Crossing the entirety of Virginia from Abingdon to Chesapeake covers 405.3 miles and typically takes about 7 hours and 36 minutes of driving time. Because this journey stays within the Southeast region, you will experience a consistent transition from the mountainous western landscape toward the coastal plains. While it is technically possible to complete this trip in a single day, be prepared for a long stint behind the wheel. Budgeting approximately $65 for fuel is a smart way to prepare for your transit. Since 89% of the route consists of highway travel, you can expect a very straightforward, high-speed pace that favors efficiency over scenic detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
202.6 miles from Abingdon, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 42m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
196.9 mi
3h 35m
I 64
157.1 mi
2h 53m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.9 mi
25m
I 77
7.1 mi
7m
Hampton Roads Beltway
6.8 mi
8m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Chesapeake Boulevard
2.1 mi
3m
Ballentine Boulevard
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 196.9 mi, about 3h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Abingdon, VA and Chesapeake, VA.
1
Start on VA 75
0.8 mi·1 min·Cummings Street
Use the straight lane.
2
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
3
Merge onto I 81; US 58
57 mi·1 hr 1 min·I 81; US 58
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on I 77; I 81; US 11; US 52
7.1 mi·7 min·I 77; I 81; US 11; US 52
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11
140 mi·2 hr 33 min·I 81; US 11
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: RoanokeUse the straight lane.
6
Continue on I 64; I 81
0.3 mi·17 sec·I 64; I 81
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
90 mi·1 hr 38 min·I 64
Toward I 64 East: RichmondUse the straight lane.
8
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 177Toward I 295 North: Washington, NorfolkUse the slight right lane.
9
Continue on I 295
23 mi·25 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
13
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
14
Continue on I 64; US 60
6.7 mi·8 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 278Toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
16
Turn straight onto VA 194
2.1 mi·3 min·Chesapeake Boulevard
Use the left lane.
17
Turn straight
135 ft·7 sec
18
Turn left onto VA 247
1.1 mi·1 min·Ballentine Boulevard
19
Turn right onto VA 166
0.9 mi·1 min·East Princess Anne Road
20
Turn left onto VA 166
0.6 mi·1 min·Park Avenue
21
Turn left onto US 460; VA 166; VA 168
0.3 mi·57 sec·East Brambleton Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
22
Continue on US 460; VA 166; VA 168
0.7 mi·1 min·Campostella Road
23
Turn right onto US 460; VA 166
0.7 mi·1 min·Wilson Road
Use the right lane.
24
Continue on US 460; VA 166
0.3 mi·27 sec·22nd Street
25
Continue on US 460; VA 166
0.3 mi·29 sec·Poindexter Street
Use the straight lane.
26
Turn right onto D Street
412 ft·18 sec·D Street
27
Arrive at destination
D Street
Trip Plan
Planning for this 405.3-mile haul requires a disciplined approach to your schedule to ensure you stay alert. Since the drive is quite lengthy, aim to build in at least two planned stops to break up the monotony of the interstate. Departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and navigate potential traffic bottlenecks more effectively. Given that fuel costs will hover around $65, keep an eye on your gauge while traversing the longest 196.9-mile section on I-81, as consistent highway speeds can deplete your tank faster than expected. Using the provided highway network effectively allows for a predictable arrival time, so keep your pace steady and your rest intervals frequent.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 202.6 miles from Abingdon, VA, or about 3h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 196.9 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 89 miles or 1h 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 202.6 miles or 3h 42m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chesapeake, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Abingdon, VA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Abingdon, VA
This is one driving day of about 405.3 miles and 7h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 89 miles from Abingdon, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 196.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 65.3 and 397.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
65.3 mi into trip|~1h 11m in|I 81; US 11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11 toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
7
205.3 mi into trip|~3h 45m in|I 64
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 East: Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 64 East: Richmond
8
295.3 mi into trip|~5h 23m in
Take the exit toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
8
319.4 mi into trip|~5h 50m in
Take the exit toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
7
397.9 mi into trip|~7h 22m in
Take the exit toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 278
Toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$63.38 one way
$126.76 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg142 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$69.30
$138.60
premium
$4.70
$75.01
$150.02
diesel
$5.61
$89.49
$178.97
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$63
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$88–$113
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 141.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $43 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
121.6
1
$42.56
$19.45
Efficient EV
101.3
1
$35.46
$16.21
EV Truck/SUV
162.1
2
$56.74
$25.94
Gas CO2
142 kg
EV CO2
47 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Abingdon, VA
Night
in Abingdon on Saturday
Local time
9:25 PM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Chesapeake, VA
Night
in Chesapeake on Saturday
Local time
9:25 PM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
14 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 36m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Colonial National Historical Park
National Historical Park
On May 13, 1607, Jamestown was established as the first permanent English settlement in North America. Three cultures came together – European, Virginia Indian and African–to create a new society that...
1 mi from route
~1 min detour
$15
near mile 363.3
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Those escapi...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 391.3
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 125.8
Two hundred ninety-two days, eight offensives, over 70,000 casualties, U. S. Colored Troops, and the decline of Gen. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia all describe the Siege of Petersburg. U.S. forces c...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 321.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is a highway-focused drive that relies heavily on I-81, I-64, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. You will spend the bulk of your time on the interstate, including a significant 196.9-mile stretch on I-81 that serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of your journey. The personality of this drive is functional and fast, designed for getting you from the mountains to the coast with minimal deviation. As you transition between these major arteries, the road maintains a consistent, high-speed character that is ideal for making good time. Expect a steady, interstate-heavy experience that prioritizes direct transit across the state.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 196.9 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 65.3 miles in near I 81; US 11.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 405.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 65.3 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 205.3 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 295.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Abingdon, VA and Chesapeake, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Norfolk
295.3 mi in|~5h 23m
Virginia Beach
319.4 mi in|~5h 50m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 36m. Total distance: 405.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 36m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 196.9 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Chesapeake, VA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 65.3 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 205.3 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 295.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Booker T Washington National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.6 hours each way, a round trip means 15.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Chesapeake, VA before the return drive.
