This 105.1-mile drive from Bon Air, VA to Chesapeake, VA is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 11 minutes. With 81% of the route on major highways, it's an efficient way to travel between these two points within the Southeast region of Virginia. The estimated fuel cost is around $16, making it a budget-friendly option for a day trip. Given its relatively short duration and the direct nature of the drive, it's perfectly suited for a single-day excursion without the need for an overnight stop. You'll primarily be navigating on I-64 and the Hampton Roads Beltway, including the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
52.6 miles from Bon Air, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 4m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
77.4 mi
1h 28m
Hampton Roads Beltway
6.8 mi
8m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Downtown Expressway
2.9 mi
3m
Powhite Parkway
2.8 mi
4m
Chesapeake Boulevard
2.1 mi
3m
Jahnke Road
1.2 mi
2m
Ballentine Boulevard
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 77.4 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bon Air, VA and Chesapeake, VA.
1
Start on SR 718
14 ft·2 sec·Rockaway Road
2
Turn right onto SR 678
0.6 mi·1 min·Buford Road
3
Turn sharp left onto SR 686
1.2 mi·2 min·Jahnke Road
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway NorthUse the left lane.
5
Merge onto VA 76
1.0 mi·1 min·Powhite Parkway
6
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
1.8 mi·2 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 146
0.9 mi·1 min·VA 146
Use the slight right lane.
8
Merge onto VA 195
2.9 mi·3 min·Downtown Expressway
Use the straight lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International AirportUse the slight left lane.
10
Merge onto I 95
0.7 mi·54 sec·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 75Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th StreetUse the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 64
77 mi·1 hr 28 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
15
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
16
Continue on I 64; US 60
6.7 mi·8 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 278Toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn straight onto VA 194
2.1 mi·3 min·Chesapeake Boulevard
Use the left lane.
19
Turn straight
135 ft·7 sec
20
Turn left onto VA 247
1.1 mi·1 min·Ballentine Boulevard
21
Turn right onto VA 166
0.9 mi·1 min·East Princess Anne Road
22
Turn left onto VA 166
0.6 mi·1 min·Park Avenue
23
Turn left onto US 460; VA 166; VA 168
0.3 mi·57 sec·East Brambleton Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
24
Continue on US 460; VA 166; VA 168
0.7 mi·1 min·Campostella Road
25
Turn right onto US 460; VA 166
0.7 mi·1 min·Wilson Road
Use the right lane.
26
Continue on US 460; VA 166
0.3 mi·27 sec·22nd Street
27
Continue on US 460; VA 166
0.3 mi·29 sec·Poindexter Street
Use the straight lane.
28
Turn right onto D Street
412 ft·18 sec·D Street
29
Arrive at destination
D Street
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour, 11-minute drive, leaving in the morning or late afternoon can help you avoid potential peak traffic, especially as you approach the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. With no designated stops in the data, the 105.1-mile route is flexible; you can plan for a quick fuel and restroom break midway if needed, perhaps around the 77.4-mile mark on I-64. The estimated fuel cost of $16 is quite manageable, so topping up your tank before you depart is a good idea. Since this is a straightforward highway drive, staying alert for changing speed limits and traffic conditions on I-64 and the Hampton Roads Beltway will be key to a smooth journey.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 52.6 miles from Bon Air, VA, or about 1h 4m 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 23 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 52.6 miles or 1h 4m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 42m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chesapeake, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bon Air, 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 Bon Air, VA
This is one driving day of about 105.1 miles and 2h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Bon Air, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.6 and 97.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.6 mi into trip|~1m in|SR 686 / Jahnke Road
Turn sharp left onto SR 686 / Jahnke Road
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
8.6 mi into trip|~13m 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
9.5 mi into trip|~15m 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
9.7 mi into trip|~15m 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
7
97.7 mi into trip|~1h 57m in
Take the exit toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 278
Toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.44 one way
$32.87 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg37 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$17.97
$35.94
premium
$4.70
$19.45
$38.90
diesel
$5.61
$23.20
$46.41
Estimated Tolls: $0.05
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
$16
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 36.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
31.5
0
$11.04
$5.04
Efficient EV
26.3
0
$9.20
$4.20
EV Truck/SUV
42
0
$14.71
$6.73
Gas CO2
37 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (68% 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 14, 2026
Origin
Bon Air, VA
Late night
in Bon Air on Tuesday
Local time
4:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Chesapeake, VA
Late night
in Chesapeake on Tuesday
Local time
4:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Mostly Clear
SW 7 to 10 mph4% 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
21 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
2h 11m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
$15
near mile 65.2
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-centric experience for the majority of this 105.1-mile trip, with 81% of the drive taking place on major interstates. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is a significant 77.4 miles on I-64, indicating long periods of consistent speed and minimal interruptions. This profile suggests a drive where you can settle in and cover ground efficiently. While not explicitly scenic, the focus is on direct transit, making it a practical choice for getting from Bon Air to Chesapeake without significant detours or complex road changes.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 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 Hampton Roads Beltway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near SR 686 / Jahnke Road.
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 22 significant decision points across 105.1 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 0.6 miles (SR 686 / Jahnke Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.5 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 Bon Air, VA and Chesapeake, VA, road signs point toward Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Virginia Beach.
Chesapeake is a town of 245,000 people (2019) in the Hampton Roads region of Eastern Virginia. Chesapeake is a diverse city in which a few urban areas are located; it also has many square miles of protected farmland, forests, and wetlands, including a substantial portion of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 11m. Total distance: 105.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (81%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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 $0.05 in tolls one way, starting with Richmond-Petersburg 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.
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 Chesapeake, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.6 miles (SR 686 / Jahnke Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 8.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.5 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 Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Chesapeake, VA before heading back.
