Getting around in Richmond

Richmond's public transport system is adequate and efficient, while downtown and its surrounding neighbourhoods are fairly walkable. The city also encourages residents to cycle with dedicated lanes and bike-sharing programmes. That said, many Richmonders still prefer to own a car for convenience, especially parents who have kids to haul around and adventurists who like to explore further afield.

Public transport in Richmond

Bus

The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) runs bus services in Richmond. However, this system is largely limited to the central areas and only serves small parts of the suburban counties. That said, the service is constantly expanding and has introduced routes in places such as Chesterfield County.

GRTC also runs a rapid-bus system called the GRTC Pulse, which (for now) runs along Broad Street from Willow Lawn to Rocketts Landing, and provides a faster commute.

Taxis in Richmond

There are several taxi companies in Richmond. Taxis can be hailed on the street or at ranks, but commuters who live in the suburbs will have to call and pre-book a cab. Ride-hailing services such as Uber, Lyft and Bolt are increasingly taking over the cab market, thanks to their convenience and user-friendliness.

Driving in Richmond

Newcomers in Richmond usually purchase a set of wheels within the first few months of their arrival. Be that as it may, cars aren't strictly necessary for those living downtown and in central areas. But most people living in suburbia own a vehicle.

Traffic in Richmond is not as congested as in other major East Coast cities, but commuters should still plan carefully and factor in congestion in central areas. Richmond is conveniently located at the intersection of numerous highways, making commutes to surrounding areas relatively easy. The intersections include the major north-south bound Interstate 95 and the east-west bound Interstate 64, and are supported by Interstate 295 and Virginia State Route 288.

Those with a valid driving licence from another state or country will be allowed to drive in the US. Expats with driving licences in languages other than English should obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before the move.

Once a resident of Virginia, drivers should visit the Virginia DMV to obtain a local driving licence.

Cycling in Richmond

The popularity of cycling is on the rise in Richmond, and the city is encouraging cycling with a continually growing bike-lane network. There are dedicated bike lanes all over downtown, and there's even a route all the way to Williamsburg called the Virginia Capital Trail.

Those who don't own a bike can use a bike-sharing programme such as RVA Bikeshare, which allows riders to pick up and drop off a (regular or electric) bike at any of the stations sprinkled throughout the city.