Origin
Brandermill, VA
Morning in Brandermill on Tuesday
Local time
9:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Brandermill, VA to Norfolk, VA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 17m
Distance
100 mi
161 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 8m
★
6 AM
2h 18m
8 AM
2h 37m
10 AM
2h 24m
12 PM
2h 22m
3 PM
2h 25m
5 PM
2h 36m
8 PM
2h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Brandermill, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Norfolk, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 100-mile drive from Brandermill, VA, to Norfolk, VA, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. You'll primarily follow James River Drive, Colonial Trail West, and World War II Veterans Memorial Highway, with only about 13% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this route is $16, making it an economical option. Given its relatively short duration and local road focus, it’s well-suited for a single-day adventure without the need for an overnight stay. This trip stays within the Southeast region, keeping the scenery consistent.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
50 miles from Brandermill, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| James River Drive | 14.6 mi | 19m |
| Colonial Trail West | 13.3 mi | 15m |
| World War II Veterans Memorial Highway | 12.1 mi | 14m |
| Old Stage Highway | 12 mi | 15m |
| Colonial Trail East | 9.8 mi | 11m |
| West Hundred Road | 6.8 mi | 10m |
| Western Freeway | 6.8 mi | 8m |
| Bridge Road | 6.2 mi | 10m |
Longest stretch:
James River Drive
— 14.6 mi, about 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brandermill, VA and Norfolk, VA.
1
Start on this road
112 ft
·
9 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto SR 1883
370 ft
·
19 sec
·
Timber Ridge Road
3
Continue on East Timber Ridge Road
263 ft
·
13 sec
·
East Timber Ridge Road
4
Turn right onto Millridge Parkway
1.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Millridge Parkway
5
Turn right onto SR 754
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
South Old Hundred Road
6
Continue on SR 754
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Commonwealth Centre Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
Take the ramp
62 ft
·
1 sec
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward VA 288 South
Use the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto VA 288
12 mi
·
14 min
·
World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward I 95 South: Petersburg
Use the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 95
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 61A
Toward VA 10 East: Hopewell
Use the right lane.
13
Continue on VA 10
6.8 mi
·
10 min
·
West Hundred Road
Use the left / uturn lanes.
14
Continue on VA 10
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
West Randolph Road
15
Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS
15 mi
·
19 min
·
James River Drive
16
Continue on VA 10
13 mi
·
15 min
·
Colonial Trail West
17
At end of road, turn left onto VA 10; VA 31
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Rolfe Highway
18
Take the exit
149 ft
·
6 sec
19
Merge onto VA 10
9.8 mi
·
11 min
·
Colonial Trail East
20
Continue on VA 10
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Old Stage Highway
Use the left lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto US 258
2.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Brewers Neck Boulevard
22
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
23
Merge onto US 17
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Carrollton Boulevard
24
Continue on US 17
6.2 mi
·
10 min
·
Bridge Road
Use the left lane.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 164
6.8 mi
·
8 min
·
Western Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
26
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
35 sec
Toward US 58 East: Tunnel Norfolk
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
Toward US 58 East: Tunnel Norfolk
28
Merge onto US 58
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
US 58
29
Take the exit onto US 58
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
US 58
Toward US 58 East: Brambleton Avenue, Downtown Norfolk
Use the left lane.
30
Turn right onto US 460 ALT
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
31
Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue
158 ft
·
9 sec
·
East City Hall Avenue
Use the left lane.
32
Arrive at destination
East City Hall Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this is a shorter, 2-hour and 17-minute drive, you have the flexibility to depart when you please. However, leaving earlier in the morning can help you avoid potential local traffic congestion, especially as you approach Norfolk. With no designated stops in the data, plan your own breaks as needed, perhaps during the 14.6-mile stretch on James River Drive if you need to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the $16 estimate is based on average consumption; it's always wise to top off before you begin, especially since this route prioritizes local roads over major fuel stops.
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 50 miles from Brandermill, VA, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 14.6 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 22 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 50 miles or 1h 7m 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 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Norfolk, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Brandermill, 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 Brandermill, VA
This is one driving day of about 100 miles and 2h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Brandermill, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on James River Drive for about 14.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
50 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 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 50 miles from Brandermill, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 225 decision points cluster between mile 2.6 and 97.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
2.6 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Keep slight right at fork toward VA 288 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward VA 288 South
7
15 mi into trip
|
~20m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South: Petersburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 95 South: Petersburg
7
16.8 mi into trip
|
~23m in
Take the exit toward VA 10 East: Hopewell
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 61A
Toward VA 10 East: Hopewell
6
89.1 mi into trip
|
~2h in
|
VA 164 / Western Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 164 / Western Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
7
97.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 12m in
|
US 58
Take the exit onto US 58 toward US 58 East: Brambleton Avenue, Downtown Norfolk
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward US 58 East: Brambleton Avenue, Downtown...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.64 one way
$31.28 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
35 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $17.10 | $34.20 |
| premium | $4.70 | $18.51 | $37.02 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $22.08 | $44.16 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.10
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(1.5 mi)
$0.10
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: 35 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 30 | 0 | $10.50 | $4.80 |
| Efficient EV | 25 | 0 | $8.75 | $4.00 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 40 | 0 | $14.00 | $6.40 |
Gas CO2
35 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (66% 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
Norfolk, VA
Morning in Norfolk on Tuesday
Local time
9:53 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
52°F
Waverly, VA
50 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
31 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 17m 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.
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
$15
near mile 62.1
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 93.1
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...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 17.2
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 'turn-heavy local drive' for most of this 100-mile route. While only 13% is highway, the majority unfolds on local roads like James River Drive and Colonial Trail West. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 14.6 miles along James River Drive, so be prepared for frequent adjustments in direction and speed. This means you'll experience a more varied driving experience, rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, allowing you to engage more with the local landscape as you navigate.
Only 13% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 14.6 mi on James River Drive.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.6 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 22 significant decision points across 100 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 2.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 15 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Arriving in Norfolk, VA
Full guide →Norfolk is in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It is a port city with a large Navy and shipping presence. But it is also known as a major cultural center, with world-class museums, opera, symphony, ballet and a vibrant arts community. The downtown area has experienced a major resurgence, with gourmet restaurants, shopping and attractions. Norfolk is one of the top cruise ports in the country.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 17m. Total distance: 100 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 14.6 miles on James River Drive. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.10 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 Norfolk, 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 2.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 15 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Norfolk, VA before heading back.
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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