Countryside, VA to Portsmouth, VA is 211.5 miles and takes about 4h 13m via I 64, I 95, and Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, traversing the Southeast region of the state. The route offers a mix of highway cruising and surface road travel, making it a straightforward drive. It's a practical option if you're looking for an efficient way to get between these two points in 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
105.8 miles from Countryside, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
62.7 mi
1h 9m
I 95
48.6 mi
53m
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
35.7 mi
42m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
Leesburg Pike
11.7 mi
18m
Capital Beltway
10.1 mi
12m
Hampton Roads Beltway
7.2 mi
9m
Western Freeway
5.8 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 62.7 mi, about 1h 9m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 108 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,108 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,794
Quietest
2 AM
~471 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Countryside, VA and Portsmouth, VA.
1
Start on SR 1570
0.3 mi·39 sec·Countryside Boulevard
2
Turn left onto VA 7
12 mi·18 min·Leesburg Pike
Use the left lane.
3
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward VA 267 Toll East: WashingtonUse the slight right lane.
4
Merge onto VA 267
0.2 mi·14 sec·Dulles Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 267
1.2 mi·1 min·Dulles Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 18AToward I 495 South: RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 18AToward I 495 South: Richmond
8
Merge onto I 495
10 mi·12 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 57AToward I 95 South: RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 95 South, SR 644 East: Richmond, FranconiaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Richmond
12
Merge onto I 395
36 mi·42 min·Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
49 mi·53 min·I 95
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
15
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto I 64
63 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.5 mi·36 sec
Exit 264Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, ChesapeakeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 664
6.1 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on I 664
4.3 mi·5 min·Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
21
Continue on I 664
1.1 mi·1 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 8BToward VA 135 South: College Drive, ChurchlandUse the right lane.
23
Continue on VA 135
1.4 mi·2 min·College Drive
Use the straight lane.
24
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward VA 164 East: Downtown Portsmouth
25
Merge onto VA 164
5.8 mi·7 min·Western Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Merge onto US 58; VA 164
0.7 mi·46 sec·Martin Luther King Freeway
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward VA 141 South: Downtown PortsmouthUse the right lane.
28
Turn straight onto US 58
1.2 mi·2 min·London Boulevard
29
Turn right onto VA 141
0.1 mi·11 sec·Effingham Street
Use the right lane.
30
Turn left onto High Street
0.5 mi·1 min·High Street
Use the left lane.
31
Continue on High Street
201 ft·20 sec·High Street
Use the left lane.
32
Arrive at destination
High Street
Trip Plan
With a drive time of just over 4 hours, this trip is easily doable in a single day. Consider leaving mid-morning to avoid the worst of rush hour traffic, especially as you approach urban areas. Since it's a relatively short drive, you'll only need about one stop for fuel or a quick break. The longest continuous stretch on I 64 is 62.7 miles, so plan your stop before or after that segment if you prefer not to drive that far without a pause. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $33, and services can be spread out on some highway sections.
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 105.8 miles from Countryside, VA, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.7 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 47 miles or 1h 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.8 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 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portsmouth, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Countryside, 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 Countryside, VA
This is one driving day of about 211.5 miles and 4h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Countryside, 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 62.7 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 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 25 and 200.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
25 mi into trip|~37m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, SR 644 East: Richmond, Franconia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South, SR 644 East: Richmond, Franc...
8
109.9 mi into trip|~2h 13m in
Take the exit toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 84A
Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va B...
8
124.8 mi into trip|~2h 29m 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
8
188.8 mi into trip|~3h 42m in
Take the exit toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, Chesapeake
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 264
Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suff...
8
200.8 mi into trip|~3h 57m in
Take the exit toward VA 135 South: College Drive, Churchland
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 8B
Toward VA 135 South: College Drive, Churchland
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.60 one way
$67.20 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$36.64
$73.28
premium
$4.78
$39.80
$79.60
diesel
$6.18
$51.45
$102.90
Estimated Tolls: $0.28
Dulles Toll Road
(1.4 mi)$0.28
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
$34
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.5
0
$22.21
$10.15
Efficient EV
52.9
0
$18.51
$8.46
EV Truck/SUV
84.6
1
$29.61
$13.54
Gas CO2
74 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.
Forecast as of Oct 18, 2026
Origin
Countryside, VA
Morning
in Countryside on Monday
Local time
9:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Widespread Frost then Sunny
N 6 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 18 at 5:48AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Coastal Flood Watch
Coastal Flood Watch issued October 18 at 5:36AM EDT until October 21 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Portsmouth, VA
Morning
in Portsmouth on Monday
Local time
9:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Mostly Sunny
NE 17 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 18 at 5:48AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Coastal Flood Watch
Coastal Flood Watch issued October 18 at 5:36AM EDT until October 21 at 9:00AM 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
3 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 13m 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...
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 189.6
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!
At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry. Here you can explore John Brown's Raid against slavery. Find your...
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
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 124
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 56% of this 211.5-mile route is on highways like I 64 and I 95. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 62.7 miles on I 64, so expect extended periods of highway driving. The profile is mixed highway and surface, meaning you'll transition from faster interstates to potentially slower, more developed roads. Be prepared for urban merging and dense exits as you approach your destination.
56% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.7 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 25 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 25 significant decision points across 211.5 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 25 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.8 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
440 ft0 ft
Total Climb
346 ft
Total Descent
640 ft
Highest Point
440 ft
~15.1 mi in
Elevation Range
440 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Countryside, VA and Portsmouth, VA, road signs point toward Franconia, Norfolk, Va Beach, Virginia Beach, Suffolk and Chesapeake - among others.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 13m. Total distance: 211.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.7 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.28 in tolls one way, starting with Dulles Toll Road. 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 Portsmouth, 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 25 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.8 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 Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Portsmouth, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
