Norfolk International Airport

Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the picturesque Hampton Roads region and the famous beaches of Virginia. Unlike noisy and confusing metropolitan hubs, this airport welcomes travelers with a surprisingly calm and cozy atmosphere, as it literally borders the magnificent Norfolk Botanical Garden. Your acquaintance with the maritime history of the USA and the Atlantic coast begins here, with the journey from the aircraft steps to the city center or the ocean taking just a few minutes.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Norfolk Airport is renowned for its convenience and compactness, making pre-flight formalities quick and stress-free. One of its unique features is its location: it is situated in immediate proximity to the Norfolk Botanical Garden, and some areas of the terminal offer beautiful views of the greenery and Lake Whitehurst, creating a "garden in an airport" sensation.

For passenger comfort, comfortable rocking chairs are installed in the waiting halls — a signature symbol of Southern hospitality. The terminals are modern and clean, offering travelers free Wi-Fi and various dining outlets where one can taste local seafood before heading into the city. Furthermore, the airport is strategically located: just a 20-30 minute drive from the resort area of Virginia Beach and the historic districts of Norfolk.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Norfolk International Airport (ORF). We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: www.norfolkairport.com
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (757) 857-3351
• Airport Address: 2200 Norview Ave, Norfolk, VA 23518, USA
• Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: Follow airport news on the official pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
• Lost and Found Information:
  • If you have lost an item in the terminal, parking lot, or shuttle, please contact the airport Lost and Found service at +1 (757) 857-3823.
  • If your belongings or luggage were lost on board the aircraft, you must contact your airline's representative directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries and assistance at the airport, you can call the main information desk number +1 (757) 857-3351.

Getting to Norfolk International Airport (ORF) from the city center of Norfolk and its surroundings is possible in several ways, allowing you to choose the optimal option for any budget and comfort level. The airport is located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of the city's business center, and the trip usually does not take much time.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly way to reach the airport. Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) operates bus route #15, which runs from the city center directly to the passenger terminal. The bus ride will take about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic and the number of stops. This is an excellent choice for travelers with light luggage who wish to save money. Please note that buses run on a schedule, so it is worth planning your departure time in advance.

Taxis and Ride-hailing Services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a faster and more convenient way to get to the airport. The trip from the center of Norfolk will take just 15-25 minutes in the absence of serious traffic jams. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus, but the comfort and speed justify the expense, especially if you are traveling with a large amount of luggage or in a group. Taxi stands and pick-up zones for ride-hailing services are easy to find at the exit of the arrivals hall.

If you prefer maximum freedom of movement, car rental will be the ideal solution. Offices of all major rental companies are represented at Norfolk Airport. By car, you can easily reach not only the airport but also explore other cities in the region. For those driving a personal vehicle, the airport has a developed parking system. Both short-term and long-term parking zones are available, including covered garages and more remote economy lots, from which free shuttles run to the terminal. Prices vary depending on the location and duration of parking.

International Airport Norfolk (ORF) is distinguished by a simple and passenger-friendly structure. It consists of one main terminal, which is divided into two zones — the Departures Hall and the Arrivals Hall, and also has two passenger concourses: A and B. Such organization makes navigation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time.

The Arrivals Hall is located on the first floor. Here you will find baggage claim carousels, customs control zones for international flights, and exits to ground transportation, including taxis, shuttles, and car rental counters. The second floor houses the spacious Departures Hall, where airline check-in counters and the central security checkpoint are located. After passing through control, passengers enter a common area from which they can proceed to either of the two concourses.

Concourse A (gates A1-A11) mainly serves flights for Southwest, Allegiant, and Breeze Airways. It is more modern and offers passengers a good selection of cafes and shops.

Concourse B (gates B16-B30) is used by major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. This concourse is also equipped with everything necessary for waiting for a flight in comfort.

Since both concourses are connected to the main part of the terminal after the security zone, moving between them does not require going through security control again. This is very convenient if you have time before departure and want to shop in the other concourse. Overall, the airport is not very large, so walking from the check-in counters to the furthest gate rarely takes more than 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, during peak hours, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight to calmly go through all procedures.

The history of International Airport Norfolk (ORF) is a vivid example of the development of aviation infrastructure in the USA. The airport was founded in 1938 as a small municipal airfield. From the very beginning, it was intended to serve the growing needs of the Hampton Roads region, but its early history was closely tied to the country's military needs.

With the outbreak of World War II, the airport was transferred to the jurisdiction of the US Army Air Corps and used as a base for patrol aircraft monitoring submarine activity in the Atlantic. After the war ended, it returned to civilian management and began to gradually expand, welcoming the first jet liners in the 1960s.

A real breakthrough in development occurred in 1974, when a new, modern terminal was opened, which still constitutes the core of the airport complex today. This event became a symbol of a new era for air travel in the region. By 1976, with the arrival of the customs service, the airport received its current status and name — Norfolk International Airport.

In subsequent decades, the airport was modernized repeatedly. Significant work was carried out to expand the main hall and departure zones, new multi-level parking garages were built, and runway infrastructure was improved. These steps allowed the airport to maintain a high level of service and cope with constantly growing passenger traffic, strengthening its role as one of the key transport hubs on the East Coast.

Norfolk International Airport (ORF) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make their stay as comfortable as possible. In the terminal, you will find various dining outlets — from cafes with quick snacks and coffee to restaurants where you can have a full meal while waiting for a flight. Travelers also have access to several shops offering newspapers, books, souvenirs, and essential goods.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Numerous charging stations for mobile devices are located in the waiting areas near the boarding gates, allowing you to easily recharge your phone or laptop. For more comfortable relaxation, you can use the services of premium lounges offering a secluded atmosphere and additional amenities.

The airport is equipped with everything necessary for solving practical matters. ATMs and currency exchange points are located in the terminal. For passengers with children, there are special mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables. If necessary, you can seek medical assistance at the appropriate station. For travelers with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created: there are ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms, and an escort service can be requested in advance.

Basic business services may be available for business travelers. If you have a long layover or an early flight, there are several hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the airport offering convenient accommodation. This allows you to rest before your flight without spending much time traveling to the terminal.

At International Airport Norfolk (ORF), travelers will find diverse dining options capable of satisfying any taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or a full lunch in a quiet setting, there is plenty to choose from here. Most establishments are located after security control, but there are also places to have coffee in the public zone.

Before Security Control (Landside): In the main lobby of the airport, accessible to all visitors, you can find a Starbucks cafe offering coffee, pastries, and light snacks. This is an ideal place for those seeing off or meeting passengers, or simply wanting a bite to eat before checking in for a flight.

After Security Control (Airside): The main part of the restaurants and cafes is located in the departure zones.

• In Concourse A, you will find James River Grill — a full-service restaurant offering American cuisine, as well as the venue Here's To The Heroes. For a quick bite, Burger King operates here.
• In Concourse B, the restaurant The Local @ ORF is located, which emphasizes dishes made from local products, allowing you to experience Virginia's cuisine. There is also Back Bay Bistro and another Starbucks here.

For those looking for something special, it is worth visiting The Local @ ORF to taste dishes reflecting the culinary traditions of the region. Passengers with special dietary needs can find suitable options in most establishments: vegetarian salads, sandwiches, and main courses are available in restaurants, and you can always ask for plant-based milk for coffee in cafes. It is recommended to check with staff regarding the availability of gluten-free or Halal options.

The price range varies from budget options at fast-food outlets to mid-level prices in full-service restaurants. The operating hours of most establishments are tied to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last evening planes. If you are in a hurry, the best choice would be to take food to go from a cafe or fast food outlet. For a leisurely lunch or dinner, James River Grill or The Local @ ORF are perfect, where you can comfortably spend time waiting for your flight in the USA.

To ensure your journey through International Airport Norfolk (ORF) goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, take advantage of our useful tips. A thoughtful approach to every stage — from arriving at the airport to boarding the plane — will help save time and nerves.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights within the USA, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 3 hours. This will give you enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and passing through security control. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone.

Security Control and Carry-on: Be prepared for standard TSA screening procedures. Liquids in carry-on luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Laptops and large electronics must be removed from bags. Check the list of prohibited items on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Seat Selection and Transfers: If the airline allows, select your seat in advance. Window seats offer beautiful views, while aisle seats offer more freedom of movement. Passengers with short layovers should choose seats closer to the exit. If you have a connecting flight in Norfolk, study the airport map beforehand to quickly orient yourself and find the necessary gate. The airport is not very large, which makes transfers quite convenient.

Savings and Flight Delays: To save money, bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing control, as well as light snacks. Parking at the airport is often cheaper to book online in advance. In case of a flight delay, follow updates via your airline's mobile app and on information screens. Check with the airline representative if you are entitled to vouchers for food or drinks in case of a long wait.

Customs Control: Passengers arriving from abroad must go through customs and border control. Fill out the customs declaration in advance (often distributed on the plane) and be ready to answer the officer's questions about the purpose of your trip and the items you are bringing in. Keep your passport and visa ready.