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Trip from Bealeton, VA to Portsmouth, VA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 25m

Distance

172.2 mi

277 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$27

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 14m ★
6 AM
3h 26m
8 AM
3h 50m
10 AM
3h 34m
12 PM
3h 32m
3 PM
3h 36m
5 PM
3h 49m
8 PM
3h 19m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Bealeton, VA, VA

Bealeton, VA

Eric Joseph

independent city in Virginia, United States

Portsmouth, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 173.7-mile journey from Bealeton, VA to Portsmouth, VA is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes of driving time. Expect a fuel cost of around $28 for this trip. The route primarily utilizes local roads, indicated by its 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile, with no highway share. This makes it a more engaging, albeit potentially slower, travel experience compared to interstate driving. Since it's a manageable distance and duration, it's well-suited for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

86.1 miles from Bealeton, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 64 62.7 mi 1h 9m
US 17 47.9 mi 53m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway 13 mi 14m
Marsh Road 12.7 mi 17m
Warrenton Road 9.7 mi 14m
Hampton Roads Beltway 7.2 mi 9m
Western Freeway 5.8 mi 7m
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel 4.3 mi 5m
Longest stretch: I 64 — 62.7 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bealeton, VA and Portsmouth, VA.

1

Start on SR 661

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Schoolhouse Road
2

Turn right onto US 17

13 mi · 17 min · Marsh Road
3

Continue on US 17

9.7 mi · 14 min · Warrenton Road
4

Take the exit onto US 17

48 mi · 53 min · US 17
Toward I 95 South, US 17 South: Richmond Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Take the exit

1.9 mi · 2 min
Exit 84A Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach Use the slight left / straight lanes.
6

Merge onto I 295

13 mi · 14 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

1.3 mi · 2 min
Exit 28A Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Merge onto I 64

63 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 36 sec
Exit 264 Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, Chesapeake Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Merge onto I 664

6.1 mi · 7 min · Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Continue on I 664

4.3 mi · 5 min · Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
12

Continue on I 664

1.1 mi · 1 min · Hampton Roads Beltway
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 8B Toward VA 135 South: College Drive, Churchland Use the right lane.
14

Continue on VA 135

1.4 mi · 2 min · College Drive
Use the straight lane.
15

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Toward VA 164 East: Downtown Portsmouth
16

Merge onto VA 164

5.8 mi · 7 min · Western Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Merge onto US 58; VA 164

0.7 mi · 46 sec · Martin Luther King Freeway
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward VA 141 South: Downtown Portsmouth Use the right lane.
19

Turn straight onto US 58

1.2 mi · 2 min · London Boulevard
20

Turn right onto VA 141

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Effingham Street
Use the right lane.
21

Turn left onto High Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · High Street
Use the left lane.
22

Continue on High Street

201 ft · 20 sec · High Street
Use the left lane.
23

Arrive at destination

High Street

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour 56 minute duration and the 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile, planning to depart in the morning will give you ample time to reach Portsmouth, VA. Since this is a single-day trip covering 173.7 miles with a $28 estimated fuel cost, you won't need to budget for overnight stays. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you navigate local roads where gas stations might be less frequent than on major highways. The frequent turns mean you'll likely make more frequent, shorter stops naturally, so pace yourself and enjoy the local scenery as you go. A good tip for this route is to ensure your GPS is up-to-date, as navigating many turns can be made easier with accurate real-time directions.

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 86.1 miles from Bealeton, VA, or about 1h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.7 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 38 miles or 49m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 86.1 miles or 1h 43m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 45m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portsmouth, VA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Bealeton, 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 Bealeton, VA

This is one driving day of about 172.2 miles and 3h 25m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Bealeton, 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 62.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in southeastern Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Windsor, VA

86 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Bowling Green, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Windsor, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 86.1 miles from Bealeton, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62.7 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Angela's Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 37.2

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+15405825250

Visit website

Mason-Dixon Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fredericksburg, Virginia

2 mi

Peter Chang

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Williamsburg, Virginia

2.7 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Norfolk, Virginia

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 173.7

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

+17576250461

Visit website

Curitiba Art Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fredericksburg, Virginia

2.6 mi

Dubai Girls Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Glen Allen, Virginia

3 mi

Angela's Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 37.2

Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+15405825250

Visit website

Mason-Dixon Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 24.8

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15403711950

Visit website

Peter Chang

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 124.1

Williamsburg, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm

+17573455829

Visit website

Green Leafe Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 124.1

Williamsburg, Virginia

Hours: 4 pm–1 am

+17579032697

Visit website

The Caboose Market & Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 62

Ashland, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18047982933

Visit website

Jake's Place Restaurant & Market

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 62

Ashland, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+18047983287

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour Inexpensiv mile 124.1

Williamsburg, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17572580007

Visit website

Roberto Italian Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 86.9

Sandston, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18042222250

Visit website

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 173.7

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

+17576250461

Visit website

Curitiba Art Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10 mile 24.8

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

Visit website

Dubai Girls Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 74.5

Glen Allen, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18044001505

Tous les Jours Bakery & Cafe - Newport News

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 136.5

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17577553134

Visit website

Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters and Petite Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 136.5

Yorktown, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+17578723020

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 173.7

Portsmouth, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

2.9 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 148.9

Hampton, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 124.1

Williamsburg, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 173.7

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 148.9

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 173.7

Chesapeake, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 161.3

Chesapeake, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+33172676914

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 148.9

Hampton, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Virginia Welcome Center at Fredericksburg

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 24.8

Fredericksburg, VA

Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm

+15407868344

Visit website

2 stars hotel

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 49.6

Ruther Glen, Virginia

Fredericksburg Nationals

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 24.8

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+15408584242

Visit website

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 173.7

Portsmouth, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17573938591

Visit website

Halls of Hysteria Haunted Attraction

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 24.8

Fredericksburg, Virginia

+15402264261

Visit website

Fun Land of Fredericksburg

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 24.8

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 12–9 pm

+15403861351

Visit website

Gari Melchers Home and Studio

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 24.8

Falmouth, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15406541015

Visit website

Sandy Bottom Nature Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 148.9

Hampton, Virginia

+17578254657

Visit website

Alum Spring Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 24.8

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15403721086

Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 24.8

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+15406933200

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 15

5 decision points cluster between mile 22.7 and 161.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
22.7 mi into trip | ~32m in | US 17

Take the exit onto US 17 toward I 95 South, US 17 South: Richmond

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. Toward I 95 South, US 17 South: Richmond
8
70.6 mi into trip | ~1h 25m in

Take the exit toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 84A Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va B...
8
85.5 mi into trip | ~1h 42m 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
149.4 mi into trip | ~2h 54m in

Take the exit toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, Chesapeake

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 264 Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suff...
8
161.5 mi into trip | ~3h 9m in

Take the exit toward VA 135 South: College Drive, Churchland

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Exit 8B Toward VA 135 South: College Drive, Churchland

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$26.93 one way

$53.86 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 60 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $29.44 $58.89
premium $4.70 $31.87 $63.74
diesel $5.61 $38.02 $76.04

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$27

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$52–$77

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 60.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 51.7 0 $18.08 $8.27
Efficient EV 43.1 0 $15.07 $6.89
EV Truck/SUV 68.9 0 $24.11 $11.02

Gas CO2

60 kg

EV CO2

20 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

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 18, 2026

Origin

Bealeton, VA

Morning in Bealeton on Sunday

Local time

6:02 AM

EDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Portsmouth, VA

Morning in Portsmouth on Sunday

Local time

6:02 AM

EDT

Current temp

62°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

8 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

3h 25m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Prepare for a route with a decidedly local feel, characterized by frequent turns rather than long, uninterrupted stretches. With a 0% highway share, you'll be navigating a network of surface streets and county roads for the entire 173.7 miles. The profile suggests a 'Turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll be constantly adjusting your direction, which can make the drive more engaging but also requires consistent attention. There isn't a 'longest stretch' of highway to speak of, so expect a continuous series of turns and changes in scenery as you progress through the Southeast region.

68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.7 mi on I 64.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and US 17. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 22.7 miles in near US 17.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 172.2 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 22.7 miles (US 17): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.5 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 Bealeton, VA and Portsmouth, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Chesapeake and Churchland.

Norfolk

70.6 mi in | ~1h 25m

Va Beach

70.6 mi in | ~1h 25m

Virginia Beach

85.5 mi in | ~1h 42m

Suffolk

149.4 mi in | ~2h 54m

Chesapeake

149.4 mi in | ~2h 54m

Churchland

161.5 mi in | ~3h 9m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 25m. Total distance: 172.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 62.7 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.

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 Portsmouth, 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. There are 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.

The main spots that need attention: at 22.7 miles (US 17): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 70.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 85.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Portsmouth, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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