick up passengers, the airport offers a free cell-phone waiting area located just a few minutes away from the terminals. This area allows drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers have arrived and are ready to be picked up. Once the passengers are ready, the driver can quickly make their way to the designated curbside area for pick up.
Parking Facilities & Options
The airport offers several parking options for travelers. The Main Terminal Parking Garage is located adjacent to the terminal building and offers covered parking. The Hourly Lot is also located adjacent to the terminal building and is ideal for short-term parking. The Daily Lot is located a short walk from the terminal and offers both covered and uncovered parking options.
For those looking for a more economical option, off-airport parking is available with several private companies offering shuttle service to and from the airport. These lots are located just a few minutes away from the airport and offer both covered and uncovered parking options.
Richmond Airport also provides a Cell Phone Waiting Area for those waiting to pick up arriving passengers. This area is located just outside the main terminal and offers a convenient place to wait for your party to arrive.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas at Richmond Airport. Designated parking spaces are located near the terminal building for easy access to the airport.
Get details about RIC parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
RIC Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. Car rental facilities are located on the lower level of the terminal, with major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National available for rental.
Taxi services are also available at the airport, with a designated pick-up area located outside of the terminal. Fares are metered and vary based on destination, with an estimated cost of $25-$30 to downtown Richmond.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at the airport. The pick-up area is located outside of the terminal, and there may be restrictions on pick-up times and locations. It is recommended to check with the specific service provider for more information.
Airport shuttles are available for transportation to and from the airport. The service is provided by several companies, with pick-up areas located outside of the terminal. Fares vary based on destination and specific shuttle provider.
Public transportation options are also available, with the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) providing bus service to and from the airport. The bus stop is located outside of the terminal, and fares are $1.50 per ride. It is recommended to check the GRTC website for specific route and schedule information.
Passenger Services
The airport offers a variety of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.
For those needing to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located in the Main Terminal. Families traveling with children can take advantage of the children's play area located in Concourse A. Special-needs services, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms, are available upon request.
For banking needs, there are several ATMs located throughout the airport, including in Concourse B and the Main Terminal. Medical help is also available at the airport's medical clinic, located near the security checkpoint in the Main Terminal.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight, especially if there are any delays or cancellations. Fortunately, there are several ways to check the flight status at Richmond Airport.
One of the easiest ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply locate your flight on the display to see its status.
Another convenient option is to use your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines have apps that allow you to track your flight status, receive alerts about departure delays or gate changes, and even check in for your flight. You can also sign up for text, email, or push notifications to receive updates on your flight status.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Richmond Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
RIC is located in the United States and serves the city of Richmond, Virginia. The airport has three terminals - Concourse A, Concourse B, and the Main Terminal.
On average, the airport handles around 9,000 passengers daily, with an average of 100 daily flights. The top airlines with the most daily flights are Delta, American, and United.
RIC serves over 20 destinations, with the top five being Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
The airport is also a hub for several air carriers, including Allegiant Air, Delta, and UPS Airlines.
Airport History
The Richmond Airport, also known as the Richmond International Airport, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s.
Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1927 - The first airport in Richmond was established on a 100-acre site in Henrico County.
- 1942 - The airport was taken over by the U.S. Army Air Corps and used as a training facility during World War II.
- 1950 - The airport was returned to civilian control and a new terminal building was constructed.
- 1975 - The airport was renamed the Richmond International Airport and a new terminal building was constructed to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
- 1991 - A new concourse was added to the airport, increasing the number of gates from 13 to 22.
- 2004 - The airport underwent a major renovation and expansion project, which included the construction of a new parking garage and a new terminal building.
- 2011 - The airport celebrated its 85th anniversary and continued to serve as a major hub for air travel in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Today, the Richmond Airport continues to provide travelers with modern amenities and convenient access to destinations around the world.
Airport Contact Info
For more information about the Richmond Airport, please see the following:
- Airport Website
- Phone: (804) 226-3000
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: 1 Richard E Byrd Terminal Dr, Richmond, VA 23250, United States