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Trip from Chesapeake, VA to Ravensworth, VA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 45m

Distance

188 mi

302 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 33m ★
6 AM
3h 45m
8 AM
4h 11m
10 AM
3h 54m
12 PM
3h 52m
3 PM
3h 55m
5 PM
4h 9m
8 PM
3h 38m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Chesapeake, VA, VA

Chesapeake, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Ravensworth, VA, VA

Ravensworth, VA

Joshua Roberts

Trip Overview

Chesapeake, VA to Ravensworth, VA is 188 miles and takes about 3h 45m via I 95, with a fuel budget near $29 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This single-day trip stays within the Southeast region, primarily traveling through Virginia. Expect a highway-focused drive that makes good time, ideal for those prioritizing efficiency. With a total travel time under four hours, this route is well-suited for a quick transition between locations, minimizing time spent on the road. The relatively low fuel cost also adds to its practicality for budget-conscious travelers.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

94 miles from Chesapeake, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 82.3 mi 1h 33m
I 64 61.1 mi 1h 7m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway 11.9 mi 12m
Hampton Roads Beltway 9.6 mi 12m
Granby Street 4 mi 9m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel 3.5 mi 4m
Capital Beltway 1.4 mi 1m
Monticello Avenue 1.2 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 82.3 mi, about 1h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Chesapeake, VA and Ravensworth, 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 left at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 6B Toward I 264 East: Waterside Drive, Saint Paul Boulevard, Downtown, Norfolk Use the slight left lane.
6

Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT

0.2 mi · 26 sec · US 460 ALT
Exit 9 Toward Waterside Drive, St Paul's Boulevard Use the slight left lane.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT

0.3 mi · 53 sec · US 460 ALT
Toward Saint Paul's Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Turn right onto US 460 ALT

0.6 mi · 1 min · Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Continue on US 460

1.2 mi · 2 min · Monticello Avenue
10

Turn left onto US 460

486 ft · 13 sec · Church Street
11

Continue on US 460

4.0 mi · 9 min · Granby Street
Use the left lane.
12

Turn left

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Toward I 64
13

Merge onto I 64

3.8 mi · 5 min · Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Continue on I 64; US 60

3.5 mi · 4 min · Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
15

Continue on I 64; US 60

5.9 mi · 7 min · Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64

61 mi · 1 hr 7 min · I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 32 sec
Exit 200 Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight right at fork

1.3 mi · 2 min
Toward I 295 North: Washington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Merge onto I 295

12 mi · 12 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
20

Take the exit

2.4 mi · 2 min
Exit 43A Toward I 95 North: Washington Use the slight left lane.
21

Merge onto I 95

46 mi · 49 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17

1.6 mi · 1 min · I 95; US 17
23

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
24

Merge onto I 95

35 mi · 41 min · I 95
Use the slight left lane.
25

Keep slight right at fork onto I 395

0.6 mi · 52 sec · Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 170A; 170B Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner Use the straight / slight left lanes.
26

Take the exit

1.4 mi · 1 min
Exit 170B Toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner Use the slight right lane.
27

Merge onto I 495

1.0 mi · 1 min · Capital Beltway
28

Keep slight right at fork onto I 495

0.4 mi · 31 sec · Capital Beltway
29

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 31 sec
Exit 54B-A Toward SR 620: Braddock Road Use the slight right lane.
30

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Exit 54A Toward SR 620 West: Braddock Road Use the straight lane.
31

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Exit 54A Toward SR 620 West: Braddock Road Use the right lane.
32

Turn straight onto SR 620

0.4 mi · 51 sec · Braddock Road
33

Turn left onto Queensberry Avenue

0.6 mi · 1 min · Queensberry Avenue
Use the left lane.
34

Turn left onto Ellet Road

84 ft · 3 sec · Ellet Road
35

Arrive at destination

Ellet Road

Trip Plan

Given the 3h 45m duration, departing Chesapeake, VA in the morning allows ample time to reach Ravensworth, VA before evening. You'll only need one stop, so plan it strategically around the halfway point or for a quick fuel and stretch break. The longest continuous stretch is 82.3 miles on I 95, so ensure you're fueled up before embarking on that segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $29, monitoring your fuel gauge is advisable, especially if you plan to deviate from the most direct path. This is a manageable one-day trip, so you have flexibility in your departure time.

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 94 miles from Chesapeake, VA, or about 1h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.3 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 41 miles or 56m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 94 miles or 1h 56m 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 2m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ravensworth, 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 188 miles and 3h 45m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 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 I 95 for about 82.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in southeastern Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Windsor, VA

94 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

Gloucester Point, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

East Highland Park, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 94 miles from Chesapeake, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82.3 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Brickmakers Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Lorton, Virginia

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 174.5

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17036469486

Visit website

Early Bird Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Quinton, Virginia

1.5 mi

Angela's Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia

2.4 mi

Brickmakers Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 174.5

Lorton, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17036469486

Visit website

Early Bird Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 80.6

Quinton, Virginia

Hours: 6 am–1 pm

+18042464145

Visit website

Angela's Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 134.3

Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+15405825250

Visit website

The Caboose Market & Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 107.4

Ashland, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18047982933

Visit website

Hohl

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 53.7

Toano, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17577410144

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour Inexpensiv mile 26.9

Yorktown, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17578679004

Visit website

Mason-Dixon Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 147.7

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15403711950

Visit website

Jake's Place Restaurant & Market

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 107.4

Ashland, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+18047983287

Visit website

Lil Cow Cafe Bistro

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 188

Burke, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17038520544

Visit website

Curitiba Art Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 147.7

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

Visit website

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

+17576250461

Visit website

Tous les Jours Bakery & Cafe - Newport News

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 26.9

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17577553134

Visit website

Merge Cafe (Stafford)

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 161.1

Stafford, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+15404264142

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 26.9

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 26.9

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Portsmouth, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Chesapeake, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 26.9

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 26.9

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Virginia Welcome Center at Fredericksburg

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 147.7

Fredericksburg, VA

Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm

+15407868344

Visit website

2 stars hotel

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 120.8

Ruther Glen, Virginia

Lake Accotink Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 188

Springfield, Virginia

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+17035693464

Visit website

River Mill Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 174.5

Occoquan Historic District, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17034901918

Visit website

Occoquan Regional Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 174.5

Lorton, Virginia

Hours: 6:30 am–7 pm

+17036902121

Visit website

Loch Ness Monster

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 40.3

Williamsburg, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+17572294386

Visit website

Gari Melchers Home and Studio

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 147.7

Falmouth, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15406541015

Visit website

Virginia Living Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 26.9

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17575951900

Visit website

Casemate Museum of Fort Monroe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 13.4

Fort Monroe, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17576908181

Visit website

Civil War era tunnel

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 188

Springfield, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+17035693464

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 27

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.8 and 186.7 — 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 left at fork toward I 264 East: Waterside Drive, Saint Paul Boulevard, Downtown, Norfolk

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 6B Toward I 264 East: Waterside Drive, Saint Paul...
9
2.5 mi into trip | ~3m in | US 460 ALT

Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT toward Waterside Drive, St Paul's Boulevard

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 9 Toward Waterside Drive, St Paul's Boulevard
9
182.7 mi into trip | ~3h 36m in | I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Exit 170A; 170B Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Ty...
9
186.4 mi into trip | ~3h 41m in

Keep slight left at fork toward SR 620 West: Braddock Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Exit 54A Toward SR 620 West: Braddock Road
9
186.7 mi into trip | ~3h 42m in

Keep slight right at fork toward SR 620 West: Braddock Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 54A Toward SR 620 West: Braddock Road

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.40 one way

$58.80 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 66 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $32.15 $64.29
premium $4.70 $34.79 $69.59
diesel $5.61 $41.51 $83.02

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 65.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 56.4 0 $19.74 $9.02
Efficient EV 47 0 $16.45 $7.52
EV Truck/SUV 75.2 0 $26.32 $12.03

Gas CO2

66 kg

EV CO2

22 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 16, 2026

Origin

Chesapeake, VA

Evening in Chesapeake on Sunday

Local time

7:15 PM

EDT

Current temp

93°F

Mostly Sunny

SW 14 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 1:12PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA

Red Flag Warning

Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 9:43AM EDT until April 16 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

Destination

Ravensworth, VA

Evening in Ravensworth on Sunday

Local time

7:15 PM

EDT

Current temp

50°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

43 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

3h 45m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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

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 38.9
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
View on nps.gov
Fort Monroe National Monument

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...

3 mi from route ~9 min detour Free near mile 13
View on nps.gov
Petersburg National Battlefield

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...

26 mi from route ~64 min detour Free near mile 84.3
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!

29 mi from route ~72 min detour Free near mile 188
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 77% of the journey utilizing major interstates. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including one segment of 82.3 miles on I 95 without significant interruptions. The character of the drive is largely defined by its interstate nature, offering a straightforward path. While the majority is high-speed travel, be aware that the profile suggests a consistent, efficient journey rather than one with frequent scenic detours or varied road types.

77% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 82.3 mi on I 95.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 64. 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 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 27 significant decision points across 188 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 2.5 miles (US 460 ALT): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 182.7 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

On the drive from Chesapeake, VA to Ravensworth, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Rocky Mount along the way.

Rocky Mount

83.3 mi in | ~1h 43m

About the Cities

Starting in Chesapeake, VA

Full guide →

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.

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 3h 45m. Total distance: 188 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 82.3 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 Ravensworth, 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 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.

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 2.5 miles (US 460 ALT): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 182.7 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Ravensworth, 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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