RIC Airport Insights & Guide
- Frequent Flier Tips
- Airport Recent News
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know RIC Airport
Welcome to the Richmond Airport Online Guide. Situated in the heart of Virginia, RIC serves as a vital hub connecting travelers to a wealth of destinations across the globe. The airport is home to three bustling terminals, each equipped with a range of amenities designed to enhance your travel experience. One of the unique features of RIC is its rich history, dating back to the early 1900s when it was established on a 100-acre site. Whether you're embarking on a journey, arriving, or simply in transit, RIC aims to provide a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. To discover more about other airports you may encounter on your journey, don't hesitate to explore our worldwide airport guide.
iFly Tip: Make the most of your check-in options by preparing in advance with tips from our guide.
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.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Richmond Airport (RIC) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from RIC-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"RIC is a breeze to navigate with its single terminal split into two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A is mostly used by Delta and JetBlue, while Concourse B is where you’ll find American Airlines and Southwest. The signage is clear, but if you ever feel lost, the information desks are very helpful." — John M., Henrico, VA, August 2023
"If you have a connecting flight, give yourself at least 45 minutes. Though RIC is smaller compared to other airports, the security lines can sometimes be unpredictable, especially during peak hours." — Emily R., Mechanicsville, VA, July 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The GRTC Pulse bus line is a convenient and affordable way to get to downtown Richmond from the airport. It runs every 15 minutes during peak hours and costs just $1.50. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available if you prefer a more direct route." — Michael K., Richmond, VA, October 2023
"For those renting a car, the rental car center is right across from the terminal. It’s super easy to pick up and drop off your vehicle, and there’s a good selection of rental companies to choose from." — Lisa T., Glen Allen, VA, September 2023
Parking
"The Economy Parking Lot is the best deal if you’re planning to park for more than a few days. It’s a bit farther from the terminal, but the shuttle service is frequent and reliable. Plus, it’s much cheaper than the Daily Garage." — David S., Ashland, VA, July 2023
"If you’re just picking someone up, use the Cell Phone Waiting Area. It’s free and only a short drive from the terminal. Once your party is ready, you can head over to the arrivals area to pick them up." — Karen P., Midlothian, VA, August 2023
Inside the Airport
"RIC has some great dining options. If you’re in Concourse A, don’t miss Caribou Coffee for a quick caffeine fix. For something more substantial, try the Cross Grain Brewhouse in Concourse B. They have excellent burgers and local craft beers." — Alex J., Chester, VA, November 2023
"The airport has free Wi-Fi throughout, which is perfect for getting some work done or streaming your favorite shows while you wait. The signal is strong and reliable, even in the gate areas." — Maria L., Petersburg, VA, December 2023
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"To avoid long security lines, try to get to the airport at least two hours before your flight, especially during the holidays. The TSA PreCheck line is usually much shorter, so it’s worth considering if you travel frequently." — Brian W., Hopewell, VA, January 2024
"Keep an eye on the flight information displays scattered throughout the terminal. They are updated regularly and can help you stay informed about any gate changes or delays." — Jessica N., Colonial Heights, VA, February 2024
iFly Tip: Stay on schedule by adhering to cutoff times for checking in your baggage.
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.
iFly Tip: Discover expert advice on picking the best seats when flying with toddlers on our toddler travel page.
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.
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.
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
- Location: Richmond International Airport (RIC) is located in Richmond, Virginia, United States.
- Terminals: The airport features a Main Terminal, which includes Concourse A and Concourse B.
- Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. For a list of all airlines, check out the RIC Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Richmond International Airport handles approximately 9,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 100 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from RIC are Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
- Hub Status: Richmond International Airport is a hub for Allegiant Air, Delta Airlines, 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 Information
For more information about Richmond Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: RIC
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 804-226-3000
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Richmond International Airport, 1 Richard E Byrd Terminal Dr, Richmond, VA 23250, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Richmond Airport Q&A
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