Getting Around Hampton: Tunnels, bridges and military traffic
Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: what getting around Hampton 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 Hampton?
Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: the daily logistics nobody puts on the listing.
The time I spend getting to/from work every day is
20 minutes, unless the tunnel has other plans
Traffic congestion areas to avoid
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel during literally any shipyard or military shift change
Ability to get around without a car
Theoretically possible with HRT buses, realistically you'll age waiting for connections
Locals dream of driving around in a
lifted Jeep Wrangler with Langley AFB parking stickers everywhere
The reality is that most locals drive
a sensible Nissan Altima with questionable front bumper damage
Quirky local driving habit
treating merge lanes like optional suggestions during rush, exiting the interstate from the middle lane
The likelihood of finding parking
surprisingly decent unless you're near Buckroe Beach in July
#1 driving tip
Accept tunnel backups as meditation time, not personal attacks
Where I Go for a Quiet Escape
Matteson Trail offers a wonderful walking path around the Hampton's Golf Course. The paved trail is three miles long and shady. As you walk along look for lost golf balls. You may have a collection for your next round.
— Laura Gray
Virginia Local Expert
Ready to See If Hampton Fits You?
Compare neighborhoods, check the routes, or head back to the full Hampton guide for the bigger picture.