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Transportation and Access to Markets
Highways / Rail Service / Major Cities

 
Natural Advantages

Our location is one of our biggest assets. The Richmond metro area is at major crossroads, where east-west Interstate 64 bisects north-south Interstate 95, one of the busiest trade routes in the nation. Proximity to markets is impressive: more than 55% of the U.S. population is within 750 miles. Richmond offers rail freight and passenger service, and is a hub for UPS and Federal Express. The Port of Richmond terminal provides easy access to international markets, as does Richmond International Airport. Greater Richmond is 100 miles south of Washington, D.C. and 90 miles north of Norfolk, Virginia. With features like these, it’s easy to see how business thrives.
Transportation

Recent improvements to road and highway infrastructure include the completion of Rt. 288, a 32-mile circumferential route connecting I-95 in Chesterfield County to I-64 in Goochland County, and Route 895, an 8.8-mile parkway that connects I-95 at Chippenham Parkway (Rt. 150) in Chesterfield County with I-295 in Henrico County near Richmond International Airport. High-speed rail service between Richmond and Washington DC is in the planning stages. In 2007 Richmond International Airport completed a major renovation project, establishing it as one of the most modern and well-equipped airports in the eastern United States. The $280 million expansion included a new air traffic control tower, two-level terminal featuring upper level departure and lower level arrival areas, spacious ticketing and baggage claim halls, new terminal roadway and new restaurants.
 
Highway System
  • Interstates 64, 95, 85, and 295 converge in the metro area.
  • The average commuting time is 24 minutes.
  • More than 100 motor freight companies and brokers serve the area, including specialists in heavy hauling, overdimensional loads, and liquid or dry bulk.
  • UPS Freight has its home office in the City of Richmond.
  • UPS district headquarters and Federal Express regional hub are located in the area.
  • There are more than 40 courier service companies -- scheduled and rush, local, intrastate, and interstate.
  • 55 percent of the nation's consumers and manufacturing establishments are within 750 miles of Greater Richmond.
 
Rail Service
  • CSX and Norfolk Southern provide rail freight service.
  • AMTRAK provides passenger rail service with eight northbound and eight southbound trains each weekday.
  • Greater Richmond is in AMTRAK's Northeast Corridor Direct service area for rapid rail and upgraded passenger services.
Major Cities Distance from the Richmond Region
City, State
Miles
Kilometers
Atlanta, GA
469
755
Boston, MA
477
767
Charlotte, NC
247
397
Chicago, IL
619
997
Jacksonville, FL
551
887
New York, NY
288
463
St. Louis, MO
700
1,126
Washington, DC
98
158


 

 

Transportation and Access to Markets
Public Transit / Air Service / Passenger Service / Ports

 
Public Transit

Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) provides bus transportation on express and regular routes and van service for special populations. Four park and ride lots are available. Ridefinders provides information and support services for car pools, van-pools, teleworking, and other transit options.
Air Service (RIC)

Richmond International Airport (RIC) is a 10-minute drive from downtown. www.flyrichmond.com Nearly 3.5 million passengers and about 115 million pounds of cargo are handled at RIC annually. Passenger service is provided by:

  • Air Canada
  • AirTran Airways
  • American Airlines
  • Continental Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Northwest Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • US Airways

RIC has three fixed base operators on the airport to provide fuel and maintenance services for corporate aircraft. RIC has Foreign Trade Zone #207 with U.S. Customs inspection on-site and provides support for companies seeking subzones. RIC also offers developable acreage for aviation businesses. General aviation airports in Hanover (5,350 foot runway) and Chesterfield (5,500 foot runway) are adjacent to industrial parks.
Port of Richmond and Port of Virginia

The Port of Richmond is Central Virginia's domestic and international multi-modal freight and distribution center on the James River, serving waterborne, rail, and truck shippers throughout the mid-Atlantic states. Features include

  • Bi-monthly container/temperature controlled container service to Canada and Iceland via Eimskip Lines
  • Weekly barge service to Norfolk International Terminal at the Port of Virginia via 64 Express barge service
  • Easy access to rail, Interstates 95, 85, and 64, and Foreign Trade Zone #207
  • Livestock export ramp, fumigation services, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, on-site
  • Heavy-lift capability for project cargo and special projects
  • Supply Chain Services as part of a network of 600 warehouses nationwide

The Richmond region's shippers also are within 100 miles of the Port of Virginia at Hampton Roads. It is the third largest container port on the U.S. East Coast, with global service from more than 75 international shipping lines and 3,000 sailings annually to 100 countries.