Navigating Norfolk: The Complete Guide to Transportation in Virginia's Port City

The Tide might be small as light rail systems go (just 7.4 miles), but it's been my saving grace for zipping between downtown, Newtown Road, and several key spots in between. At $2 per ride or $4 for a day pass, it won't break your budget either.

During my week in Norfolk, I made The Tide my home base for exploration. The air conditioning alone was worth it when the summer humidity had me feeling like I was swimming rather than walking. The trains run every 10 minutes during peak hours and about every 30 minutes during off-hours.

The MacArthur Square station became my favorite jumping-off point—from there, you can walk to the Nauticus maritime museum, the Wisconsin battleship, and some pretty awesome waterfront restaurants. Just be warned that service ends relatively early (around 11 PM), so plan your night moves accordingly. I learned this the hard way after spending too long photographing street art near the NEON District and ending up in an unexpected (and pricey) rideshare situation.

If there's one transportation experience you shouldn't miss in Norfolk, it's the Elizabeth River Ferry connecting downtown Norfolk to Portsmouth. At just $2 per crossing (included with your day pass if you're already using The Tide), it's both practical transportation and a mini harbor cruise in one.

The ferry runs every 30 minutes from early morning until midnight, making it perfect for dinner excursions to Portsmouth's excellent restaurants. The views of naval ships and the Norfolk skyline are absolutely Instagram-worthy, especially at sunset.

During my visit, I packed my insulated water bottle (a lifesaver in the summer heat) and spent an entire afternoon ferry-hopping between the different stops, capturing the changing light on the harbor. The ferry operators got to know me by day three and started pointing out interesting vessels and landmarks I would have otherwise missed.

Pro tip: time your crossing with the sunset for spectacular photos, but bring a light packable jacket as it gets surprisingly breezy on the water, even in summer.

For someone who's spent years backpacking through bike-friendly European cities, I was pleasantly surprised by Norfolk's growing cycling infrastructure. The Elizabeth River Trail offers 10.5 miles of mostly waterfront riding that connects many of Norfolk's neighborhoods and attractions.

Rather than renting a car, I opted for Norfolk's Pace bike share program. At $1 to unlock plus $0.15 per minute, it was significantly cheaper than rideshares for my daily explorations. The bright blue bikes are stationed throughout downtown and along the waterfront, and the app makes finding and unlocking them a breeze.

One scorching afternoon, I grabbed a bike and discovered the Chelsea District's incredible street art scene—something I would have missed entirely if I'd stuck to public transit routes. Just be prepared for the summer heat; I went through two refills of my water bottle in just a few hours.

If you're planning longer rides, consider bringing your own bike phone mount as the bike share bikes don't have them built-in, and having GPS navigation visible while riding unfamiliar streets is invaluable. Also, pack a small cooling towel that you can wet and wear around your neck—it saved me from heat exhaustion during midday rides!

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) buses cover Norfolk and connect to neighboring Virginia Beach, Hampton, and beyond. At $2 per ride, they're budget-friendly but require some patience and planning. I primarily used buses for reaching Virginia Beach (Route 20) and Ocean View (Route 1), saving a ton compared to rideshare prices.

The GoHRT app is essential for navigating the bus system—real-time tracking saved me from unnecessary waits in the summer heat. Still, Norfolk's buses don't run as frequently as you might expect in larger cities, so always build in buffer time.

For late nights or reaching outlying areas, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. I found prices reasonable compared to larger cities, typically $8-15 for most in-town trips. To save money, I used a combination strategy: public transit for daytime exploration and strategic rideshares for late evenings or reaching specific spots like Norfolk Premium Outlets or Military Circle.

When using rideshares, I always bring my personal safety alarm as a solo female traveler. It's tiny but mighty, and gives me peace of mind when hopping into cars with strangers, especially at night. After a day of exploring Norfolk's incredible street art scene (don't miss the NEON District!), I was grateful for the door-to-door service back to my hotel.

After exploring cities across four continents, I've developed a sixth sense for walkable neighborhoods, and Norfolk's compact downtown and Ghent areas definitely qualify. The city's self-guided walking tours became my favorite zero-cost transportation option.

The Cannonball Trail (marked by red and blue medallions in the sidewalk) guides you through 400 years of Norfolk history in just 2 miles. I tackled it early one morning before the heat set in, armed with my clip-on phone lens to capture the historic details and architectural elements that make Norfolk unique.

The NEON District's street art can easily fill an afternoon of walking exploration. I discovered vibrant murals tucked into unexpected alleys and parking garages—perfect Instagram backdrops that most tourists miss entirely. The area feels safe during daylight hours, but as a solo female traveler, I switched to rideshares after sunset.

For longer walking days, comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. My blister prevention balm became my best friend after a 12-mile day exploring both the Cannonball Trail and the entirety of Ghent's charming streets. Norfolk's summer humidity means you'll sweat more than expected, so dress accordingly and stay hydrated.