FAQs
- Where should I start my visit?
- Begin your visit at the Visitor's Center with ample parking, restrooms, and information about current programs, exhibitions, and activities. Purchase your tickets and get a current copy of "This Week," our weekly guide to schedules and programs. From here, it's a short walk across the pedestrian bridge to the Historic Area. Read the timeline plaques along the bridge and prepare yourself for your transitions to and from the 18th Century. Ticketed guests may also ride our Shuttle Buses to exhibitions and the museums.
- What should I see?
- The Official Guide to Colonial Williamsburg guidebook is your knowledgeable host in the Historic Area. Pick up a copy in the Visitors Center bookstore or any Colonial Williamsburg bookseller for in-depth information on the town, its history, and today's attractions.
- How long does it take to tour the Historic Area?
- Colonial Williamsburg offers its guests a variety of opportunites to relive the Revolutionary War period. Depending on your interests or focus, visits to Colonial Williamsburg vary in length and activities. Guests can get a sample of the Historic Area in about half a day or enjoy the full experience in about two or three days. Colonial Williamsburg is filled with exciting historic sites, informative programs, and family-friendly fun that are constantly changing and expanding.
- Can I park in the Historic Area? Is there a bus system?
- Automobiles are not permitted in the Historic Area, but shuttle-bus service is provided.
- What is the Bus Schedule?
- Shuttles travel between the Visitor's Center and the Historic Area and circle the Historic Area from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Designated stops are indicated on the map. Shuttles with wheelchair lifts are available.
- Is the Historic Area handicapped accessible?
- A limited number of folding wheelchairs are rented on a first-come, first-served basis from the Visitor Center. Ramps and wheelchair lifts are available at selected sites, but many buildings require a few steps.
- What is Colonial Williamsburg?
- The largest living history museum in the United States, Colonial Williamsburg is a private non-profit foundation that operates the restored 18th-century capital of colonial Virginia.
- Where is Colonial Williamsburg?
- 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.
- Why do I need a ticket?
- An admission pass is necessary for access to Colonial Williamsburg exhibition sites, art museums, and most daytime programs. Single-day, multiple-day, or year-round access options are offered. Some events and evening programs may require a separate ticket. Admission for youth (ages 6–17) is discounted, often as much as 50% from adult prices. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free.