NORFOLK, Va. – Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) today announced plans to help move thousands of people expected during events June 19-21 that include Juneteenth, Sail250 Virginia, Harborfest and the Portsmouth Seawall Festival.
An unprecedented array of festivals and special events coincides with a global gathering of tall ships and military vessels celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
HRT will offer free transit on all modes of travel on Friday, June 19, in commemoration of Juneteenth and in support of the Parade of Sail featuring more than 60 ships from 20 countries.
Then, on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, in partnership with the City of Norfolk, free travel will be available on the Tide light rail and Elizabeth River Ferry for Sail250 Virginia, the 50th anniversary of Norfolk Harborfest and the 47th annual Seawall Festival in Portsmouth.
“As a Commemorative Partner of VA250 – the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission – HRT stands ready to meet increased demand for one of the largest events on the East Coast this summer,” said William E. Harrell, President & CEO. “Public transportation is uniquely positioned to move people quickly, safely and efficiently across the region for high-profile events that connect communities and cultures. For those who haven’t tried transit, this is the perfect opportunity to save on gas and avoid parking hassles.”
Free fares for Juneteenth
Riding HRT buses, light rail, ferry, Paratransit and OnDemand ridesharing will be free on June 19 in commemoration of Juneteenth.
There’s no need to buy or show a ticket when you’re heading to the Juneteenth Norfolk Celebration, Parade of Sail or anywhere you’re going. While Juneteenth is a holiday, HRT buses will run on weekday schedules. Light rail and ferry will operate on expanded service in support of Sail250 Virginia.
Juneteenth is one of four fare-free days offered by HRT throughout the year. Election Day in November, Transit Equity Day in February and Earth Day every April are the other days that Hampton Roads residents can try transit at no cost.
Free light rail and ferry
HRT is offering free service on the Tide light rail and Elizabeth River Ferry on June 20 and 21 to accommodate demand for Sail250 Virginia. Free shuttle buses will be staged in support of light rail operations if ridership exceeds light rail’s capacity in both directions. Regular bus routes on these days will be subject to fares.
The light rail will operate as follows:
Friday, June 19
- 5:12 a.m. to 10 a.m. (15-minute service)
- 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. (10-minute service)
Saturday, June 20
- 5:12 a.m. to 7 p.m. (15-minute service)
- 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. (10-minute service)
Sunday, June 21
- 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (regular, 15-minute service)
Extra service will be provided as needed.
Additional ferry service and hours
The Elizabeth River Ferry will operate all weekend with extra boats:
- Friday, June 19: Continuous service between 5:35 a.m. and 12:15 a.m., with extra ferries added at 10:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. through the fireworks show. Expect service delays during Parade of Sail.
- Saturday, June 20: Continuous service between 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., with extra ferries added at noon, 4 p.m. and after fireworks show.
- Sunday, June 21: Continuous service between 10 a.m.-11:45 p.m., with additional ferries between 11:40 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and noon- 6 p.m.
Times are subject to change based on crowds.
Park for free at 4 park-and-ride lots
Light rail customers can park for free at four park-and-ride lots at these stations to avoid downtown vehicle congestion and limited parking:
- Newtown Road Station (Newtown Road and Kempsville Road)
- Military Highway Station (Curlew Drive and Corporate Boulevard)
- Ballentine/Broad Creek Station (Ballentine Boulevard and I-264).
- EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station (Lot 6 and Lot 19 gates will be open from 6 p.m. Friday, June 19, through midnight Sunday, June 21).
Getting to Downtown Norfolk from the Oceanfront, Naval Station
Visitors staying at the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach have two options to get to downtown Norfolk:
- Drive to Newtown Road Station, park for free and hop on the Tide light rail for free.
- Take the Route 960 from Parks & 19th near the Virginia Beach Convention Center for an express bus to the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center. The bus also stops at Newtown Road Station to connect to light rail for additional destinations. Buses are free on June 19, but fares apply on June 20 and 21.
Those traveling between Naval Station Norfolk and downtown can take HRT’s Route 2 bus between the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center and the Naval Exchange at Hammond & Admiral Taussig.
Schedule and fares
All fares are free on June 19 for all modes of transit. Fares are free for light rail and ferry only on June 20 and 21.
For bus service on June 20 and 21, it’s $2 one way or $4.50 to ride all day, and youth are free with a paying adult. Plan and pay in advance on the GoMobile app. Each fare-paying adult will need their own virtual fare card in the GoMobile app.
Plan your trip with HRT’s online route map.
Take your bike on transit
It’s easy to get around on your bike all weekend. With bike-ready buses, light rail and ferry, HRT can get you where you want to go without driving.
HRT customers are encouraged to take their bicycles on any mode of transit at no additional charge. Every HRT bus has a bike rack for two bicycles on the front of the bus and riders can stow their bikes before boarding. For light rail and ferry, just walk on your bike and look for bike storage racks.
To learn how, watch this video with step-by-step instructions for all three modes of transit.
About HRT
HRT’s mission is to connect Hampton Roads with transportation solutions that are reliable, safe, efficient and sustainable. For more information on transit services, visit gohrt.com.
Media Contact:
Thomas Becher, APR
Manager, Communications
Cell: (757) 354-0564
tbecher@hrtransit.org
May 27, 2026