Avis Car Rental

- 2200 Norview Ave, Norfolk, VA 23518

For residents and visitors alike in Virginia, especially those in the bustling Hampton Roads region, efficient and reliable transportation is key. Whether you're heading out of town, welcoming guests, or simply need a temporary vehicle while yours is in the shop, car rental services are a go-to solution. Avis Car Rental, a globally recognized brand, operates numerous locations, including a prominent one at Norfolk International Airport (ORF). This article will provide an in-depth look at the Avis Car Rental branch located at 2200 Norview Ave, Norfolk, VA, offering insights from a local perspective and highlighting what you can expect when utilizing their services at this busy travel hub.

Car rental services at an airport location like Norfolk International Airport are designed to cater to a diverse clientele, including both incoming travelers and local residents needing access to vehicles. For locals, renting a car from the airport can be convenient if you live nearby, are dropping off or picking up someone, or if you need a car that is readily available with a broad selection. While the brand "Avis" typically evokes a sense of established service, experiences can vary significantly at individual branches, especially those at high-traffic airports. Understanding the nuances of this specific location, including its operations and common customer experiences, is crucial for any Virginian planning to rent a vehicle here. It helps set realistic expectations and enables you to navigate the process more effectively, ensuring your transportation needs are met as smoothly as possible.

The Avis Car Rental branch is situated at 2200 Norview Ave, Norfolk, VA 23518, USA. This address places it directly within the Norfolk International Airport (ORF) complex. For anyone flying into or out of ORF, its location is exceptionally convenient, typically within or very close to the terminal, allowing for a short walk to the rental counter and then to the vehicle pick-up area.

For local Virginians who are not flying, accessing the airport for a rental car still offers considerable advantages. Norfolk International Airport is well-connected by major roads and highways, including Norview Avenue itself, which provides direct access to surrounding areas of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and beyond. While airport traffic can sometimes be a factor, the clear signage and dedicated rental car facilities generally make it straightforward to navigate to and from the Avis counter. This accessibility makes it a viable option for residents seeking a wide selection of vehicles often found at airport locations, even if they aren't directly flying. However, be mindful of potential airport parking fees or traffic congestion, especially during peak travel times or holidays.

Avis Car Rental, as a major player in the industry, offers a comprehensive range of services at its airport locations, including the Norfolk International Airport branch. These services are typically designed to meet the diverse needs of both travelers and local residents:

• Wide Selection of Vehicles: Customers can generally choose from a broad fleet, including economy cars for budget-conscious travel, sedans, SUVs for families or more space, minivans for larger groups, and sometimes specialty or luxury vehicles.
• Flexible Rental Durations: Avis typically offers daily, weekly, and monthly rental options, catering to both short-term needs and longer-term temporary transportation solutions.
• Avis Preferred Program: For frequent renters, the Avis Preferred program offers expedited service, allowing members to bypass the counter at many locations and go straight to their vehicle, a significant time-saver.
• GPS Navigation and Child Safety Seats: Additional equipment like GPS units and various child safety seats (infant, toddler, booster) are usually available for rent to enhance safety and convenience.
• Roadside Assistance: Avis rentals generally come with the reassurance of 24/7 roadside assistance, providing help in case of unexpected issues during your rental period.
• One-Way Rentals: For travelers or locals planning a trip that ends in a different city, one-way rental options are often available, providing flexibility.

Customer experiences at the Avis Car Rental at Norfolk International Airport highlight several important features and considerations:

• Potential for Wait Times: A significant highlight (or lowlight, depending on perspective) mentioned in customer reviews is the potential for substantial wait times, sometimes up to 1.5 to 2 hours, for vehicles to become available, even with pre-paid bookings. This suggests that while reservations are taken, car availability can be an issue, particularly during busy periods, leading to frustrating delays.
• Vehicle Condition Variability: Some customers have reported receiving cars with "obvious dents and scrapes," and interiors that are "quite dirty," with "crumbs and coffee spills," and even "dog hair everywhere" and "saliva from the dog(s) on the back seat." This indicates that vehicle inspection and cleaning protocols may sometimes fall short, impacting the initial impression and comfort of the rental.
• Expired Tags: A critical safety and legal concern raised by a customer was being stopped by military base security due to an "expired tag" on an Avis rental vehicle. This points to a potential lapse in fleet maintenance and compliance, which can cause significant inconvenience and legal issues for renters.
• Challenges with Customer Service and Communication: Customers have reported difficulties reaching the Norfolk office directly by phone, experiencing long hold times, and being transferred to overseas personnel who couldn't resolve local issues. This lack of immediate, effective local customer support can exacerbate problems and leave customers feeling frustrated and unheard.
• Preferred Status Challenges: Even "PREFERRED" status customers, who expect expedited service, have reported extensive waits and convoluted return processes (being sent between floors), suggesting that loyalty programs may not always translate into a smoother experience at this specific location.
• Commitment to Resolution (Mixed Results): While there is an expectation that issues like dirty cars or dog hair would be addressed, the lack of follow-up correspondence and the need for the customer to repeatedly bring up concerns (e.g., dog hair being noted on the window) indicate inconsistencies in their problem resolution process.

For direct inquiries or to manage existing reservations with Avis Car Rental at Norfolk International Airport, you can use the following contact details. However, based on customer reviews, be prepared for potential challenges in reaching specific personnel at the local office via phone.

Address: 2200 Norview Ave, Norfolk, VA 23518, USA

Phone: (757) 855-1945

Mobile Phone: +1 757-855-1945

For locals in Virginia, specifically those in the Norfolk area, Avis Car Rental at 2200 Norview Ave (Norfolk International Airport) can be a convenient option due to its airport location and broad vehicle selection. However, it's crucial to approach renting from this branch with a clear understanding of potential challenges. The recurring themes in customer feedback regarding significant wait times for vehicles, inconsistent cleanliness and maintenance of cars (including issues like expired tags), and difficulties in reaching responsive local customer service suggest that the experience may not always be seamless.

While Avis is a reputable brand, the operational efficiency and customer care at this specific airport location appear to have notable areas for improvement. For Virginians needing a rental car from ORF, it is highly advisable to arrive with ample time, meticulously inspect the vehicle at pickup (and ideally video record it, as one customer did), clearly document fuel levels and any existing damage, and proactively address any concerns with staff immediately. For those seeking a consistently smooth and trouble-free rental experience, especially for essential travel, it might be beneficial to consider alternative Avis locations or other rental companies in the Norfolk area, or at least to set realistic expectations for potential delays and service issues at this busy airport branch.

Avis Car Rental

2200 Norview Ave, Norfolk, VA 23518, USA