Chatmoss to Newport News is 245.6 miles and takes about 5h 3m via I 85 and I 64, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you across Virginia, starting in the Southeast region and ending in the same state, also in the Southeast. The drive is primarily on interstates, making it a straightforward journey for those looking to cover ground efficiently. Expect a mixed drive with a significant portion on major highways, ideal for a single-day excursion.
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
122.8 miles from Chatmoss, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 39m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 85
56.4 mi
1h 1m
I 64
46.8 mi
51m
US 58
29.1 mi
36m
Clarksville Bypass
22.9 mi
29m
Philpott Road
19.7 mi
25m
Bill Tuck Highway
18.8 mi
24m
Roxbury Road
13.3 mi
17m
South Boston Highway
5.3 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 85
— 56.4 mi, about 1h 1m
Traffic on I-85
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 48 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~887 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,234
Quietest
2 AM
~140 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.3×
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 Chatmoss, VA and Newport News, VA.
1
Start on SR 777
250 ft·8 sec·Mount Olivet Road
2
Turn right onto SR 620
0.7 mi·1 min·Old Liberty Drive
3
At end of road, turn left onto SR 650
0.7 mi·1 min·Irisburg Road
4
Turn left
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward US 58 East
5
Merge onto US 58
2.9 mi·3 min·William F Stone Highway
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 58
15 mi·19 min·US 58
Toward US 58 East: DanvilleUse the slight right lane.
7
Take the exit onto US 58
14 mi·17 min·US 58
Toward US 58 East
8
Take the exit onto US 58
0.3 mi·38 sec·US 58
Toward US 58 East, US 360 East: South Boston
9
Merge onto US 58; US 360
2.9 mi·5 min·South Boston Road
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on US 58; US 360
5.3 mi·7 min·South Boston Highway
11
Continue on US 58; US 360
20 mi·25 min·Philpott Road
12
Continue on US 58; US 360
19 mi·24 min·Bill Tuck Highway
13
Continue on US 58; VA 49
3.6 mi·4 min·Clarksville Bypass
Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto US 58
19 mi·24 min·Clarksville Bypass
Toward US 58 East: Boydton, South Hill
15
Continue on US 1; US 58
3.5 mi·4 min·Highway 1
16
Continue on US 58
3.3 mi·4 min·South Hill Bypass
17
Continue on US 58
0.3 mi·35 sec·East Atlantic Street
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
19
Merge onto I 85
56 mi·1 hr 1 min·I 85
Use the straight lane.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
Exit 69Toward Wythe Street, Washigton Street, Historic Old Towne PetersburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward US 301 South: Wythe StreetUse the slight right lane.
22
Merge onto US 460 BUS; VA 36
0.6 mi·47 sec·East Wythe Street
Use the left lane.
23
Continue on VA 36
3.6 mi·4 min·East Washington Street
Use the left lane.
24
Continue on VA 36
2.0 mi·2 min·Oaklawn Boulevard
25
Continue on VA 36
2.2 mi·2 min·Winston Churchill Drive
26
Turn right onto VA 10; VA 156 BUS
1.3 mi·2 min·East Randolph Road
27
Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS
1.9 mi·2 min·James River Drive
28
Turn left onto VA 106; VA 156
1.9 mi·2 min·Jordan Point Road
29
Continue on VA 106; VA 156
13 mi·17 min·Roxbury Road
30
Continue on VA 106
3.0 mi·4 min·Emmaus Church Road
31
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·49 sec
32
Merge onto I 64; VA 33
47 mi·51 min·I 64; VA 33
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 258AToward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
34
Turn straight onto US 17
0.1 mi·10 sec·J Clyde Morris Boulevard
35
Turn right onto Diligence Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·Diligence Drive
36
At end of road, turn right onto Thimble Shoals Boulevard
0.1 mi·19 sec·Thimble Shoals Boulevard
37
Turn left
413 ft·33 sec
38
At end of road, turn right
82 ft·6 sec
39
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 3m estimated drive time and 245.6 miles, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Consider departing in the morning to maximize daylight and take advantage of potentially lighter traffic. While the longest stretch on I 85 is 56.4 miles, there's a single designated stop, suggesting ample opportunities for fuel and rest along the way. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading onto longer highway segments, to stay within your estimated $38 budget and avoid 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 122.8 miles from Chatmoss, VA, or about 2h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.4 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 54 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.8 miles or 2h 39m 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 12m
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 Chatmoss, 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 Chatmoss, VA
This is one driving day of about 245.6 miles and 5h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Chatmoss, 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 85 for about 56.4 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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 4.7 and 244.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
4.7 mi into trip|~7m in|US 58
Keep slight right at fork onto US 58 toward US 58 East: Danville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 58 East: Danville
6
33.8 mi into trip|~44m in|US 58; US 360 / South Boston Road
Merge onto US 58; US 360 / South Boston Road
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
167.1 mi into trip|~3h 27m in
Take the exit toward Wythe Street, Washigton Street, Historic Old Towne Petersburg
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 69
Toward Wythe Street, Washigton Street, Historic...
8
167.4 mi into trip|~3h 28m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 301 South: Wythe Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 301 South: Wythe Street
7
244.5 mi into trip|~4h 59m 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
$36.26 one way
$72.52 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$39.85
$79.69
premium
$4.49
$43.43
$86.87
diesel
$4.80
$46.37
$92.75
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.7
0
$25.79
$11.79
Efficient EV
61.4
0
$21.49
$9.82
EV Truck/SUV
98.2
1
$34.38
$15.72
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Chatmoss, VA
Late night
in Chatmoss on Sunday
Local time
4:21 AM
EDT
Current temp
93°F
Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 0 to 9 mph48% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:50AM EDT until July 18 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:31AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Newport News, VA
Late night
in Newport News on Sunday
Local time
4:21 AM
EDT
Current temp
97°F
Patchy Smoke then Slight Chance Rain Showers
SW 7 to 14 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 7:50AM EDT until July 18 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:31AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
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
4 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 3m 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.
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...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 160.9
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 245.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route offers a mixed drive experience, with 55% of it being highway travel. You'll spend a good portion of your time on interstates like I 85 and I 64, which means faster speeds and less frequent turns. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 56.4 miles on I 85, so be prepared for extended periods of highway driving. As you transition to US 58, the character may shift, offering a different feel before reaching your destination in Newport News.
55% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 56.4 mi on I 85.
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 4.7 miles in near US 58.
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 22 significant decision points across 245.6 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 4.7 miles (US 58): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.8 miles (US 58; US 360 / South Boston Road): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 167.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
791 ft33 ft
Total Climb
264 ft
Total Descent
886 ft
Highest Point
791 ft
~17.5 mi in
Elevation Range
758 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Chatmoss, VA and Newport News, VA, road signs point toward Hill and Historic Old Towne Petersburg.
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.
Top landmarks
•USS Monitor — 1862 unique ironclad; first in United States Navy service
•Endview Plantation Historic Site — human settlement in United States of America
•Newport News Middle Ground Light — lighthouse in Virginia, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 3m. Total distance: 245.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 56.4 miles on I 85. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 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 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. There are 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.7 miles (US 58): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 33.8 miles (US 58; US 360 / South Boston Road): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 167.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield, Colonial National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Newport News, VA before the return drive.
