Crossing the width of Virginia from Abingdon to Virginia Beach is a substantial journey covering 416.4 miles. You should plan for approximately 7 hours and 48 minutes of driving time, making this a long but manageable day trip if you are comfortable behind the wheel for a full day. With 90% of the route on highways, including I-81, I-64, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, you will primarily traverse the Southeast region from the mountains toward the coast. Budgeting about $67 for fuel is a smart way to prepare for the trip. While it can be done in a single day, breaking the journey into two segments can help you avoid fatigue as you transition from the western interior to the Atlantic coast.
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
208.2 miles from Abingdon, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 48m 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
Hampton Roads Beltway
12 mi
15m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
11.8 mi
16m
I 77
7.1 mi
7m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Cummings Street
0.8 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 Virginia Beach, 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
12 mi·15 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 284AToward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, PortsmouthUse the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va BeachUse the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Merge onto I 264
12 mi·16 min·Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
18
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi·54 sec·21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi·46 sec·Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
20
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft·12 sec·25th Street
21
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
To tackle this 7-hour and 48-minute drive effectively, aim for an early morning departure to get ahead of traffic. Plan for at least two stops along the way to stretch your legs and refresh, as the long, straight highway stretches can be mentally taxing. Since you are looking at a $67 fuel budget, topping off your tank before leaving Abingdon can save you from having to hunt for stations during the middle, more remote portions of your transit. Keep a close eye on your mileage during the 196.9-mile stretch on I-81, as consistent speeds will help you maintain your estimated arrival time. If you find the nearly eight-hour drive too demanding, consider splitting your trip into two days to keep your arrival in Virginia Beach stress-free.
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 208.2 miles from Abingdon, VA, or about 3h 48m 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 92 miles or 1h 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 208.2 miles or 3h 48m 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 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Virginia Beach, 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 416.4 miles and 7h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 92 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 65.3 and 403 — 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
8
403 mi into trip|~7h 28m in
Take the exit toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth
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 284A
Toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downto...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$65.12 one way
$130.23 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg146 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$71.20
$142.40
premium
$4.70
$77.07
$154.13
diesel
$5.61
$91.94
$183.87
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$65
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$90–$115
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 145.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $44 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
124.9
1
$43.72
$19.99
Efficient EV
104.1
1
$36.43
$16.66
EV Truck/SUV
166.6
2
$58.30
$26.65
Gas CO2
146 kg
EV CO2
49 kg (66% 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 14, 2026
Origin
Abingdon, VA
Night
in Abingdon on Saturday
Local time
9:29 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 5 to 15 mph10% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 14 at 9:10AM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 14 at 8:55AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Night
in Virginia Beach on Saturday
Local time
9:29 PM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 13 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 14 at 9:10AM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 14 at 8:55AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
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
6 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 48m 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.
Fort Monroe National Monument
National Monument
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 387.7
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
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...
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...
21 mi from route
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 129.2
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...
28 mi from route
~69 min detour
Free
near mile 315.9
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 prioritizes efficiency over local backroads. You will spend your longest uninterrupted stretch covering 196.9 miles on I-81, which sets the pace for the majority of your travel. Because 90% of the route consists of major interstates and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, expect a consistent, high-speed experience rather than a winding scenic byway. The road's personality is defined by these long, straight corridors, allowing you to cover significant ground quickly. While the landscape changes as you move across the state, the mechanical nature of the drive remains steady and predictable for the duration of your 416.4-mile trek.
90% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 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 14 significant decision points across 416.4 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.
On the drive from Abingdon, VA to Virginia Beach, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Norfolk along the way.
Norfolk
295.3 mi in|~5h 23m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 48m. Total distance: 416.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 48m 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 Virginia Beach, 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 — Fort Monroe National Monument, Colonial National Historical Park 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 7.8 hours each way, a round trip means 15.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Virginia Beach, VA before the return drive.
