Spanning 247.8 miles across Virginia, this trip from Buena Vista to Virginia Beach typically takes about 4 hours and 43 minutes. Since it is a highway-focused drive, you can easily complete the journey in a single day, though staying flexible with your schedule is always wise. Budgeting approximately $40 for fuel should cover your needs for the trip. You will travel entirely within the Southeast region, transitioning from the inland landscape of Buena Vista toward the coastal environment of Virginia Beach. It is a straightforward route that moves you efficiently from the mountains to the coast, making it a practical choice if you want to maximize your time at your final destination.
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
123.9 miles from Buena Vista, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 15m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
156.9 mi
2h 53m
I 81
32.4 mi
34m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.9 mi
25m
Hampton Roads Beltway
12 mi
15m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
11.8 mi
16m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
East Midland Trail
2.7 mi
3m
West 29th Street
0.6 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 156.9 mi, about 2h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buena Vista, VA and Virginia Beach, 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
90 mi·1 hr 38 min·I 64
Toward I 64 East: RichmondUse 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
12 mi·15 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 284AToward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, PortsmouthUse the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va BeachUse the straight / slight left lanes.
18
Merge onto I 264
12 mi·16 min·Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
19
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi·54 sec·21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi·46 sec·Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
21
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft·12 sec·25th Street
22
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
Given the nearly five-hour duration, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid potential traffic congestion as you approach the coastal areas. Since you have a 156.9-mile stretch on I-64, ensure your vehicle is gassed up before hitting that segment to avoid unnecessary delays. Because this is a single-day trip, keep your itinerary loose so you can adapt to road conditions or fatigue without stress. Always check traffic reports for I-64 before departing, as this will be the most critical part of your transit.
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 123.9 miles from Buena Vista, VA, or about 2h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.9 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 55 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 123.9 miles or 2h 15m 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 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Virginia Beach, 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 247.8 miles and 4h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 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 156.9 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 36.7 and 234.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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
8
126.8 mi into trip|~2h 18m 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
150.9 mi into trip|~2h 45m 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
234.5 mi into trip|~4h 23m in
Take the exit toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth
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 284A
Toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downto...
7
234.6 mi into trip|~4h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.75 one way
$77.50 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$42.37
$84.74
premium
$4.70
$45.86
$91.73
diesel
$5.61
$54.71
$109.42
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 86.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.3
0
$26.02
$11.89
Efficient EV
62
0
$21.68
$9.91
EV Truck/SUV
99.1
1
$34.69
$15.86
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Buena Vista, VA
Morning
in Buena Vista on Sunday
Local time
11:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Morning
in Virginia Beach on Sunday
Local time
11:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
53°F
Ashland, VA
124 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
14 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 43m 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...
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 222.2
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
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 153.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a high-speed experience, as 81% of this route consists of major highways. You will rely heavily on I-64, I-81, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway to make your progress. Be prepared for a significant stretch of interstate driving, with the longest uninterrupted segment covering 156.9 miles on I-64. Because of this focus on primary arteries, the drive feels consistent and efficient rather than technical or winding. While you won't encounter many local roads, the sheer distance means you will spend the vast majority of your time maintaining highway speeds.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 156.9 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 36.7 miles in near I 64.
Driving Effort9/10
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 14 significant decision points across 247.8 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 36.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 126.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 150.9 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 Buena Vista, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Norfolk
126.8 mi in|~2h 18m
Portsmouth
234.5 mi in|~4h 23m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 43m. Total distance: 247.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 43m 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 156.9 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Virginia Beach, 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 36.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 126.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 150.9 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Virginia Beach, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
