Broadway, VA to Norfolk, VA is 236.6 miles and takes about 4h 33m via I 81 and I 64, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. Expect a route that's mostly highway driving, making it a straightforward option for a single-day trip. The relatively short duration and predictable roads mean you can focus on getting to your destination 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
118.3 miles from Broadway, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 12m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
156.4 mi
2h 52m
I 81
35.6 mi
39m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.9 mi
25m
Hampton Roads Beltway
4.5 mi
6m
Mayland Road
4 mi
6m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Granby Street
3.1 mi
7m
Monticello Avenue
1.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 156.4 mi, about 2h 52m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 94 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,070 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,484
Quietest
2 AM
~118 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.5×
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 Broadway, VA and Norfolk, VA.
1
Start on this road
5 ft·5 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto VA 259 ALT
0.7 mi·1 min·Broadway Avenue
3
At end of road, turn right onto VA 259
207 ft·3 sec·Timber Way
4
Continue on VA 259
4.0 mi·6 min·Mayland Road
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
6
Merge onto I 81
36 mi·39 min·I 81
7
Take the exit
0.6 mi·53 sec
Toward I 64 East: Richmond
8
Merge onto I 64
90 mi·1 hr 37 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 177Toward I 295 North: Washington, NorfolkUse the slight right lane.
10
Continue on I 295
23 mi·25 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
14
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
15
Continue on I 64; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 276Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby StreetUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek RoadUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
18
Turn straight onto US 460
3.1 mi·7 min·Granby Street
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on US 460
446 ft·9 sec·Church Street
20
Turn right onto US 460
1.2 mi·2 min·Monticello Avenue
Use the right lane.
21
Continue on US 460
0.7 mi·1 min·Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
22
Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue
158 ft·9 sec·East City Hall Avenue
Use the left lane.
23
Arrive at destination
East City Hall Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 33m estimated drive time, departing in the morning will allow you to reach Norfolk with plenty of daylight remaining. With only one stop recommended for this 236.6-mile trip, you have flexibility in how you pace yourself, but consider a break around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 156.4-mile stretch on I 64, as service areas can be spaced out. The $36 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always check current prices.
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 118.3 miles from Broadway, VA, or about 2h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.4 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 52 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.3 miles or 2h 12m 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 38m
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 Broadway, 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 Broadway, VA
This is one driving day of about 236.6 miles and 4h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Broadway, 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 156.4 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 231.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.7 mi into trip|~1m in|VA 259 / Timber Way
At end of road, turn right onto VA 259 / Timber Way
Navigation decision point
8
130.8 mi into trip|~2h 26m in
Take the exit toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
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 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
8
154.9 mi into trip|~2h 52m 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
231 mi into trip|~4h 21m in
Take the exit toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby 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 276
Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby Street
9
231.2 mi into trip|~4h 22m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Cr...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.93 one way
$69.86 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$38.39
$76.77
premium
$4.49
$41.84
$83.69
diesel
$4.80
$44.67
$89.35
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
71
0
$24.84
$11.36
Efficient EV
59.2
0
$20.70
$9.46
EV Truck/SUV
94.6
1
$33.12
$15.14
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% 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
Broadway, VA
Afternoon
in Broadway on Sunday
Local time
3:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Patchy Smoke then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 9 mph50% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:29AM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Norfolk, VA
Afternoon
in Norfolk on Sunday
Local time
3:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
97°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 10 to 14 mph14% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:29AM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM 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
8 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 33m 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.
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 220.2
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
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...
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over...
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 155
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly on highways, with 81% of the 236.6 miles covered on major roadways like I 64 and I 81. You'll encounter a long stretch of 156.4 miles on I 64, which means extended periods of consistent cruising. The transition from highway to surface roads will happen gradually as you approach your destination, marked by an increase in local traffic and more frequent exits.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 156.4 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near VA 259 / Timber Way.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 236.6 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 0.7 miles (VA 259 / Timber Way): Navigation decision point; at 130.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,466 ft7 ft
Total Climb
592 ft
Total Descent
1,627 ft
Highest Point
1,466 ft
~50.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,459 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Broadway, VA to Norfolk, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Virginia Beach along the way.
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.
Top landmarks
•USS Wisconsin — 1943 Iowa-class battleship
•Chrysler Museum of Art — art museum in Norfolk, Virginia
•Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Norfolk — church building in Norfolk, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 33m. Total distance: 236.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 33m 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 156.4 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 15 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 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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (VA 259 / Timber Way): Navigation decision point; at 130.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fort Monroe National Monument, Colonial National Historical Park and Shenandoah National Park (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Norfolk, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
