Spanning 280.2 miles across Virginia, this trip takes you from Cedar Bluff to the coast in Norfolk. You should plan for about 5 hours and 20 minutes of driving time, making it a manageable day trip if you get an early start. Budgeting approximately $45 for fuel is a smart way to prepare for the expenses of this cross-state journey. You will primarily navigate via the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, I-81, and I-64. Since the entire route stays within the Southeast, the transition from the mountains toward the Atlantic coast is a straightforward trek. While you could technically complete this in one go, having the flexibility to stop once will make the long haul behind the wheel much more comfortable.
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
140.1 miles from Cedar Bluff, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
156.9 mi
2h 53m
I 81
64.7 mi
1h 9m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.9 mi
25m
US 220
13.1 mi
15m
I 581
6.1 mi
8m
Hampton Roads Beltway
4.5 mi
6m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Granby Street
3.1 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 156.9 mi, about 2h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Bluff, VA and Norfolk, VA.
1
Start on 5th Street Southeast
75 ft·4 sec·5th Street Southeast
2
Turn right onto Highland Avenue Southeast
423 ft·18 sec·Highland Avenue Southeast
3
Turn right onto 4th Street Southeast
0.2 mi·29 sec·4th Street Southeast
4
Turn left onto VA 24
241 ft·15 sec·Elm Avenue Southeast
5
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward I 581 North, US 220 North: Lexington, Salem
6
Merge onto I 581; US 220
6.1 mi·8 min·I 581; US 220
Use the straight lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto US 220
13 mi·15 min·US 220
Exit 1NToward I 81 North, US 220 North: LexingtonUse the straight lane.
8
Continue on I 81
65 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 81
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
90 mi·1 hr 38 min·I 64
Toward I 64 East: RichmondUse the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 177Toward I 295 North: Washington, NorfolkUse the slight right lane.
11
Continue on I 295
23 mi·25 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
15
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
16
Continue on I 64; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 276Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby StreetUse the slight right lane.
18
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.
19
Turn straight onto US 460
3.1 mi·7 min·Granby Street
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on US 460
446 ft·9 sec·Church Street
21
Turn right onto US 460
1.2 mi·2 min·Monticello Avenue
Use the right lane.
22
Continue on US 460
0.7 mi·1 min·Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
23
Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue
158 ft·9 sec·East City Hall Avenue
Use the left lane.
24
Arrive at destination
East City Hall Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the best time, aim to depart early to avoid potential congestion on the busier stretches of I-64 and I-81. Since you have 280.2 miles to cover, plan for at least one scheduled stop to stretch your legs and refuel; having that $45 budget set aside simplifies your planning. Keep a close watch on your fuel levels during that long 156.9-mile stretch on I-64, as finding a service station is easier when you plan ahead. Because this route is a single-day commitment, you have the advantage of being able to reach your destination by evening if you pace yourself properly. Staying alert during the final leg of the drive is key, as the transition from highway cruising into the Norfolk area can be busier than the open stretches you encounter earlier in the day.
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 140.1 miles from Cedar Bluff, VA, or about 2h 35m 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 62 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 140.1 miles or 2h 35m 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 16m
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 Cedar Bluff, 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 Cedar Bluff, VA
This is one driving day of about 280.2 miles and 5h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 miles from Cedar Bluff, 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 6.6 and 274.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
6.6 mi into trip|~9m in|US 220
Keep slight right at fork onto US 220 toward I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1N
Toward I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington
8
174.4 mi into trip|~3h 12m 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
198.5 mi into trip|~3h 39m 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
274.6 mi into trip|~5h 8m 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
274.8 mi into trip|~5h 8m 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
$43.82 one way
$87.63 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg98 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$47.91
$95.82
premium
$4.70
$51.86
$103.72
diesel
$5.61
$61.86
$123.73
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$44
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$69–$94
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
84.1
1
$29.42
$13.45
Efficient EV
70.1
0
$24.52
$11.21
EV Truck/SUV
112.1
1
$39.23
$17.93
Gas CO2
98 kg
EV CO2
33 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 Apr 12, 2026
Origin
Cedar Bluff, VA
Late night
in Cedar Bluff on Sunday
Local time
12:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Partly Cloudy
E 3 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Norfolk, VA
Late night
in Norfolk on Sunday
Local time
12:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°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
33 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
5h 20m 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...
4 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 270.5
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
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...
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 202.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 86% of your journey is spent on major thoroughfares. The personality of the drive is defined by efficiency, characterized by a significant 156.9-mile stretch on I-64 that allows you to maintain a steady pace. You will transition from the regional roads near Cedar Bluff onto the heavy-duty interstate system that spans the width of the state. Because the majority of the route is interstate, you can anticipate a consistent, fast-paced environment rather than the technical turns of backroads. This is a practical drive designed for distance, so focus on the long stretches of pavement as you move from the interior of Virginia toward the eastern shoreline.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 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 6.6 miles in near US 220.
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 16 significant decision points across 280.2 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 6.6 miles (US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 174.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 198.5 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
1,437 ft29 ft
Total Climb
784 ft
Total Descent
1,703 ft
Highest Point
1,437 ft
~81.7 mi in
Elevation Range
1,408 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 Cedar Bluff, VA to Norfolk, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Virginia Beach along the way.
Virginia Beach
198.5 mi in|~3h 39m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 20m. Total distance: 280.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.6 miles (US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 174.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 198.5 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 Booker T Washington National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.3 hours each way, a round trip means 10.7 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.
