Traveling from Altavista to Virginia Beach covers 236.1 miles and typically takes about 5 hours and 5 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey stays entirely within the Southeast region of Virginia, it functions well as a straightforward one-day trip. You should budget approximately $38 for fuel to complete the trek. While the drive is manageable in a single stretch, opting for at least one stop will help keep you refreshed for the arrival at the coast. It is a practical route for those looking to transition from the inland landscape to the shoreline without the need for an overnight stay.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
118 miles from Altavista, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 41m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
77.4 mi
1h 28m
Anderson Highway
36.7 mi
48m
VA 24
18.9 mi
21m
Hampton Roads Beltway
12 mi
15m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
11.8 mi
16m
Powhite Parkway
11.5 mi
15m
Village Highway
10.4 mi
19m
US 29 BUS
9.4 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 77.4 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Altavista, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
1
Start on US 29 BUS
30 ft·5 sec·Main Street
2
Turn right onto Franklin Avenue
364 ft·14 sec·Franklin Avenue
3
Turn right onto 7th Street
0.9 mi·2 min·7th Street
4
Turn left onto US 29 BUS
1.9 mi·3 min·Main Street
5
Take the ramp onto US 29 BUS
9.4 mi·12 min·US 29 BUS
Toward US 29 North
6
Turn right onto VA 24
4.3 mi·7 min·Colonial Highway
7
At end of road, turn left onto US 501; VA 24
340 ft·8 sec·Brookneal Highway
8
Continue on US 501; VA 24
9.2 mi·17 min·Village Highway
9
Enter roundabout onto VA 24
113 ft·2 sec·Village Highway
10
Continue on VA 24
1.2 mi·2 min·Village Highway
11
Turn right onto US 460; VA 24
8.5 mi·11 min·Richmond Highway
12
Take the exit onto VA 24
0.2 mi·21 sec·VA 24
Toward VA 24 East, VA 131 South: To Route 60, Appomattox
13
Turn slight left onto VA 24
19 mi·21 min·VA 24
14
Continue on US 60
7.7 mi·9 min·West James Anderson Highway
15
Continue on US 60
8.1 mi·9 min·East James Anderson Highway
16
Continue on US 60
37 mi·48 min·Anderson Highway
17
Continue on US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·Midlothian Turnpike
18
Turn right onto SR 652
2.5 mi·3 min·Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
19
Enter roundabout onto SR 652
147 ft·5 sec·Old Hundred Road
20
Continue on SR 652
2.5 mi·4 min·Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on VA 76
9.7 mi·12 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
1.8 mi·2 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 146
0.9 mi·1 min·VA 146
Use the slight right lane.
24
Merge onto VA 195
2.9 mi·3 min·Downtown Expressway
Use the straight lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International AirportUse the slight left lane.
26
Merge onto I 95
0.7 mi·54 sec·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 75Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th StreetUse the slight right lane.
28
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Merge onto I 64
77 mi·1 hr 28 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
31
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
32
Continue on I 64; US 60
12 mi·15 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
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.
34
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va BeachUse the straight / slight left lanes.
35
Merge onto I 264
12 mi·16 min·Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
36
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi·54 sec·21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
37
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi·46 sec·Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
38
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft·12 sec·25th Street
39
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
Since the trip duration is just over five hours, aim for an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic congestion as you approach the coastal region. You have the flexibility to complete this in one day, but planning for that single recommended stop midway will significantly improve your comfort level. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the long 77.4-mile stretch on I-64, as service intervals can vary significantly. By pacing yourself and utilizing that one planned break, you can arrive in Virginia Beach feeling ready for the coast rather than drained by the drive. Prioritize checking local traffic reports for the I-64 corridor before heading out to ensure the smoothest transit possible.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 118 miles from Altavista, VA, or about 2h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.4 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 52 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118 miles or 2h 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 10m
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 Altavista, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Altavista, VA
This is one driving day of about 236.1 miles and 5h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Altavista, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 64 for about 77.4 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 128.3 and 222.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
128.3 mi into trip|~2h 55m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville,...
8
129.3 mi into trip|~2h 57m in
Take the exit toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th Street
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 75
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th...
9
129.5 mi into trip|~2h 57m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
8
222.7 mi into trip|~4h 46m 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...
7
222.9 mi into trip|~4h 46m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.92 one way
$73.84 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$40.37
$80.74
premium
$4.70
$43.70
$87.39
diesel
$5.61
$52.13
$104.26
Estimated Tolls: $0.12
Midlothian Turnpike
(0.9 mi)$0.07
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(0.7 mi)$0.05
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.8
0
$24.79
$11.33
Efficient EV
59
0
$20.66
$9.44
EV Truck/SUV
94.4
1
$33.05
$15.11
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 15, 2026
Origin
Altavista, VA
Morning
in Altavista on Sunday
Local time
6:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Morning
in Virginia Beach on Sunday
Local time
6:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°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
10 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
5h 5m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
National Historical Park
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Question...
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...
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
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 211.6
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 114
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is a mixed-profile drive that transitions between local roads and major thoroughfares. You will spend about 57% of your time on highways, utilizing a combination of VA 24, Anderson Highway, and I-64. The longest uninterrupted section you will encounter is a 77.4-mile stretch along I-64, which provides a steady rhythm after navigating the initial local roads. Expect the character of the pavement to shift as you move from the inland corridor toward the coastal environment. The balance of highway cruising and regional road driving ensures that your time behind the wheel remains varied rather than monotonous.
57% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 77.4 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 128.3 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 26 significant decision points across 236.1 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 128.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Altavista, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Portsmouth.
Appomattox
35.5 mi in|~57m|via VA 24
Charlottesville
128.3 mi in|~2h 55m
Norfolk
128.3 mi in|~2h 55m
Richmond International Airport
128.3 mi in|~2h 55m
Portsmouth
222.7 mi in|~4h 46m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 5m. Total distance: 236.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 77.4 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.12 in tolls one way, starting with Midlothian Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 128.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Colonial National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 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.
