Clifton Forge, VA to Newport News, VA is 234.6 miles and takes about 4h 21m via I 64, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the western part of the state toward the coast. Given that it's mostly highway driving and can be completed in under four and a half hours, it's a straightforward option for a single-day excursion. You'll encounter a predominantly highway profile, making for efficient travel between these two points.
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
117.3 miles from Clifton Forge, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
205.8 mi
3h 44m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.9 mi
25m
Main Street
1.2 mi
2m
Grafton Street
0.8 mi
1m
Diligence Drive
0.5 mi
1m
US 60 BUS
0.2 mi
<1m
Thimble Shoals Boulevard
0.1 mi
<1m
J Clyde Morris Boulevard
0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 205.8 mi, about 3h 44m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 92 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,010 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,421
Quietest
2 AM
~115 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.5×
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 Clifton Forge, VA and Newport News, VA.
1
Start on this road
67 ft·10 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto US 60 BUS; US 220 BUS
1.2 mi·2 min·Main Street
3
Continue on US 60 BUS
0.8 mi·1 min·Grafton Street
4
Take the exit onto US 60 BUS
0.2 mi·27 sec·US 60 BUS
5
Merge onto I 64; US 60
59 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 64; US 60
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on I 64; I 81
0.3 mi·17 sec·I 64; I 81
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
90 mi·1 hr 38 min·I 64
Toward I 64 East: RichmondUse the straight lane.
8
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 177Toward I 295 North: Washington, NorfolkUse the slight right lane.
9
Continue on I 295
23 mi·25 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 64
57 mi·1 hr 2 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 258AToward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
13
Turn straight onto US 17
0.1 mi·10 sec·J Clyde Morris Boulevard
14
Turn right onto Diligence Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·Diligence Drive
15
At end of road, turn right onto Thimble Shoals Boulevard
0.1 mi·19 sec·Thimble Shoals Boulevard
16
Turn left
413 ft·33 sec
17
At end of road, turn right
82 ft·6 sec
18
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4h 21m drive, consider an early morning departure from Clifton Forge to avoid any potential afternoon traffic, especially as you approach Newport News. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $36, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, breaking it up is simple, though not strictly necessary given the distance. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest continuous stretch on I 64 is over 200 miles.
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 117.3 miles from Clifton Forge, VA, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 205.8 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 52 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.3 miles or 2h 9m 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 33m
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 Clifton Forge, 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 Clifton Forge, VA
This is one driving day of about 234.6 miles and 4h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Clifton Forge, 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 205.8 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 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 61.4 and 234.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
61.4 mi into trip|~1h 8m in|I 64
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 East: Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 64 East: Richmond
8
151.4 mi into trip|~2h 46m 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
175.5 mi into trip|~3h 13m 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
7
233.5 mi into trip|~4h 18m 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
6
234.6 mi into trip|~4h 21m in
At end of road, turn right
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.64 one way
$69.27 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$38.06
$76.12
premium
$4.49
$41.49
$82.98
diesel
$4.80
$44.30
$88.59
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.4
0
$24.63
$11.26
Efficient EV
58.7
0
$20.53
$9.38
EV Truck/SUV
93.8
1
$32.84
$15.01
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% 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
Clifton Forge, VA
Late night
in Clifton Forge on Sunday
Local time
5:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
W 7 mph35% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 18 at 11:43AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:43AM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Destination
Newport News, VA
Late night
in Newport News on Sunday
Local time
5:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
97°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
SW 14 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 18 at 11:43AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:43AM EDT by NWS Blacksburg 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
7 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 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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
$15
near mile 218.5
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 234.6
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
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 178
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 88% of the 234.6 miles on major roadways. You'll spend a significant stretch, 205.8 miles, on I 64. Expect the highway portion to conclude around mile 205, transitioning to surface streets like Main Street for the final stretch into Newport News. The high percentage of highway suggests a consistent cruising speed for most of your travel.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 205.8 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 61.4 miles in near I 64.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 234.6 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 61.4 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 151.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.5 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
2,121 ft30 ft
Total Climb
1,392 ft
Total Descent
2,439 ft
Highest Point
2,121 ft
~16.8 mi in
Elevation Range
2,091 ft
Notable High Points
2,121 ft at ~16.8 miles+940 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Clifton Forge, VA and Newport News, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
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 4h 21m. Total distance: 234.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 205.8 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 61.4 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 151.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 175.5 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 Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Newport News, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
