Origin
Brambleton, VA
Morning in Brambleton on Sunday
Local time
9:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Brambleton, VA to Portsmouth Heights, VA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 13m
Distance
205 mi
330 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$32
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 0m
★
6 AM
4h 13m
8 AM
4h 39m
10 AM
4h 22m
12 PM
4h 20m
3 PM
4h 24m
5 PM
4h 38m
8 PM
4h 5m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Brambleton, VA
LAVA
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Daniel Miller
Trip Overview
Brambleton, VA to Portsmouth Heights, VA is 205 miles and takes about 4h 13m via I 95, I 64, and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, traversing the Southeast region for its entirety. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey that should feel familiar to most drivers. Given its manageable length and duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day drive, allowing for a relatively relaxed pace. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it a practical option for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
102.5 miles from Brambleton, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 11m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 74.6 mi | 1h 23m |
| I 64 | 62.7 mi | 1h 9m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 13 mi | 14m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 12.1 mi | 15m |
| Ox Road | 8.7 mi | 12m |
| Fairfax County Parkway | 7.7 mi | 11m |
| Route 50 | 5.2 mi | 8m |
| Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel | 4.3 mi | 5m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 74.6 mi, about 1h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brambleton, VA and Portsmouth Heights, VA.
1
Start on this road
13 ft
·
2 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right
126 ft
·
11 sec
3
Turn right
127 ft
·
14 sec
4
Turn left onto Nelsonville Terrace
516 ft
·
28 sec
·
Nelsonville Terrace
5
Turn left
110 ft
·
10 sec
6
Turn right onto Cirrus Terrace
190 ft
·
10 sec
·
Cirrus Terrace
7
Turn right onto Olympia Drive
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Olympia Drive
8
At end of road, turn left onto SR 774
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Creighton Road
9
Turn right onto SR 607
2.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Loudoun County Parkway
Use the right lane.
10
Turn left onto US 50
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Little River Turnpike
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on US 50
5.2 mi
·
8 min
·
Route 50
Use the left lane.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
Toward VA 286 South: Fairfax County Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
13
Turn right onto VA 286
7.7 mi
·
11 min
·
Fairfax County Parkway
Use the right lane.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
Toward VA 123 North: Ox Road
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
Toward VA 123 South: Ox Road
16
Turn left onto VA 123
8.7 mi
·
12 min
·
Ox Road
Use the left lane.
17
Continue on VA 123
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Gordon Boulevard
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Fredericksburg
19
Merge onto I 95
26 mi
·
30 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
49 mi
·
53 min
·
I 95
Use the straight lane.
21
Take the exit
1.9 mi
·
2 min
Exit 84A
Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach
Use 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 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 64
63 mi
·
1 hr 9 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
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.
26
Merge onto I 664
6.1 mi
·
7 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Continue on I 664
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
28
Continue on I 664
5.9 mi
·
7 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 11B
Toward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, Portsmouth
Use the right lane.
30
Turn straight onto VA 337
3.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Portsmouth Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Turn left onto Byers Avenue
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Byers Avenue
Use the left lane.
32
Turn right onto Vick Street
464 ft
·
20 sec
·
Vick Street
33
Arrive at destination
Vick Street
Trip Plan
For this one-day drive, consider leaving in the morning to take advantage of daylight and potentially lighter traffic. With a total duration of just over 4 hours, you can comfortably complete the 205 miles without needing an overnight stop. Plan for one main stop to refuel and stretch your legs; the longest stretch without a major break is 74.6 miles, so keep that in mind. Keep an eye on fuel prices as you approach your destination, as the estimated $32 cost is just a guideline. Since this is a relatively short highway-focused trip, you have flexibility in your timing, but starting earlier will maximize your daylight.
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 102.5 miles from Brambleton, VA, or about 2h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 74.6 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 45 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 102.5 miles or 2h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portsmouth Heights, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Brambleton, 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 Brambleton, VA
This is one driving day of about 205 miles and 4h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Brambleton, 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 95 for about 74.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
103 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 102.5 miles from Brambleton, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 74.6 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 275 decision points cluster between mile 12.4 and 200.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
12.4 mi into trip
|
~22m in
Take the exit toward VA 286 South: Fairfax County Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward VA 286 South: Fairfax County Parkway
8
105.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 14m 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
120 mi into trip
|
~2h 30m 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
184 mi into trip
|
~3h 43m 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
200.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 4m in
Take the exit toward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, Portsmouth
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 11B
Toward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, Ports...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.06 one way
$64.11 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
72 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $35.05 | $70.10 |
| premium | $4.70 | $37.94 | $75.88 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $45.26 | $90.52 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.20
Little River Turnpike
(2.8 mi)
$0.20
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
$32
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 61.5 | 0 | $21.53 | $9.84 |
| Efficient EV | 51.3 | 0 | $17.94 | $8.20 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 82 | 1 | $28.70 | $13.12 |
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Destination
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Morning in Portsmouth Heights on Sunday
Local time
9:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
53°F
Ashland, VA
103 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
33 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 13m 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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
$15
near mile 162.8
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
Fort Monroe National Monument
National Monument
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 184
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
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!
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
$20
View on nps.gov
Petersburg National Battlefield
National Battlefield
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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 120.3
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for this 205-mile trip, with 76% of it being on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 74.6 miles along I 95. This means you'll be spending a significant amount of time on fast-paced, multi-lane highways. The character of the drive is largely consistent, offering a steady pace for most of the journey. While not overly technical, be prepared for the typical interstate environment with varying traffic conditions.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 74.6 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 12.4 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 27 significant decision points across 205 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 12.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 105.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Brambleton, VA and Portsmouth Heights, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach, Virginia Beach, Suffolk and Chesapeake.
Norfolk
105.2 mi in
|
~2h 14m
Va Beach
105.2 mi in
|
~2h 14m
Virginia Beach
120 mi in
|
~2h 30m
Suffolk
184 mi in
|
~3h 43m
Chesapeake
184 mi in
|
~3h 43m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 13m. Total distance: 205 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 74.6 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.20 in tolls one way, starting with Little River 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 Portsmouth Heights, 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 12.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 105.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120 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 Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Portsmouth Heights, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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