Beware of scams! Scammers will look at websites for conferences and then attempt to send email messages to participants asking them for their itineraries or to book accommodations with them. The Bridges Organization and the hotels below will not send you unsolicited messages about accommodations; anything you receive of this type is spam.
Accommodations
For information about accommodations at Bridges 2024, please visit the page for conference information on the VCU website. Scroll down past the video and postcard, to the “Lodging” section.
Transportation
Below is information about travel to and from Richmond as well information about getting around in Richmond. All underlined words are links to relevant websites. More details about Richmond can be found at the Visit RVA website.
Air
Richmond International Airport (RIC) is about 12 miles from the conference location and offers a wide range of options to get to and from the airport. In addition to Uber/Lyft, car rental and taxi services, the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) offers free public buses that run to and from the airport approximately every 30 minutes. Take bus 7A from the airport for 31 stops (43 minutes) to Broad and 9th Street, then take the Pulse bus going west on Broad Street for 3 stops (7 minutes) to the VCU/VUU station.
Rail
Richmond has two train stations that are served by AMTRAK:
- The Main Street Station (RVM) is in the heart of downtown Richmond and less than 2 miles from the conference location. The GRTC offers frequent and free public bus service to and from this station.
- The Staples Mill Road Station (RVR) is about 6 miles from the conference location, and a major hub for rail lines connecting to the South and Northeast. The station is accessible by taxi and Uber/Lyft. While free public buses are also available, service is relatively infrequent and a transfer is required.
Bus
Greyhound, Megabus, and Flixbus provide bus service to Richmond from a variety of destinations, including Washington DC and New York City.
Local Transportation in Richmond
Public Transit
The Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) offers convenient and free bus service that connects to most places in Richmond. They offer a mobile app that allows you to plan trips and track buses in real time. A few bus lines that may be particularly useful are listed below.
- 7A/7B: Service to and from the airport. Transfer to the Pulse at Broad Street to get to the conference location.
- 5 and 77: Connects VCU to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), along Main St. (Westbound towards VMFA) and Cary St. (Eastbound towards VCU).
- Pulse Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): Rapid bus service along Broad Street. The VCU/VUU Station is about a 3 minute walk from the conference location. Take the Pulse going West to reach the Science Museum of Virginia (Family Day location).
Uber/Lyft
Uber and Lyft are app-based ride services with a strong presence in Richmond.
E-Scooters, E-Bikes, and Bike Shares
Lime, Byrd, RVA Bike Share, and Spin all offer short term scooter and/or bike rentals for getting around with vehicles conveniently located throughout Richmond.
Parking
While visiting campus, these VCU parking decks are available for $3/hour or $17/day:
- West Main Street Parking Deck, 801 W Main Street.
- West Broad Street Parking Deck, 1111 W Broad Street.
- West Cary Street Parking Deck, 1201 W Cary Street.
There is street parking available throughout campus and in the neighborhoods surrounding campus, but please be mindful of all the parking signs which may indicate a way to pay for parking, or for time limits on that street. The city will promptly issue parking tickets if the signs are not followed.
We are currently investigating being able to offer a discount parking pass to purchase for the full conference. Information will be posted here if we are able to provide such a pass.