Traveling from Bedford to Virginia Beach covers 243.1 miles across the Southeast, making for a straightforward journey that typically takes 5 hours and 4 minutes. Because the drive is manageable within a single day, you do not need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. Budgeting around $39 for fuel should keep you covered for the entire trip. You will primarily navigate via I-64, US 460 BUS, and Anderson Highway as you transition from the interior of Virginia to the coast. This route is an efficient way to cross the state, though it is best viewed as a functional transit between two distinct regions rather than a scenic tour.
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
121.6 miles from Bedford, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
77.4 mi
1h 28m
US 460 BUS
41.3 mi
53m
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
East James Anderson Highway
8.1 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 77.4 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bedford, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
1
Start on US 460 BUS; VA 43; VA 122 BUS
1.4 mi·2 min·East Main Street
2
Take the ramp onto US 460 BUS
41 mi·53 min·US 460 BUS
Toward US 460 EastUse the straight lane.
3
Take the exit onto VA 24
0.2 mi·21 sec·VA 24
Toward VA 24 East, VA 131 South: To Route 60, Appomattox
4
Turn slight left onto VA 24
19 mi·21 min·VA 24
5
Continue on US 60
7.7 mi·9 min·West James Anderson Highway
6
Continue on US 60
8.1 mi·9 min·East James Anderson Highway
7
Continue on US 60
37 mi·48 min·Anderson Highway
8
Continue on US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·Midlothian Turnpike
9
Turn right onto SR 652
2.5 mi·3 min·Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
10
Enter roundabout onto SR 652
147 ft·5 sec·Old Hundred Road
11
Continue on SR 652
2.5 mi·4 min·Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on VA 76
9.7 mi·12 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
1.8 mi·2 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 146
0.9 mi·1 min·VA 146
Use the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto VA 195
2.9 mi·3 min·Downtown Expressway
Use the straight lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International AirportUse the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto I 95
0.7 mi·54 sec·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 75Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th StreetUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 64
77 mi·1 hr 28 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
22
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
23
Continue on I 64; US 60
12 mi·15 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
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.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va BeachUse the straight / slight left lanes.
26
Merge onto I 264
12 mi·16 min·Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
27
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi·54 sec·21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
28
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi·46 sec·Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
29
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft·12 sec·25th Street
30
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a one-day trip, your best bet is to plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the five-hour drive and keep your energy levels steady. Leaving early in the morning can help you bypass potential congestion as you approach the busier coastal areas. With roughly $39 in fuel costs, it is wise to monitor your gauge and refuel at your preferred interval during your one planned stop. Because the route relies heavily on I-64, keep an eye on traffic reports for that 77.4-mile stretch to ensure your arrival time remains accurate. Embracing the flexibility of a single-day itinerary allows you to hit the road on your own terms without the pressure of an overnight schedule.
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 121.6 miles from Bedford, VA, or about 2h 36m 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 53 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 121.6 miles or 2h 36m 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 8m
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 Bedford, 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 Bedford, VA
This is one driving day of about 243.1 miles and 5h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Bedford, 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 135.4 and 229.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
135.4 mi into trip|~2h 54m 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
136.4 mi into trip|~2h 56m 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
136.6 mi into trip|~2h 56m 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
229.8 mi into trip|~4h 45m 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
229.9 mi into trip|~4h 45m 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
$38.02 one way
$76.03 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg85 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$41.57
$83.13
premium
$4.70
$44.99
$89.99
diesel
$5.61
$53.67
$107.35
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
$38
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.9
0
$25.53
$11.67
Efficient EV
60.8
0
$21.27
$9.72
EV Truck/SUV
97.2
1
$34.03
$15.56
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% 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 16, 2026
Origin
Bedford, VA
Morning
in Bedford on Sunday
Local time
7:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
88°F
Sunny
SW 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 2:28PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 1:12PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Morning
in Virginia Beach on Sunday
Local time
7:29 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
28 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 4m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive, as 68% of your time behind the wheel will be spent on major roads. The journey features a mix of fast-paced interstate travel and segments on local highways that help you navigate toward the coast. You will encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 77.4 miles on I-64, which allows for consistent cruising speeds. As you move away from Bedford, the road transitions from local connectors to higher-capacity arteries. Prepare for a driving experience that prioritizes steady progress over technical curves, keeping you largely on well-maintained thoroughfares.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 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 is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and US 460 BUS. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 135.4 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 19 significant decision points across 243.1 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 135.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.6 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 Bedford, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Portsmouth.
Bedford is a town and former independent city in the county of the same name in Central Virginia of the Southern United States of America. With an estimated population of 6,585 as of 2018, the town – which is the county seat of Bedford County – is part of the Lynchburg Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town, despite its seemingly unremarkable size, is home to a plethora of historical sites, notably those devoted to the World War II history of the citizens in the town.
Bedford is known as "the place that sells itself," boasting multiple cultural and natural sites in the immediate vicinity, including the Blue Ridge Mountains to the north, with the Peaks of Otter overlooking the town. Smith Mountain Lake, a reservoir and the largest lake fully in Virginia, is roughly 14 miles (25 km) to the south, and boasts a variety of fishing activities and water sports.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 4m. Total distance: 243.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
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 135.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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.
