Williamsburg, Virginia Planning & Tips

Getting There and Around
Williamsburg is a day's drive from many East Coast cities. The town is about 400 miles from New York City, 275 miles from Philadelphia, 150 miles from Washington D.C. and 360 miles from Charlotte.

The closest airport is the regional Williamsburg Jamestown Airport, which is four miles from Colonial Williamsburg. Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, serviced by AirTran, US Airways and Delta, is 20 minutes from Williamsburg. Both Norfolk International, serviced by American, Continental, Northwest, Delta, Southwest, United Express and US Airways; and Richmond International Airport, serviced by Air Canada, AirTran, American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Northwest, United and US Airways; are within an hour or so of Colonial Williamsburg, depending on traffic. Amtrak also provides rail service to Williamsburg.

Within Colonial Williamsburg, you probably won't need a car. You can either walk or ride one of the complimentary shuttle buses, which run from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. in season. If you want to venture beyond Colonial Williamsburg, a car will be convenient. From mid-March through November 1, the Historic Yorktown Trolley circles Williamsburg, making stops at the Yorktown Victory Center and the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center.

The Art of Smart Timing
High Season for travel to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown is from spring through fall. Winter is the low season.

Look for packages that offer admission to several attractions for one reduced price fee.

Off the Beaten Path
Several historic plantations are within about 40 miles of Williamsburg. Virginia's oldest plantation, Shirley, settled in 1613, is every bit the grande dame with antiques, dependencies and splendid river views. Two miles away, Berkeley Plantation, is the site of the first Thanksgiving in the New World, which happened in 1619.

Tourism Information
For more information about the area, check out VisitWilliamsburg.com and GreaterWilliamsburg.com