The City of Franklin and Southampton County combined with Hampton Roads hosts a superior transportation network of interstate highways, rail providers, international port service, and multiple airports. This advanced transportation infrastructure enhances Hampton Roads' strategic mid-Atlantic location providing swift access to world and domestic markets.
Port
The Port of Virginia, the second largest port on the East Coast, is just 37 miles east and connects Franklin and Southampton County to the world. Over 95 percent of the world's shipping lines utilize the Port of Virginia linking Franklin and Southampton to more than 250 ports in over 100 countries. The Virginia Port Authority is the state’s leading agency for international transportation and maritime commerce. The agency owns four general cargo terminals:
- Portsmouth Marine Terminal 37 miles
- Norfolk International Terminal 43 miles
- Newport News Marine Terminal 48 miles
- Virginia Inland Port in Front Royal 205 miles
The Virginia Port Authority also operates APM Terminal, the regions largest private container terminal, owned by Maersk Inc. The APM Terminal opened in June, 2007 on a 291 acre complex.
- APM Terminal 43 miles
Highways
Over two-thirds of the nation's population and marketplace are within 750 miles (1,200 km), or a two-day truck drive of the City of Franklin and Southampton County. I-95, a major north-south East Coast route to the west, is 5 miles from the Southampton County line and 33 miles from the City of Franklin. US Route 460 and US Route 58, two major east-west routes, connect Franklin Southampton to I-64 and the Hampton Roads Region to the east and I-95 to the west. US Route 258 connects the area with US Route 17 to the north and the North Carolina state line to the south.
Rail
Norfolk Southern Corporation and CSX Transportation both offer freight and piggyback rail service, opening the City of Franklin and Southampton County to all major national markets. International markets are accessible via rail to the Port of Virginia terminals.
Virginia's Hampton Roads is home to the corporate headquarters of Norfolk Southern, as well as its mid-Atlantic terminus. Its network of tracks offers rail service to approximately half of the United States. In 2010 Norfolk Southern completed major improvements to the Heartland Corridor. The Heartland Corridor was a public-private partnership between Norfolk Southern, West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, and the federal government to create the shortest, fastest route for double-stacked container trains between the Port of Virginia and the Midwest. Rail improvements between Norfolk and Chicago cut travel from four days to three and are nearly 250 miles shorter than previous routes.
Airports
The City of Franklin and Southampton County have numerous flight options to choose from. Norfolk International and Newport News / Williamsburg International Airports are within an hour’s drive of the City of Franklin and Southampton County. Combined, the two airports provide service to over 4 million passengers.
Commercial Air Service
Newport News/ Williamsburg International Airport - http://www.nnwairport.com/
- 45 miles away
- AirTran, Delta Air Lines, ASA/ Delta Connection, Comair/ Delta Connection, and US Airways
Norfolk International Airport - http://www.norfolkairport.com/
- 55 miles away
- American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, Trans World, United, and US Airways
Richmond International Airport - http://www.flyrichmond.com/
- 75 miles away
- AirTran, American Airlines, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Northwest, US Airways, and United
General Aviation Service
The City of Franklin owns and operates the Franklin Municipal Airport just two miles northeast of downtown Franklin. This airport has a 5,000 foot lighted runway and is open to the public with a full service fixed based operation (FBO). Services include fueling, available tie down space, pilot and passenger lounge, courtesy car, restroom/shower, maintenance facilities, aircraft rental, and flight training. To tour the facility or schedule services contact 757-562-8764.
