Find cheap flights to Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, the capital city of Virginia, is one of the oldest major cities in the US, and as such, boasts a rich history. It was here, in 1775, that Patrick Henry, one of the US’ founding fathers, famously declared, “Give me liberty or give me death”, one of the events leading to the Revolutionary War. You are ‘at liberty’ to visit Richmond at any time of the year, but you’ll find the best weather conditions during the spring, between March – May when temperatures are moderate, ranging from 55 – 88 degrees Fahrenheit. In summer, the combination of high temperatures and humidity can be enervating. Despite this, summer is peak tourist season, so flights are more expensive, and hotels are busy, so book in advance if you’re visiting then. From September – November, temperatures return to moderate and there’s more precipitation and wind, making this season less popular with tourists, so you may find cheap flights and deals on accommodation. During winter, it’s even quieter, with daily high temperatures reaching only 48-58 degrees Fahrenheit, and frequent rain or snow. Plan your holiday now, if your main goal is to beat the crowds and save money, just avoid the Christmas season.

Downtown Richmond is compact and walkable, so you can see many attractions on foot, by bike, or take a Segway tour. The GRTC operates a network of buses, including express routes, and there’s also a trolley system, RVA Trolley, which claims to be the very first trolley system in the world, dating back to 1888.

Public Transportation

GRTC Transit operated buses serve all parts of Richmond, you can ride for a one-way fare of $1.25 USD, or purchase a 1-day, 7-day or 30-day pass for $3.50 USD, $17.50 USD, or $30.00 USD, and enjoy unlimited rides for the duration of your pass (on consecutive days). For a unique historical ride, hop on the RVA Trolley, which offers public tours daily at 10:30 am Monday – Friday, and twice daily on Saturday and Sunday, at 11:00am and 2:00pm. The price for adults is $30.00 USD, children 4 – 14 ride for $15.00 USD, and younger children are free. Reservations are required.

Taxis

Taxis are a convenient way to get around the city. You can hail one on the street, or pre-book, which is a good idea during the busy tourist season. Meters begin at $2.50 USD and it costs $.50 USD per 1/5 mile, with a waiting charge of $.50 USD per 80 seconds. There is a $1.00 USD surcharge for after-hours service (9pm – 6am) per trip, and an additional passenger charge of $1.00 USD per person. Uber and Lyft also operate in Richmond.

Bike-share

RVA Bike Share kicked off in 2017, and you can pick up a bike at 20 stations across the city for $1.75 USD per 45 minute trip or get a day pass for $6.00 USD.

Things to do and places of interest in Richmond VA

Whatever your interests, you’ll find something to keep you amused in Richmond. History buffs will want to visit the local museums and historic sites, thrill seekers can go white water rafting or kayaking, and foodies can get their fill exploring diverse eateries and 30-odd craft breweries. Check out these suggestions for your next Richmond visit.

• Do the Canal Walk, 1.25 miles of paved walkways where historic sights, statues and markers tell Richmond’s story. Along the walk, you’ll find Brown’s Island, the scene of outdoor concerts and the annual Richmond Folk Festival. You can cruise the canal, 40-minute historical tours depart from the Turning Basin, between 14th and Dock streets on Virginia Street.
• Visit the The American Civil War Center, which interprets the war from Union, Confederate and African-American perspectives. The museum is located at the 22-acre Tredegar Iron Works site.
• Go rafting, whitewater kayaking, swimming, tubing or take a guided tour on the James River.
• Stroll into the past, in the Church Hill Historic District, where you’ll find about 70 antebellum houses, and the 1741-dated St. John’s Episcopal Church.
• Check out the Richmond Raceway, which hosts two NASCAR race weekends under the lights, featuring the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR XFINITY Series, on its ¾-mile D-shaped oval.
• If you visit Richmond in July, you can head down to the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center and watch your favorite NFL players getting ready for next season. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to score an autograph!

Tips and tricks for visiting Richmond VA

Hopheads rejoice! Richmond’s craft beer scene is reason enough to visit the city. Get a copy of the Beer Trail Map and work your way through over 30 breweries. Just make sure to have a designated driver or cab it.

The heat, combined with high humidity during summer, can make you feel pretty awful. Make sure to hydrate well and if you become overheated, rest and put cool compresses on your pulse points, and at the back of your neck.