Origin
Chatham, VA
Morning in Chatham on Tuesday
Local time
6:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Chatham, VA to Newport News, VA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 29m
Distance
210 mi
338 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 16m
★
6 AM
4h 30m
8 AM
4h 56m
10 AM
4h 39m
12 PM
4h 36m
3 PM
4h 40m
5 PM
4h 55m
8 PM
4h 22m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Chatham, VA
RDNE Stock project
Newport News, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 210-mile drive from Chatham, VA, to Newport News, VA, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 29 minutes. You'll primarily travel on I-64, Kings Highway, and West Patrick Henry Highway, with about 33% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $33. Given the relatively short duration, this route is well-suited for a single day of travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing to break up the journey. The drive offers a mixed terrain experience as you traverse within the Southeast region of Virginia.
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
105 miles from Chatham, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 17m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 56.7 mi | 1h 2m |
| Kings Highway | 39.7 mi | 47m |
| West Patrick Henry Highway | 24.6 mi | 31m |
| Hull Street Road | 21.6 mi | 32m |
| Halifax Road | 15.3 mi | 21m |
| Pocahontas Parkway | 8.1 mi | 9m |
| James D Hagood Highway | 7.9 mi | 9m |
| Louis P Bailey Memorial Highway | 6.8 mi | 9m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 56.7 mi, about 1h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chatham, VA and Newport News, VA.
1
Start on Pruden Street
74 ft
·
8 sec
·
Pruden Street
2
Turn left onto US 29 BUS
0.2 mi
·
47 sec
·
South Main Street
3
Turn left onto VA 57
15 mi
·
21 min
·
Halifax Road
4
Continue on VA 57
6.8 mi
·
10 min
·
Chatham Road
5
Turn left onto SR 642
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Meadville Road
6
Turn right onto US 501
6.8 mi
·
9 min
·
Louis P Bailey Memorial Highway
7
Continue on US 501
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
L P Bailey Memorial Highway
8
Turn left onto VA 360
6.5 mi
·
9 min
·
Bethel Road
9
Turn left onto US 360
7.9 mi
·
9 min
·
James D Hagood Highway
10
Continue on US 360
40 mi
·
47 min
·
Kings Highway
11
Merge onto US 360; US 460
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
West Colonial Trail Highway
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 360
25 mi
·
31 min
·
West Patrick Henry Highway
13
Continue on US 360
22 mi
·
32 min
·
Hull Street Road
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Toward VA 150 South
Use the right lane.
15
Merge onto VA 150
5.3 mi
·
6 min
·
Chippenham Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on VA 150
8.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Pocahontas Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Toward I 295 North: Washington
Use the slight left lane.
18
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
·
this road
19
Merge onto I 295
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Exit 28
Toward I 64, US 60: Norfolk, Richmond, Richmond International Airport
Use the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I 64, US 60 West: Norfolk, Richmond, Seven Pines
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward I 64: Richmond, Norfolk
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk
Use the slight right lane.
24
Merge onto I 64
57 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 258A
Toward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
26
Turn straight onto US 17
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
J Clyde Morris Boulevard
27
Turn right onto Diligence Drive
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Diligence Drive
28
At end of road, turn right onto Thimble Shoals Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Thimble Shoals Boulevard
29
Turn left
413 ft
·
33 sec
30
At end of road, turn right
82 ft
·
6 sec
31
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Planning for this 210-mile trip from Chatham to Newport News is straightforward, as it's best tackled in a single day. Aim to depart early to maximize your daylight hours and take advantage of the 4-hour, 29-minute travel time. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel; while the estimated cost is $33, it's always wise to refuel before embarking on the longest stretch of 56.7 miles on I-64. This will ensure a smoother journey without unnecessary delays.
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 105 miles from Chatham, VA, or about 2h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.7 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 46 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105 miles or 2h 17m 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 46m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Newport News, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chatham, 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 Chatham, VA
This is one driving day of about 210 miles and 4h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from Chatham, 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 56.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
105 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 46 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 105 miles from Chatham, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 205 decision points cluster between mile 133.7 and 208.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
133.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 59m in
Take the exit toward VA 150 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward VA 150 South
7
147.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 16m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 295 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 295 North: Washington
8
150.2 mi into trip
|
~3h 20m in
Take the exit toward I 64, US 60: Norfolk, Richmond, Richmond International Airport
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 28
Toward I 64, US 60: Norfolk, Richmond, Richmond...
7
151.3 mi into trip
|
~3h 22m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 64 East: Norfolk
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk
7
208.8 mi into trip
|
~4h 26m in
Take the exit toward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 258A
Toward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.84 one way
$65.68 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
74 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $35.91 | $71.81 |
| premium | $4.70 | $38.87 | $77.73 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $46.37 | $92.73 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 73.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 63 | 0 | $22.05 | $10.08 |
| Efficient EV | 52.5 | 0 | $18.38 | $8.40 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 84 | 1 | $29.40 | $13.44 |
Gas CO2
73 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Newport News, VA
Morning in Newport News on Tuesday
Local time
6:28 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
72°F
Victoria, VA
105 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
19 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 29m 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...
0 mi from route
$15
near mile 195.5
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 210
View on nps.gov
Petersburg National Battlefield
National Battlefield
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...
17 mi from route
~43 min detour
Free
near mile 137.6
View on nps.gov
Booker T Washington National Monument
National Monument
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...
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
National Historical Park
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Question...
30 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 72.4
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
The character of this 210-mile drive is a blend of highway speeds and more localized travel. With 33% of the route utilizing highways, you can expect some stretches of faster driving. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 56.7 miles on I-64, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. However, the inclusion of roads like Kings Highway and West Patrick Henry Highway suggests a more varied driving experience, transitioning between quicker sections and potentially slower, more scenic or residential roads. This mixed drive profile means you'll experience different paces throughout your 4-hour and 29-minute journey.
33% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 56.7 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 133.7 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 20 significant decision points across 210 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 133.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 147.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 150.2 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Chatham, VA and Newport News, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Richmond International Airport, Seven Pines and Norfolk.
Richmond
150.2 mi in
|
~3h 20m
Richmond International Airport
150.2 mi in
|
~3h 20m
Seven Pines
150.6 mi in
|
~3h 20m
Norfolk
150.9 mi in
|
~3h 21m
About the Cities
Arriving in Newport News, VA
Full guide →Newport News is a city in Virginia in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. It's on the James River, and much of the area has been developed into a city starting in the late 19th century.
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 29m. Total distance: 210 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 56.7 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 Newport News, 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 133.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 147.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 150.2 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 (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Newport News, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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