HELP! One-way car rental, OBX??
 

Hi, my husband has to leave our vacation a few days early, so has to get from the OBX to Newport News airport. Other than me driving him on a 4 hour round trip drive, how can he get there? I'm looking for a one-way car rental but I can only find Enterprise in Kill Devil Hills that won't do a one-way rental.

Does anyone know of any other car rental agencies in the OBX? What about charter flights? I can't seem to find any info or anyway to get him to the airport, other than a VERY long drive for me.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

I am doing a search for you on Orbitz but it won't accept OBX as a pick-up point. Pardon my ignorance, but what is OBX?

Never mind, I looked up OBX. So far I have only found Enterprise, but if I find something else I'll post back.

You may have a hard time with a one way rental since your place or origination is North Carolina and your drop off is another state.

I hate to say this but did you check out Greyhound bus?

It's very rare that I recommend asking a travel agent, but if a Fodorite can't help, this might be something to consider.

The following site has information for shuttles and car rentals to the outer banks.
Shuttles appear to run to Norfolk Airport (would need to take a taxi from Newport news or check on the cost of taxi to the outer banks)

It also lists rental companys (the only large one is enterprise)

http://www.outerbanks.org/travel_gui...uter_banks.asp

Another idea: If you have to drive, why not do something enjoyable in the area. Within 1/2 hour to Newport NEws is:
Colonial Williamsburg
Busch Gardens
Williamsburg Outlet Malls

Have a great week and enjoy being on vacation

There is a shuttle company in the OBX called The Connection which we've used in the past to get someone from the Norfolk airport.

http://www.calltheconnection.com/index.html

I just called to see if they do pick ups from the Newport News airport. They do! $137 one way if you call at least two days in advance.

Well worth it IMO. A trip to NN and back on a Saturday in August will be way over 4 hours.

Good luck.

Thanks so much for all of the replies. OBX girl, it would be on a Wednesday, he could take a flight at 3 pm or 5 pm, what's my best bet for less traffic?

How long do you think th R/T will be on a Wednesday?

We're stopping at Williamsburg on our way down, but maybe I'll hit the malls if I have to bring him to the airport, the kids will be back at the house...

I'll check out the connection shuttle, it might be worth it, thanks OBXgirl, I knew I could count on the fodorites!

Sorry OBX girl, I meant he could take a flight at 3pm or 6pm, I'm not sure which time is better, traffic-wise?

Thanks again for all of your help!

Another option if the shuttle doesn't pan out is to stop by the Newport News airport on the way in and have your husband rent a car and follow you to the OBX.

Not sure when you're going, but Newport News rentals can often be had for less than $20/day, so depending on how many days he'd need the car for, it may even be cheaper.

Nina, I misread your OP and thought that your husband was *arriving* at Newport News not the reverse. And I don't know how I figured it had to be a Sat. So sorry.

Is there any way your husband can route himself out of Norfolk (ORF) instead of Newport News? You'll avoid the biggest traffic choke point (Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel). It's a shorter travel distance and flights tend to be cheaper out of Norfolk.

If not and you're the driver, put him on the earlier flight. Get him to the airport at 2pm and hightail it back to the OBX. 4 hours r/t should do it on a Wednesday unless there's an issue in the HRBT. If there is, an alternative route goes through the Monitor Merrimac Bridge/Tunnel. Check a map or ask here. Happy to help.

Several years ago my husband had to leave our vacation in the OBX and get to northern VA for a one day meeting, and get back. He had a flight in a small plane out of somewhere around Pine Island up towards Corolla. I don't know if that service is still available or not.

A quick search showed that this airport (it is probably an airstrip) is still operational at Pine Island, and I found two air services that provide flights in/out of it. This was not nearly as expensive as my husband thought it would be.