While it is possible to navigate Chesapeake without owning a vehicle, whether this is feasible depends largely on how many places you need to go. If all of your destinations fall within a few main corridors (i.e., Chesapeake, Suffolk, Virginia Beach), it will be easy to use public transportation to get around.
Many times, visitors underestimate distances when planning their trip(s), and for those who find themselves temporarily (due to repairs on their vehicle; an accident) car-less, the amount of “friction” involved in catching a bus (timing, transfers, payment) can come as a surprise.
The approach outlined in this guide is designed to be repeatable—beginning with simple and basic default plans (i.e., using a bus; using a rideshare “patch”; walking/biking a short distance) and adding regional connectors (Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach) along with them.
Lastly, you’ll learn about some of the more common pitfalls/shortcomings when planning your trip (long outbreaks between stops, large distances to travel; changes in payment types) as well as how to overcome those challenges.
If you want the simplest way to get around Chesapeake without a car, do this:
- Use HRT buses for your main ‘spine’ trips (daytime errands, commuting corridors, and getting into Norfolk).
- Use rideshare or taxis to patch gaps (first/last mile, late-night returns, bulky errands, appointments where you can’t be late).
- Use walking and biking for short hops in areas that support it (parks/trails and denser pockets).
There are three basics to determine the “it depends” factors of your travel to and from Chesapeake: where you stay, when you travel, and whether you will need to cross into the surrounding cities (Norfolk and Portsmouth are usually the most convenient connections while traveling to and from Virginia Beach depends on your specific endpoints). Building a travel plan around a single hub and a limited number of repeatable moves makes Chesapeake a manageable area without having to think of every trip as being a new puzzle.
Getting Around Chesapeake Without a Car
Chesapeake does not consist of one core area within which you can easily walk to all of your destinations; rather, Chesapeake is a large metropolitan area where your desired destinations are scattered throughout the city and found along many different highways. Therefore, the “best” plan for getting around Chesapeake is to minimize the amount of “friction” you encounter (fewer transfers, shorter walks to stops, and a way to take the same route even if there is no bus running directly along that corridor), while still allowing for some flexibility.
Regional thinking is also necessary. Many trips you take in your lifetime (to work, events, the airport, or the waterfront) are not limited to just one city. When you plan regional trips, consider that most of them likely become a combination of a trip to Norfolk, Portsmouth, and/or Virginia Beach.
When preparing for travel to or within Chesapeake, consider the following: Treat bridges, major railroads and highways, and construction sites as “obstacles” instead of “irritating” parts you have to learn to manage later. When you visit Chesapeake, the location of your hotel can either provide a sense of independence or a sense of being trapped.
Using HRT buses inside Chesapeake
If you’re looking for a car-free way to get around Chesapeake on a day-to-day basis, buses are your best bet. This is especially true if you’re located near bus lines that go south toward South Norfolk and west toward downtown Norfolk.
To get the most accurate assessment of your bus travel plan, you should first determine the following:
- Where your closest bus station is located;
- Which bus line would take you closest to your final destination; and
- Will you have to make any transfers?
If your most important trips involve multiple transfers as well as long walks on either end of each trip, you might want to consider creating a rideshare patch for those shorter trip segments.
HRT creates a separate list of Chesapeake-based bus routes (including those bus routes that connect with major transit points such as the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center and South Norfolk), which you can reference to see if your start and end points are geographically near each other.
Fares and payment
Most people think the friction decision is more important than the cost decision; they do not want to deal with unexpected costs on their first ride. In most cases, HRT’s fare guide provides riders with the math many riders use.
When you take a simple out-and-back trip with no transfers, it can be cheaper to buy two individual single-fare tickets than to buy a 1-day pass. However, when you plan to take multiple rides or combine transit modes during the same day (i.e. a combination of bus, light rail and ferry service), the 1-day pass generally works out to be the better option (excluding express routes).
Additionally, if you are new to the system or experience a temporary financial challenge due to an issue such as car repairs, the day pass eliminates the need for you to continually re-calculate every time you add one more stop to your journey.
If you pay with cash, do not make the mistake of assuming that you can receive change on the bus. HRT’s Frequently Asked Questions section states bus operators are prohibited from making any change; therefore, you must provide the exact amount when boarding.
This detail is often minor but becomes a major inconvenience for riders who may be running late, visiting from out-of-town, or using transit services for the first time.
Neighboring Cities You Might Need to Reach
It’s easier to get to connector cities than you might think. Here are a few of the most popular destinations for Chesapeake commuters.
Norfolk
Spending an entire day in the city of Norfolk will be best achieved with Norfolk as your transition method to get to Norfolk from wherever you are traveling from as most of the attractions are situated within close proximity to the Norfolk train station.
Optimally, while visiting multiple attractions during your trip to Norfolk, the cheapest and easiest way you can visit multiple attractions is to take a bus into Norfolk and use local modes of transportation, (e.g., walking, riding electric scooters and/or riding electric bicycles), instead of using the expensive ride share companies to take you to each of the attractions.
The Norfolk Micromobility program identifies that e-scooters and e-bikes are used to fill gaps for people commuting between transit stations and their final destination when arriving in Norfolk (the “last/mid-mile” gap).
However, because Lime provides both e-bike and e-scooter services in conjunction with one app, it allows for an easier transition between each form of transportation. Likewise, using e-bikes or e-scooters after the larger trip into Norfolk helps ensure you do not miss opportunities to reach additional places during your visit.
Portsmouth
The Elizabeth River Ferry greatly simplifies travel to the Downtown Portsmouth area from Norfolk, mostly because it reduces a complicated route when using a multimodal form of transport from the Downtown side to the Portsmouth side of the river.
HRT runs the ferry service, which can be found on their website. HRT has stated that the normal service interval is every 30 minutes, but this may vary based upon weather and mechanical issues.
Although the ferry may not always be operated as planned and it may not be an option if something should happen to prevent normal service from being maintained, when all things are considered and based upon this information, including the fact that it is operated by HRT, it is still worth making plans using the ferry as one of your methods of transport.
Virginia Beach and Suffolk
If you are traveling to Virginia Beach or Suffolk from somewhere else, whether your trip is easy or complicated depends on where you start and finish. The term “Virginia Beach” does not define an entire area because there are many different corridors between the city.
So treat your Virginia Beach travels the same way as you would treat your Chesapeake trips (i.e.: Choose one corridor route. Minimize transfers and choose in advance where your “pinch points” will be (usually the last leg))!
And if you plan on frequently traveling to Virginia Beach without a car, take the time to practice riding the route of a low-stakes trip before relying on it for a trip where the timing of your arrival matters.
Intercity rail from the region
There are two steps to consider when planning to take Amtrak from Hampton Roads while you are located in Chesapeake:
- Plan to arrive at the train station on time (Reliability).
- Plan your travel time sufficiently so that if something goes wrong (an unexpected delay), you still have time to get to the train before it leaves (Buffer Time).
You can find out where the Norfolk Train Station is located by checking the Amtrak Norfolk Station website, which shows the exact address of the Harbor Park Train Station (280 Park Avenue). You will also find this helpful with directions to the train station.
Airport days are different
The point at which “I’ll wing it” trips to the airport usually end is at baggage claim or when you arrive late at night.
The support Norfolk International Airport provides for rideshare pickup includes not only the location of the pickup area at the terminal but also how to pick up your ride from the airport.
When you can identify the rideshare pickup area and rules before you arrive at the airport, this helps alleviate much of your anxiety related to transit, especially if you have been traveling for a long time and have experienced delays or carry luggage with you.
Rideshare and Taxis
While it’s true that rideshare services are great for saving money, they’re really a great tool to use when you have specific needs rather than being your routine ride option. Here are some examples of when rideshare is most beneficial:
- The bus option forces multiple transfers,
- You have rigid timing (medical appointments, catching a train/flight)
- You’re carrying bulky items, or
- You’re traveling late when frequency drops.
To keep your rideshare usage cost low; use rideshare only for the components that public transit doesn’t provide well, such as the first and last miles and time-sensitive rides.
To develop a better habit with regard to rideshare use, decide on your rideshare needs prior to leaving; if you are planning on using rideshare, be clear on which leg you will require rideshare. Doing this can help you avoid the just one more rideshare leak that adds up through the day and can make your total rideshare costs exceed the cost of renting a car.
Walking and Biking
Walking is the most effective way to connect to your lodging and to connect between stops and destinations within a small area you want to explore.
If you ride a bike, you have a better experience when you use areas that are designed for biking instead of trying to ride from one side of the city to the other.
The City of Chesapeake lists a variety of parks with developed bike trails, such as Chesapeake City Park, Deep Creek Park, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, Northwest River Park, and Oak Grove Lake Park.
These parks indicate that biking is a great option for planned trips and short connector trips if you do so only during the day.
If you are in town for an extended period and want to have a “bike day,” the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail is an ideal location. According to the city facility page, this approximately 8.6-mile multiuse trail runs parallel to the Dismal Swamp Canal. The trail’s northern trailhead is located in the City of Chesapeake.
This location can make biking feel like an exciting part of the area rather than something you are settling for simply because a bike trail is available.
Accessibility (paratransit)
Transportation options for people with disabilities that prevent them from using standard fixed-route bus services may require paratransit services. This, however, does not happen overnight and is not a plug-and-play option for people who may have recently lost the ability to drive independently.
Paratransit services offered by HRT require individuals seeking to use the service to complete an application, including signed verification from a medical professional stating the individual qualifies for paratransit service, and only after having been determined eligible will paratransit services be made available to individuals seeking assistance with non-fixed-route transportation.
If you believe you qualify, I suggest starting the application process as soon as possible and using alternative methods of transportation, such as standard fixed routes or rideshare services, where applicable, in lieu of not having paratransit services while you await application approval.
If You’re Temporarily Carless After an Accident
If you are without a vehicle, the main goal of your first week is to create a stable mobility plan instead of one that is perfect. Build your minimum viable plan (MVP) around the trips you absolutely must make to survive and stabilize your life before expanding this plan later.
If you have recently damaged your vehicle in an accident and want to learn more about the process of making a decision to either repair or replace your vehicle, this guide offers suggestions about how to let your car go (it may be helpful, in addition to what’s described in this guide, that you’re making similar decisions about other cars).
Paperwork might also slow you down; if there are issues with your insurance, paperwork may prevent you from getting back on the road (including whether you are able to drive). If you need to obtain a
duplicate title in Virginia, this is an easy-to-follow guide on how to succeed and stay compliant.
Also, if you have gotten traffic tickets and need to know how to reinstate your license after receiving those tickets, you will want to clarify those things as soon as possible so that problems with your paperwork do not cause problems for you regarding your transportation choices.
Whether you are checking out the Chesapeake area or protecting yourself with the new routine you have created for yourself in Chesapeake, your understanding of basic local risks is important.
This article outlines the crime statistics concerning auto theft in Chesapeake, as well as providing preventive measures for residents of Chesapeake to make more informed decisions regarding where to secure valuables, how to lock themselves up (and their vehicles), and what to do in in the event that something does happen to your vehicle.
Counterpoints: When a Car Really Is the Better Tool
Some Chesapeake situations are genuinely hard without a car, and it’s better to name them than pretend otherwise! So here are a few situations where a car in Chesopeake is more-or-less a must-have:
- Highly scattered destinations across the city plus neighboring cities in one day
- Late-night work shifts where waiting outside isn’t safe or realistic
- Frequent bulky errands (large grocery runs, equipment, multiple kids)
- Trips where one missed connection has major consequences (court, flights, critical medical appointments)
- If your week looks any different than described above, then try to build a heavy rideshare strategy or temporarily borrow or rent a vehicle from someone else or relocate your home to better access the available travel corridor.
Getting Around Chesapeake Without a Car FAQs
Here are a few of the most common questions Chesapeake residents and visitors ask about getting around without a car.
Is there public transportation in Chesapeake, VA?
Yes, HRT operates a bus service in Chesapeake and links into the broader Hampton Roads network (transportation, rail, ferry, ridesharing, paratransit). The question of whether your trip will be comfortable depends on whether your point of departure and arrival are close enough to routes/stops.
What’s the easiest way to get from Chesapeake to downtown Norfolk without a car?
In most cases: take a bus into Norfolk, then handle the last mile with walking, light rail, or micromobility depending on your exact destination and timing. That approach usually costs less than chaining multiple short rideshares.
Can I reach Virginia Beach from Chesapeake without a car?
It is possible, although this is contingent on the endpoint. A more productive approach would be to establish a corridor-based plan whereby you identify the most direct route you can via Bus and then plan where along that corridor you are likely going to want to stop and to utilize a rideshare company.
What’s the simplest way to visit Portsmouth without driving?
If you are going downtown, you should have a solid plan to get to Norfolk so you can use the Elizabeth River Ferry, and you should have a backup option due to weather or service changes.
Are there good places to bike in Chesapeake?
Yes, Chesapeake has a number of parks with established bike trails, which makes biking a great alternative for planned trips and for exploring during daylight hours. When riding from one side of the city to the other, the comfort level of the trip depends on the road conditions and the distance, not necessarily the fitness level of the rider.
What should I do first if I’m without a car after an accident?
When developing a plan for the next 72 hours, start with the top priorities that must be taken care of, and then determine the least-friction option for those trips. This is usually a bus trip followed by a limited rideshare trip. Make sure you solve any payment and logistical issues prior to taking your first ride, so you are not scrambling under pressure.
Is paratransit available in the area?
Yes, but you typically have to go through a certification process and an application process in order to be eligible for a rideshare service. If you feel that you are eligible, start your application early and in the meantime utilize an alternative form of transport until your certification process is complete.
How do I handle groceries without a car?
To save money on rideshare costs, do not take as many trips, go to stores that are easiest to get to using public transit, and only use rideshare for the heaviest return leg of the trip when necessary. Carrying a cart or sturdy bags can make this a manageable experience rather than a miserable one.
