Traveling from Cedar Bluff to Portsmouth Heights covers a total distance of 283.5 miles, typically taking about 5 hours and 21 minutes of driving time. Because this is a highway-focused route, it is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip if you are comfortable with a sustained stint behind the wheel. Budgeting approximately $45 for fuel should cover your needs for the journey. You will traverse the Southeast region, moving across Virginia via major thoroughfares like I-64, I-81, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. Whether you are traveling for business or a visit, this straightforward connection between the two points allows for a predictable itinerary without the need for an overnight stay.
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
141.7 miles from Cedar Bluff, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 37m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
152.7 mi
2h 47m
I 81
64.7 mi
1h 9m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.9 mi
25m
US 220
13.1 mi
15m
Hampton Roads Beltway
12.1 mi
15m
I 581
6.1 mi
8m
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
4.3 mi
5m
Portsmouth Boulevard
3.5 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 152.7 mi, about 2h 47m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cedar Bluff, VA and Portsmouth Heights, 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
63 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·36 sec
Exit 264Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, ChesapeakeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 664
6.1 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 664
4.3 mi·5 min·Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
17
Continue on I 664
5.9 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 11BToward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, PortsmouthUse the right lane.
19
Turn straight onto VA 337
3.5 mi·6 min·Portsmouth Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Turn left onto Byers Avenue
0.3 mi·1 min·Byers Avenue
Use the left lane.
21
Turn right onto Vick Street
464 ft·20 sec·Vick Street
22
Arrive at destination
Vick Street
Trip Plan
Planning your departure is key to navigating this 283.5-mile stretch smoothly, especially since the route involves heavy interstate usage. While the drive can be completed in one go, scheduling at least one planned stop will help you stay alert during the long highway segments. Keep a close eye on traffic patterns when transitioning between I-64 and I-81, as these major junctions can experience congestion depending on the time of day. Since you are looking at a $45 fuel expenditure, filling up before hitting the main highway stretches can save you from paying premium prices at busy travel centers. Use the flexibility of a one-day trip to your advantage by timing your departure to avoid peak rush hours in the more populated areas along the path.
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 141.7 miles from Cedar Bluff, VA, or about 2h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 152.7 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 141.7 miles or 2h 37m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portsmouth Heights, 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 283.5 miles and 5h 21m.
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 152.7 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 279.3 — 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
262.5 mi into trip|~4h 51m in
Take the exit toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, Chesapeake
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 264
Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suff...
8
279.3 mi into trip|~5h 12m in
Take the exit toward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, Portsmouth
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 11B
Toward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, Ports...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.33 one way
$88.67 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg99 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$48.47
$96.95
premium
$4.70
$52.47
$104.94
diesel
$5.61
$62.59
$125.19
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: 99.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.1
1
$29.77
$13.61
Efficient EV
70.9
0
$24.81
$11.34
EV Truck/SUV
113.4
1
$39.69
$18.14
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% 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 18, 2026
Origin
Cedar Bluff, VA
Night
in Cedar Bluff on Saturday
Local time
11:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Night
in Portsmouth Heights on Saturday
Local time
11:17 PM
EDT
Current temp
88°F
Sunny
S 1 to 8 mph0% chanceLive 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
2 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 21m 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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
$15
near mile 244.4
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 263.9
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...
28 mi from route
~69 min detour
Free
near mile 195.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a trip defined by high-speed efficiency, as roughly 83% of your travel takes place on major highways. The personality of this drive is centered on interstate travel, offering a consistent pace rather than technical, winding local roads. You will settle into a significant rhythm during your longest uninterrupted stretch, which covers 152.7 miles on I-64. Because the route relies heavily on major arteries like I-81, you can anticipate a streamlined experience that prioritizes speed and directness over secondary scenic byways. It is a functional, focused drive that gets you from the mountains toward the coast with minimal distraction.
83% 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: 152.7 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 6.6 miles in near US 220.
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 16 significant decision points across 283.5 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
1,500 ft6 ft
Total Climb
902 ft
Total Descent
1,863 ft
Highest Point
1,500 ft
~94.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,493 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Cedar Bluff, VA and Portsmouth Heights, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Suffolk and Chesapeake.
Norfolk
174.4 mi in|~3h 12m
Virginia Beach
198.5 mi in|~3h 39m
Suffolk
262.5 mi in|~4h 51m
Chesapeake
262.5 mi in|~4h 51m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 21m. Total distance: 283.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 152.7 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 Portsmouth Heights, 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 5.4 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 Portsmouth Heights, VA before the return drive.
