How to turn your car into a time machine

For someone living near Charlottesville, as Thomas Jefferson did, Colonial Williamsburg was four days away. By horse, that is. It’s far more likely you’ll be arriving by car. Even so, at your first glimpse of the 18th century you’ll feel a sudden desire to leave your car and hop into a horse-drawn carriage.

By Car

Williamsburg is midway between Richmond and Norfolk on I-64 (exit 238). After exiting, look for the America’s Historic Triangle directional signs (blue with red-and-white “ribbon”), where you’ll notice the Colonial Williamsburg logo. The signs will direct you to the Visitor Center (address: 101A Visitor Center Drive [Hwy 132Y]). Once you purchase your admission pass, you can either take the complimentary shuttle bus or walk to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area.

By Air

Convenient access via major airlines is possible with more than 200 flights, including nearly 30 non-stops, arriving daily to three international airports just 25 to 45 minutes away: Newport News-Williamsburg (PHF), Norfolk (ORF), and Richmond International (RIC). Each has rental car and limousine services.

By Train or Bus

Amtrak serves the Williamsburg Transportation Center with a connecting train from Washington, D.C. The center is just blocks from the Historic Area and provides car rentals, a cab stand, and Greyhound Bus connections.

Colonial Williamsburg’s Hotels

There’s so much to see and do in Colonial Williamsburg, you’ll want to spend several days enjoying it all. To make the most of your visit, stay within steps of the Historic Area at one of our five Colonial Williamsburg Hotels that offer a range of distinctive lodging options.

Williamsburg Inn

From Interstate 64, take exit 238 onto Route 143 East. Follow Route 143 to the second traffic light and bear right onto Route 132 (Henry Street). Continue on Henry Street through the Historic Area. At the third traffic light, turn left onto Francis Street. Continue on Francis Street, turning right at the third street. Follow the circle to the front drive where the valet will greet you. (757) 220-7978.

Street Address: Williamsburg Inn, 136 East Francis Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Colonial Houses

From Interstate 64, take exit 238 onto Route 143 East. Follow Route 143 to the second traffic light and bear right onto Route 132 (Henry Street). Continue on Henry Street through the Historic Area. At the third traffic light, turn left onto Francis Street. Continue on Francis Street, turning right at the third street. Follow the circle to the front drive where the valet will greet you. (757) 220-7978.

Street Address: Colonial Houses, 136 East Francis Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Williamsburg Lodge

From Interstate 64, take exit 238 onto Route 143 East. Follow Route 143 to the second traffic light and bear right onto Route 132 (Henry Street). Continue on Henry Street through the Historic Area. At the third traffic light, turn left onto Francis Street. Turn right on the second street (South England); the Lodge is immediately on the right. Turn into the circular drive on the right and check in at the Williamsburg Lodge Lobby. (757) 220- 7976 .

Street Address: Williamsburg Lodge, 310 South England Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Woodlands Hotel & Suites

From Interstate 64, take exit 238 onto Route 143 East. Follow Route 143 to the second traffic light and bear right onto Route 132. Continue on Route 132 following signs to the Visitor Center. At second left, turn onto concrete aggregate road, Route 132Y. Turn at the first left; the Woodlands Hotel & Suites is at the top of the hill. (757) 220-7960.

Street Address: Woodlands Hotel and Suites 105 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Governor’s Inn

From Interstate 64, take exit 238 onto Route 143 East. Follow Route 143 to the second traffic light and bear right onto Route 132. Continue on Route 132 approximately 1.8 miles, the Governor’s Inn is at the top of the hill on the right, just before the railroad tracks. (757) 229-1000 ext. 6000.

Street Address: Governor’s Inn, 506 North Henry Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185

The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg

From Interstate 64, take exit 238 onto Route 143 East. Follow Route 143 to the second traffic light and bear right onto Route 132 (Henry Street). Continue on Henry Street through the Historic Area. At the third traffic light, turn left onto Francis Street. Turn right on the second street (South England); the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg is immediately on the left. (757) 220-7720

Street Address: The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, 307 South England Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Golden Horseshoe Golf Club

From Interstate 64, take exit 238 onto Route 143 East. Follow Route 143 to the second traffic light and bear right onto Route 132 (Henry Street). Continue on Henry Street through the Historic Area. At the third traffic light, turn left onto Francis Street. Continue on Francis Street, turning right at the second street, South England Street. The Golden Horseshoe Club House will be on the left.

Street Address: Gold Course Clubhouse and Grill, 401 S. England Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Street Address: Green Course Clubhouse and Grill, 520 S. England Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185