The Norfolk Commute Guide: HOV lanes and history detours
Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: what getting around Norfolk really takes.
Laura, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Laura arrived in Virginia in 1988 with a teaching job, a love of sunshine, and zero idea she’d still be here decades later—now basically an honorary ambassador for the state. She’s tracked down over 800 of Virginia’s iconic LOVE signs, a feat that probably deserves its own license plate. When she’s not at the beach or debating which El Azteca location does the best Nacho Fajitas, she’s editing Snappy Scout’s Virginia guides, helping readers discover the local quirks and hidden gems she’s been living (and loving) for years.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
How Do You Get Around Norfolk?
Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: the daily logistics nobody puts on the listing.
The time I spend getting to/from work every day is
Twenty if HRBT and Berkeley Bridge cooperate
Traffic congestion areas to avoid
HRBT, Midtown and Downtown Tunnels, Berkeley Bridge during lift times, I-64 at rush hour
Ability to get around without a car
Possible near Ghent and Downtown on Tide line, but bring patience
Locals dream of driving around in a
saltproof Bronco with surf rack and Navy base decals flex, convertable in flip flops
The reality is that most locals drive
salt bleached Ford Escapes with EZPass, Check Engine light, and sand
Quirky local driving habit
treating bridge lifts like sanctioned beach meditation, by passing I-64 backups and getting on at Willoughby before 12:30 and after 6:30 PM
The likelihood of finding parking
Downtown scarce, Ghent timed, Ocean View easy except summer weekends
#1 driving tip
Get EZPass, check bridge lifts and tides before leaving, download the 511 app
Where I Go for a Quiet Escape
Norfolk's northern border offers public beaches that are perfect for a quiet getaway. Park in the Pinewell, Ocean View, or East Beach neighborhood and walk to the beach via the public accesses. Enjoy the beach on a May or September weekday, and you may have the place to yourself.
— Laura Gray
Virginia Local Expert
Ready to See If Norfolk Fits You?
Compare neighborhoods, check the routes, or head back to the full Norfolk guide for the bigger picture.