Venue & Travel
Getting to Williamsburg Made Easy! Plan your journey with confidence — whether you’re arriving by air, train, or car, here’s everything you need to know to reach Williamsburg smoothly.
Why Williamsburg?
There are SO many reasons to visit wonderful Williamsburg, Virginia. This historic city was recently rated the “Most Underrated Travel Gem in the U.S.” Situated near Virginia's coast, Williamsburg combines dozens of historical and cultural attractions, excellent dining and shopping, geographic beauty, and small-town charm. Here are just a few reasons to get excited about your visit:
- Williamsburg is home to:
- The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, the world’s largest “living history” museum, where visitors can step back into the 18th century. Take a behind-the-scenes peek at Colonial Williamsburg here. Other views into American history are available at nearby Jamestown and Yorktown.
- Theme parks Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.
- The 400-acre Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, home to three golf courses as well as an Audubon sanctuary.
- Excellent dining, shopping, and nature trails.
- 2026 is America’s Semiquincentennial – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. VA250 is planning a year’s worth of commemorative events in the Williamsburg area – including during the week of GCOS 2026 – and across Virginia.
- Fall is an ideal time to visit the U.S. East Coast! October weather in Virginia is moderate, allowing attendees and their families to enjoy a variety of activities in their leisure time.
Accommodation
Book Here:
- Booking Website: https://book.passkey.com/e/51051525
- Colonial Williamsburg Information: https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/stay-play/accommodations/williamsburg-lodge/
By Air
For those traveling to Williamsburg by air: we are arranging shuttles to and from the Richmond airport at intervals for the duration of GCOS. We will share information on shuttle timing with all conference registrants in September.
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)
- Distance to Williamsburg: Approximately 20 miles (about a 30-minute drive)
- Overview: This is the closest airport to Williamsburg, offering domestic flights and car rental services (visitwilliamsburg.com).
- Ground Transportation: Taxis, Uber, Lyft, and rental cars are available.
Richmond International Airport (RIC)
- Distance to Williamsburg: Approximately 46 miles (about a one hour drive)
- Overview: A larger airport with a wider range of domestic flights and ground transportation options
- Ground Transportation: Taxis, Uber, Lyft, and rental cars are available
Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
- Distance to Williamsburg: Approximately 46 miles (about a one hour drive)
- Overview: Offers various domestic flights and car rental services
- Ground Transportation: Taxis, Uber, Lyft, and rental cars are available
For those traveling internationally: Washington, DC area airports (IAD or DCA) offer international flights; DCA offers international flights only from other cities in North America. We recommend connecting to Richmond or Norfolk from IAD, or to Norfolk from DCA. We will provide shuttles to and from the Richmond airport at intervals for the duration of GCOS. Travelers can also take the Amtrak Northeast Regional from Washington, DC to Williamsburg, or rent a car and drive to Williamsburg (about a 2.5 hour drive from IAD or DCA).
*Flights into DC may use Amtrak to Williamsburg
By Train
Williamsburg Transportation Center
- Address: 468 North Boundary Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
- Services: Amtrak's Northeast Regional line connects Williamsburg to major cities like Washington,
D.C., Richmond, and beyond. - Facilities: The station offers an enclosed waiting area, parking, accessible platforms, and is within
walking distance to Colonial Williamsburg (amtrak.com). - Hours: Open daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM (williamsburgva.gov)
- Ground Transportation: Taxis, Uber, Lyft, and rental cars are available.
By Car
Driving to Williamsburg
- From the East (Norfolk/Virginia Beach): Take I-64 West.
- From the West (Richmond): Take I-64 East.
- From the North (Washington, D.C.):Take I-95 South to I-64 East.
- From the South (North Carolina): Take I-95 North to I-64
Parking in Williamsburg
- Public Parking: Various public parking lots are available throughout the city.
- Hotel Parking: Many hotels offer complimentary or paid parking options for guests.
Best Places to Travel in 2026!
Travel & Leisure includes Colonial Williamsburg on their list of the best places to travel in 2026!
Jacqui Gifford, editor-in-chief of Travel & Leisure joins TODAY to talk about Williamsburg.