New parking rates go into effect at RIC on July 1 for first time in 22 years

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- For the first time in about 22 years, airport officials said new parking rates will go into effect at Richmond International Airport (RIC) on July 1.

In March, the Capital Region Airport Commission approved the increases, offering an expansion plan to accommodate the region's growing travel demand, according to a release from RIC.

According to a spokesperson for RIC, on or after the start of the fiscal year 2026 — which reportedly starts on Tuesday, July 1 — the airport anticipates the following parking rates to be in effect:

• Economy $10 per day — an increase from $7 and is the second-most popular option, according to officials.
• Daily $15 per day — an increase from $12 and is reportedly the most popular option.
• Hourly $40 per day — an increase from $24 and is an option intended for very short-term pick-up and drop-off use than overnight stays, according to officials.
• Valet $30 per day — an increase from $25 and is a choice of convenience.

"For years, our parking rates have trailed far behind our peers, and even with the changes, RIC still will be among the best regional deals for on-airport parking. Revenue from parking generates more than 40% of the operating revenue at RIC, enabling the airport to embark on much-needed capital projects and cover day-to-day expenses such as maintenance, public safety, operations and administration.” Perry J. Miller, president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Commission

MORE: Parking fee increases anticipated at RIC for first time in 22 years

Miller said travelers should anticipate "incremental increases in parking rates over the next few
years."

RIC reportedly serves more than 13,000 travelers daily and has seen passenger traffic increase 107% since 2002.

“We’re experiencing unprecedented growth, and our existing parking facilities are regularly reaching 85% to 90% capacity,” Miller said. “These improvements will ensure we can continue providing excellent service to our passengers while supporting the economic growth of the Richmond region.”

The Commission has also approved plans expanding parking and overall passenger experience, including a parking garage that is still in the conceptual stage, which will add 5,500 spaces to the airport’s current capacity of about 10,500 public parking spaces.

Passengers can also expect other new offerings, including:

• Consolidation of the TSA security screening checkpoints to a central location initially offering up to 10 screening lanes, increased space for customer amenities, and room for an airport lounge.
• Advanced parking guidance system to help locate open spaces as well as locate parked
  vehicles with improved license plate recognition technology.
• An online parking reservation system.
• Expanded rental car facilities, nearly tripling the current space allotted for parking and staging space.
• Possible relocations of ride-share, valet and employee parking areas.
• Upgrades to the North and South parking garages, originally built in 1995.
• Enhanced dynamic signage throughout the airport.
• New restaurants, including Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Bites, The
  Beet Box, and Homegrown Local Bar and Marketplace (Hardywood, The Beet Box, and
  Homegrown are all local concepts), are expected to be available within a year