Cana, VA to Norfolk, VA is 305.1 miles and takes about 6h 8m via US 58 and I-85, with a fuel budget near $48 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region of the state to its eastern coast. With a high percentage of highway driving, expect a fairly direct path, though the initial leg on US 58 will be more varied. This is a solid option if you're looking for a single-day drive with minimal fuss, putting you at your destination with time to spare.
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
152.5 miles from Cana, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 56m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 58
68.1 mi
1h 28m
I 85
57.5 mi
1h 4m
I 40
46.3 mi
54m
North Andy Griffith Parkway
31.6 mi
35m
US 158
29.2 mi
34m
Congressman G K Butterfield Highway
19.3 mi
20m
NC 74
13.3 mi
15m
Salem Parkway
11.4 mi
13m
Longest stretch:
US 58
— 68.1 mi, about 1h 28m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 9 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~1,251 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,113
Quietest
2 AM
~231 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.4×
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 Cana, VA and Norfolk, VA.
1
Start on US 52
2.6 mi·2 min·Fancy Gap Highway
2
Continue on US 52
32 mi·35 min·North Andy Griffith Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
3
Keep slight left at fork onto NC 74
13 mi·15 min·NC 74
Toward NC 74 EastUse the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi·2 min
Exit 53BToward US 421 South: Greensboro
5
Merge onto US 421; NC 150
11 mi·13 min·Salem Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
7.8 mi·9 min·I 40
Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, MartinsvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 40; US 29; US 220
1.8 mi·2 min·I 40; US 29; US 220
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 40
37 mi·42 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; NC 86 Truck
9.4 mi·10 min·I 85; NC 86 Truck
Toward I 85 North: DurhamUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 70
1.8 mi·2 min·I 85; US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 85; US 15; US 70; US 501
4.3 mi·5 min·I 85; US 15; US 70; US 501
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 15
37 mi·40 min·I 85; US 15
13
Turn straight onto I 85
4.9 mi·5 min·I 85
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward US 1, US 158: Norlina
15
Turn left onto US 1; US 158
8.6 mi·10 min·US 1; US 158
16
Turn right onto US 158; US 401
1.2 mi·1 min·US 158; US 401
17
Continue on US 158 Bypass
5.0 mi·5 min·US 158 Bypass
18
At end of road, turn left onto US 158
28 mi·33 min·US 158
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
20
Merge onto I 95; US 158
19 mi·20 min·Congressman G K Butterfield Highway
21
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward US 58 East: Emporia, Norfolk
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward US 58 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
23
Merge onto US 58
68 mi·1 hr 28 min·US 58
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit onto US 13; US 460
0.7 mi·1 min·US 13; US 460
Toward I 264 East, I 64, US 13 North: Portsmouth, Norfolk, Va Beach
25
Keep slight left at fork onto US 13; US 460
0.4 mi·56 sec·US 13; US 460
Toward I 264 East, I 64, US 13 North: Portsmouth, Norfolk, Va Beach
26
Merge onto I 664; US 13; US 460
0.6 mi·42 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
27
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 15AToward I 264 East: Portsmouth, Norfolk
28
Continue on I 264
7.2 mi·11 min·I 264
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT
0.2 mi·26 sec·US 460 ALT
Exit 9Toward Waterside Drive, St Paul's BoulevardUse the slight left lane.
30
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT
0.3 mi·53 sec·US 460 ALT
Toward Saint Paul's BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Turn left onto Saint Pauls Boulevard
0.1 mi·29 sec·Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
32
Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue
158 ft·9 sec·East City Hall Avenue
Use the left lane.
33
Arrive at destination
East City Hall Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 6-hour drive, leaving in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and avoid late-night driving. The route is manageable in a single day, but consider a brief stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs and refuel. Pay attention to the transition from US 58 to I-85, as this is where the driving environment changes most significantly. The estimated fuel cost of $48 is a helpful budget point, so ensure your tank is full before you depart Cana, VA.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 152.5 miles from Cana, VA, or about 2h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68.1 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 67 miles or 1h 18m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 152.5 miles or 2h 56m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 53m
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 Cana, 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 Cana, VA
This is one driving day of about 305.1 miles and 6h 8m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 67 miles from Cana, 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 US 58 for about 68.1 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 26
5 decision points cluster between mile 34.2 and 304.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
34.2 mi into trip|~38m in|NC 74
Keep slight left at fork onto NC 74 toward NC 74 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NC 74 East
8
60 mi into trip|~1h 10m in|I 40
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
7
106.3 mi into trip|~2h 4m in|I 85; NC 86 Truck
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; NC 86 Truck toward I 85 North: Durham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 85 North: Durham
9
304.4 mi into trip|~6h 6m in|US 460 ALT
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT toward Waterside Drive, St Paul's Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 9
Toward Waterside Drive, St Paul's Boulevard
8
304.6 mi into trip|~6h 7m in|US 460 ALT
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT toward Saint Paul's Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Saint Paul's Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$45.04 one way
$90.09 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg107 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$49.50
$99.00
premium
$4.49
$53.96
$107.91
diesel
$4.80
$57.61
$115.22
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 106.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
91.5
1
$32.04
$14.64
Efficient EV
76.3
0
$26.70
$12.20
EV Truck/SUV
122
1
$42.71
$19.53
Gas CO2
107 kg
EV CO2
36 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 17, 2026
Origin
Cana, VA
Late night
in Cana on Sunday
Local time
5:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Patchy Smoke
SE 2 mph6% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 3:53PM EDT until July 17 at 4:30PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Destination
Norfolk, VA
Late night
in Norfolk on Sunday
Local time
5:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Areas Of Smoke
E 8 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 3:53PM EDT until July 17 at 4:30PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
86°F
South Boston, VA
153 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
2 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
6h 8m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 305.1
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway, with 92% of the drive on major roadways. You'll experience a long stretch of 68.1 miles on US 58 before transitioning to I-85. Expect a high volume of exits and potential merging traffic as you approach larger populated areas. The majority of your time will be spent on interstates, offering a consistent cruising experience.
92% 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: 68.1 mi on US 58.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 58 and I 85. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 34.2 miles in near NC 74.
Driving Effort10/10
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 26 significant decision points across 305.1 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 34.2 miles (NC 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 60 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.3 miles (I 85; NC 86 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,430 ft7 ft
Total Climb
117 ft
Total Descent
1,540 ft
Highest Point
1,430 ft
Elevation Range
1,423 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Cana, VA and Norfolk, VA, road signs point toward Martinsville and Virginia Beach.
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 6h 8m. Total distance: 305.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 8m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 68.1 miles on US 58. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 23 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 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 34.2 miles (NC 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 60 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.3 miles (I 85; NC 86 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Fort Monroe National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.1 hours each way, a round trip means 12.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Norfolk, VA before the return drive.
