Chesapeake, VA to Forest, VA is 200.2 miles and takes about 4h 30m via US 460, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive primarily stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region towards its western part. Expect a mixed driving experience that balances highway speeds with more local road sections. With a recommended one-day duration, this trip is manageable for most drivers, offering a straightforward journey between two points in the same state.
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
100.1 miles from Chesapeake, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 460
79.8 mi
1h 51m
New Cox Road
23 mi
26m
Richmond Highway
22.4 mi
27m
West Colonial Trail Highway
13.1 mi
16m
Portsmouth Boulevard
8.2 mi
10m
East Colonial Trail
7.5 mi
11m
East Colonial Trail Road
6.9 mi
7m
I 264
6.7 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
US 460
— 79.8 mi, about 1h 51m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chesapeake, VA and Forest, VA.
1
Start on D Street
412 ft·20 sec·D Street
2
At end of road, turn right onto US 460; VA 166
0.3 mi·29 sec·Poindexter Street
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward I 464 North
4
Merge onto I 464
1.2 mi·1 min·I 464
5
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·14 sec
Exit 6AToward I 264 West Toll: Downtown Tunnel, PortsmouthUse the slight right lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 264 West Toll: TunnelUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 264; US 460 ALT
6.7 mi·9 min·I 264; US 460 ALT
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·47 sec
Toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, RichmondUse the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto I 664
0.4 mi·31 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·54 sec
Exit 13A-BToward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, Military HighwayUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
12
Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460
2.4 mi·3 min·West Military Highway
13
Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460
8.2 mi·10 min·Portsmouth Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto US 460
0.2 mi·29 sec·US 460
Toward US 460: PetersburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
50 mi·1 hr 14 min·US 460
Toward US 460 West: Petersburg, Albert G Horton Junior Memorial, Veterans CemeteryUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
16
Turn left onto SR 630
1.9 mi·3 min·Rives Road
Use the left lane.
17
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 95 North
18
Merge onto I 95
3.7 mi·4 min·I 95
19
Take the exit onto US 460
0.6 mi·1 min·US 460
Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham, BlackstoneUse the right lane.
20
Merge onto I 85; US 460
6.0 mi·7 min·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
21
Take the exit onto US 460
0.2 mi·25 sec·US 460
Exit 61Toward US 460 West: Blackstone, LynchburgUse the slight right lane.
22
Continue on US 460
1.1 mi·1 min·Airport Street
23
Continue on US 460
23 mi·26 min·New Cox Road
24
Continue on US 460
4.3 mi·5 min·East Colonial Trail Highway
25
Continue on US 460
6.9 mi·7 min·East Colonial Trail Road
26
Continue on US 460
7.5 mi·11 min·East Colonial Trail
27
Merge onto US 360; US 460
1.5 mi·2 min·West Colonial Trail Highway
28
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
12 mi·14 min·West Colonial Trail Highway
29
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460
29 mi·34 min·US 460
30
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
22 mi·27 min·Richmond Highway
Toward US 460 West: Lynchburg
31
Take the exit onto US 501
1.0 mi·2 min·US 501
Toward US 501 North: Buena Vista
32
Take the exit onto US 501
0.2 mi·22 sec·US 501
Toward US 501 North, US 29 Bus South: Danville, Buena Vista
33
Merge onto US 501; US 29 BUS
2.6 mi·3 min·Lynchburg Expressway
34
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward Graves Mill RoadUse the right lane.
35
Turn left onto Graves Mill Road
1.7 mi·3 min·Graves Mill Road
Use the straight lane.
36
Turn left onto US 221
2.8 mi·4 min·Forest Road
Use the left lane.
37
Turn left
105 ft·12 sec
38
Turn right
94 ft·6 sec
39
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4.5-hour drive time, starting in the morning is ideal to ensure you have ample daylight to complete the 200.2-mile journey. The recommended one-day trip allows for flexibility, but planning for one stop around the halfway point is wise for fuel and a quick break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering the longest stretch of 79.8 miles on US 460, as services may be less frequent during that segment. The estimated fuel cost is around $31, so budget accordingly.
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 100.1 miles from Chesapeake, VA, or about 2h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.8 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 44 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 100.1 miles or 2h 21m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Forest, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake, VA
This is one driving day of about 200.2 miles and 4h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Chesapeake, 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 460 for about 79.8 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 30
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.8 and 84.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
1.8 mi into trip|~2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 264 West Toll: Downtown Tunnel, Portsmouth
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 6A
Toward I 264 West Toll: Downtown Tunnel, Portsm...
8
9.2 mi into trip|~13m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond
8
10.2 mi into trip|~15m in
Take the exit toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, Military Highway
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 13A-B
Toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suff...
8
22 mi into trip|~31m in|US 460
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460 toward US 460 West: Petersburg, Albert G Horton Junior Memorial, Veterans Cemetery
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 West: Petersburg, Albert G Horton...
8
84.1 mi into trip|~2h 2m in|US 460
Take the exit onto US 460 toward US 460 West: Blackstone, Lynchburg
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 61
Toward US 460 West: Blackstone, Lynchburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.31 one way
$62.61 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg70 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$34.23
$68.46
premium
$4.70
$37.05
$74.11
diesel
$5.61
$44.20
$88.40
Estimated Tolls: $0.42
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(6 mi)$0.42
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 70 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
60.1
0
$21.02
$9.61
Efficient EV
50.1
0
$17.52
$8.01
EV Truck/SUV
80.1
1
$28.03
$12.81
Gas CO2
70 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (67% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Chesapeake, VA
Late night
in Chesapeake on Sunday
Local time
1:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Mostly Clear
SW 7 to 10 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Forest, VA
Late night
in Forest on Sunday
Local time
1:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Chance Rain Showers
W 6 mph28% 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
7 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
4h 30m 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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 82.8
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 172.6
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...
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...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
$15
near mile 41.4
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...
30 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 200.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route features a mixed drive, with 51% of it being highway. You'll encounter stretches on US 460, which can feel like a highway, and also sections on New Cox Road and Richmond Highway that bring you closer to local traffic and scenery. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 79.8 miles on US 460, giving you a good period of consistent driving. The road character shifts as you progress, moving from more open highway to potentially more varied terrain and speed limits.
51% 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: 79.8 mi on US 460.
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 1.8 miles in.
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 30 significant decision points across 200.2 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 1.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.2 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.
Between Chesapeake, VA and Forest, VA, road signs point toward Military Highway, Albert G Horton Junior Memorial, Veterans Cemetery, Blackstone and Lynchburg.
Chesapeake is a town of 245,000 people (2019) in the Hampton Roads region of Eastern Virginia. Chesapeake is a diverse city in which a few urban areas are located; it also has many square miles of protected farmland, forests, and wetlands, including a substantial portion of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 30m. Total distance: 200.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 79.8 miles on US 460. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.42 in tolls one way, starting with Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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 Forest, 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 1.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 10.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument (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 Forest, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
