Berryville, VA to Virginia Beach, VA is 232.5 miles and takes about 4h 55m via US 17 and I 64, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, moving from the Shenandoah Valley area towards the coast. Expect a predominantly highway experience with a reasonable driving time, making it a straightforward option for a single-day trip. If you're looking for an efficient way to get from the western part of Virginia to its popular coastal destination, this route is a solid choice.
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
116.2 miles from Berryville, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 17
80 mi
1h 38m
I 64
66.8 mi
1h 15m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
Hampton Roads Beltway
12 mi
15m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
11.8 mi
16m
James Madison Highway
11.6 mi
16m
Winchester Road
10.2 mi
16m
John Singleton Mosby Highway
6.5 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
US 17
— 80 mi, about 1h 38m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 75 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,931 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,411
Quietest
2 AM
~190 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Berryville, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
1
Start on this road
21 ft·3 sec·this road
2
Turn right
172 ft·20 sec
3
Turn left onto US 340
0.8 mi·2 min·North Buckmarsh Street
4
Continue on US 340
2.7 mi·3 min·Lord Fairfax Highway
5
Turn left onto VA 255
140 ft·3 sec·Bishop Meade Highway
6
Continue on VA 255
2.1 mi·3 min·Bishop Meade Road
7
Continue on VA 255
0.9 mi·2 min·Bishop Meade Highway
8
At end of road, turn left onto VA 255
0.2 mi·18 sec·Bishop Meade Road
9
Continue on VA 255
0.6 mi·1 min·Bishop Meade Road
10
Turn left onto US 17; US 50
6.5 mi·9 min·John Singleton Mosby Highway
11
Turn right onto US 17
7.8 mi·13 min·Winchester Road
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 17; VA 55
5.0 mi·5 min·US 17; VA 55
Toward I 66 East, US 17 South, VA 55 East: Marshall, FredericksburgUse the straight lane.
13
Take the exit onto US 17
0.3 mi·32 sec·US 17
Toward US 17: Warrenton, Fredericksburg
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 17
15
Merge onto US 17
2.4 mi·3 min·Winchester Road
16
Continue on US 17
6.5 mi·8 min·James Madison Highway
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
4.9 mi·6 min·Eastern Bypass
Toward US 17 South: FredericksburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29
5.1 mi·7 min·James Madison Highway
19
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
27 mi·39 min·US 17
Toward US 17 South
20
Take the exit onto US 17
48 mi·53 min·US 17
Toward I 95 South, US 17 South: RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
22
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
26
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
27
Continue on I 64; US 60
12 mi·15 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
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.
29
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va BeachUse the straight / slight left lanes.
30
Merge onto I 264
12 mi·16 min·Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
31
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi·54 sec·21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi·46 sec·Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
33
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft·12 sec·25th Street
34
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4h 55m drive, consider leaving Berryville in the morning to arrive in Virginia Beach with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and a manageable distance, this trip is easily completed in a single day, offering flexibility for departure time. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading onto longer highway stretches like the 80 miles on US 17. The estimated fuel cost is around $36, so plan accordingly. Be prepared for more frequent exits and potential traffic as you near your destination.
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 116.2 miles from Berryville, VA, or about 2h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 80 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 51 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.2 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 1m
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 Berryville, 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 Berryville, VA
This is one driving day of about 232.5 miles and 4h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Berryville, 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 US 17 for about 80 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 21.7 and 219.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
21.7 mi into trip|~36m in|US 17; VA 55
Keep slight left at fork onto US 17; VA 55 toward I 66 East, US 17 South, VA 55 East: Marshall, Fredericksburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 66 East, US 17 South, VA 55 East: Mars...
7
35.9 mi into trip|~55m in|US 17 / Eastern Bypass
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17 / Eastern Bypass toward US 17 South: Fredericksburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 17 South: Fredericksburg
8
120.6 mi into trip|~2h 41m 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
135.5 mi into trip|~2h 57m 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
219.1 mi into trip|~4h 35m 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
$34.33 one way
$68.65 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$37.72
$75.44
premium
$4.49
$41.12
$82.24
diesel
$4.80
$43.90
$87.80
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.8
0
$24.41
$11.16
Efficient EV
58.1
0
$20.34
$9.30
EV Truck/SUV
93
1
$32.55
$14.88
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Berryville, VA
Late night
in Berryville on Monday
Local time
5:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 12 mph67% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:43PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:43PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Late night
in Virginia Beach on Monday
Local time
5:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Mostly Sunny
S 9 to 14 mph9% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:43PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:43PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
67°F
Fredericksburg, VA
116 mi in
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
2 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
4h 55m 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.
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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
$15
near mile 176.4
Park Closure: Jamestown Island Loop Drive to Temporarily Close to Vehicles
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 200.4
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires today. Native Americans first shaped the land, followed by colonists and settlers. The fertile valley became an important...
At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry. Here you can explore John Brown's Raid against slavery. Find your...
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 136.3
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 68% of this 232.5-mile drive on highways, primarily on I 64. The longest continuous stretch without a significant change in road type is 80 miles on US 17. As you approach Virginia Beach, anticipate an increase in exits and merging traffic as you enter a more developed coastal area. For much of the drive, you'll be on open highway, which should make for smooth travel.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 80 mi on US 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 17 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.7 miles in near US 17; VA 55.
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 21 significant decision points across 232.5 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 21.7 miles (US 17; VA 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.9 miles (US 17 / Eastern Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 120.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
633 ft9 ft
Total Climb
182 ft
Total Descent
759 ft
Highest Point
633 ft
~33.2 mi in
Elevation Range
625 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Berryville, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Fredericksburg, Norfolk, Va Beach and Portsmouth.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 55m. Total distance: 232.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 80 miles on US 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 rest areas or service plazas 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 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. There are 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 21.7 miles (US 17; VA 55): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 35.9 miles (US 17 / Eastern Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 120.6 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 Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Virginia Beach, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
