Origin
Buena Vista, VA
Morning in Buena Vista on Sunday
Local time
7:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Buena Vista, VA to Suffolk, 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 34m
Distance
230.7 mi
371 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$36
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 21m
★
6 AM
4h 35m
8 AM
5h 2m
10 AM
4h 44m
12 PM
4h 42m
3 PM
4h 46m
5 PM
5h 0m
8 PM
4h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Buena Vista, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Suffolk, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 230.7-mile journey from Buena Vista, Virginia, to Suffolk, Virginia, is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 34 minutes on the road, with a fuel cost estimated around $36. The route primarily utilizes major interstates, making it a convenient option for those seeking efficiency. Since both your origin and destination are in the Southeast region, you'll be traversing familiar territory throughout. With just one recommended stop, this trip is ideal for a quick transit or a leisurely start to your day.
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
115.4 miles from Buena Vista, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 8m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 103.1 mi | 1h 54m |
| I 81 | 32.4 mi | 34m |
| Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike | 14.6 mi | 18m |
| James River Drive | 14.6 mi | 19m |
| Colonial Trail West | 13.3 mi | 15m |
| Old Stage Highway | 12 mi | 15m |
| Colonial Trail East | 9.8 mi | 11m |
| Godwin Boulevard | 8.9 mi | 10m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 103.1 mi, about 1h 54m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buena Vista, VA and Suffolk, VA.
1
Start on East 21st Street
444 ft
·
23 sec
·
East 21st Street
2
Turn right onto US 501
483 ft
·
6 sec
·
Sycamore Avenue
3
Turn straight onto US 501
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
Beech Avenue
4
Turn left onto US 60
0.6 mi
·
42 sec
·
West 29th Street
5
Continue on US 60
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
East Midland Trail
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
7
Merge onto I 81
32 mi
·
34 min
·
I 81
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
103 mi
·
1 hr 54 min
·
I 64
Toward I 64 East: Richmond
Use the straight lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
15 mi
·
18 min
·
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 61A
Toward VA 10 East: Hopewell
Use the right lane.
11
Continue on VA 10
6.8 mi
·
10 min
·
West Hundred Road
Use the left / uturn lanes.
12
Continue on VA 10
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
West Randolph Road
13
Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS
15 mi
·
19 min
·
James River Drive
14
Continue on VA 10
13 mi
·
15 min
·
Colonial Trail West
15
At end of road, turn left onto VA 10; VA 31
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Rolfe Highway
16
Take the exit
149 ft
·
6 sec
17
Merge onto VA 10
9.8 mi
·
11 min
·
Colonial Trail East
18
Continue on VA 10
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Old Stage Highway
Use the left lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 10
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Benns Church Boulevard
20
Continue on VA 10; VA 32
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Godwin Boulevard
21
Continue on VA 10; VA 32
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
·
Godwin Boulevard
22
Turn left onto US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32
366 ft
·
6 sec
·
Pruden Boulevard
23
Continue on US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32
2.2 mi
·
5 min
·
North Main Street
24
Turn right onto VA 337
454 ft
·
17 sec
·
West Washington Street
25
Turn left onto South Saratoga Street
165 ft
·
4 sec
·
South Saratoga Street
26
Arrive at destination
South Saratoga Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 34-minute duration, departing Buena Vista in the morning allows ample time to reach Suffolk without feeling rushed. The route has only one recommended stop, so plan your breaks strategically around your personal needs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest 103.1-mile stretch on I-64, to ensure you're prepared. Since this is a manageable one-day drive, you have the flexibility to depart when it suits you best, but an early start will provide a more relaxed pace.
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 115.4 miles from Buena Vista, VA, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.1 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 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115.4 miles or 2h 8m 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 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Suffolk, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Buena Vista, 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 Buena Vista, VA
This is one driving day of about 230.7 miles and 4h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Buena Vista, 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 103.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
115 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 51 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 115.4 miles from Buena Vista, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 103.1 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 145 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 230.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 501 / Sycamore Avenue
Turn right onto US 501 / Sycamore Avenue
Navigation decision point
7
36.7 mi into trip
|
~40m in
|
I 64
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 East: Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 64 East: Richmond
6
139.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 35m in
|
I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
154.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 54m 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
5
230.7 mi into trip
|
~4h 34m in
|
South Saratoga Street
Turn left onto South Saratoga Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.08 one way
$72.15 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
81 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $39.45 | $78.89 |
| premium | $4.70 | $42.70 | $85.40 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $50.94 | $101.87 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.02
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(14.6 mi)
$1.02
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
$36
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 69.2 | 0 | $24.22 | $11.07 |
| Efficient EV | 57.7 | 0 | $20.19 | $9.23 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 92.3 | 1 | $32.30 | $14.76 |
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.
Destination
Suffolk, VA
Morning in Suffolk on Sunday
Local time
7:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
40 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 34m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 65% of the journey taking place on interstates. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including one segment of 103.1 miles primarily on I-64. The main arteries include I-81, I-64, and the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, suggesting a typical interstate experience with efficient travel. While not characterized by winding scenic byways, the highway-centric profile ensures a predictable and largely uninterrupted driving experience.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 103.1 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 0.1 miles in near US 501 / Sycamore Avenue.
Driving Effort
8/10
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 230.7 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 0.1 miles (US 501 / Sycamore Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 36.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 139.8 miles (I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
About the Cities
Arriving in Suffolk, VA
Full guide →Suffolk is a city in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.
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 4h 34m. Total distance: 230.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 103.1 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.02 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.
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 Suffolk, 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 0.1 miles (US 501 / Sycamore Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 36.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 139.8 miles (I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Suffolk, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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