Origin
Fairfax, VA
Late night in Fairfax on Sunday
Local time
2:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fairfax, VA to Norfolk, 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 44m
Distance
185.4 mi
298 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 32m
★
6 AM
3h 45m
8 AM
4h 10m
10 AM
3h 54m
12 PM
3h 51m
3 PM
3h 55m
5 PM
4h 9m
8 PM
3h 37m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fairfax, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Norfolk, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Fairfax to Norfolk covers 185.4 miles of Virginia landscape, typically taking about 3 hours and 44 minutes. Because this is a highway-focused drive, it is easily manageable as a single-day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $30 on fuel for the journey. The route transitions across the Southeast region, moving from the suburban corridor near the capital toward the coastal environment of Norfolk. Whether you are heading to the coast for business or a quick getaway, the straightforward nature of this transit makes it a practical choice for most drivers.
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
92.7 miles from Fairfax, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 51m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 74.6 mi | 1h 23m |
| I 64 | 66.8 mi | 1h 15m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 13 mi | 14m |
| Ox Road | 12.4 mi | 19m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| Granby Street | 3.1 mi | 7m |
| Monticello Avenue | 1.2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 74.6 mi, about 1h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfax, VA and Norfolk, VA.
1
Start on VA 236
69 ft
·
9 sec
·
Main Street
2
Turn left onto VA 123
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Chain Bridge Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Continue on VA 123
12 mi
·
19 min
·
Ox Road
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on VA 123
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Gordon Boulevard
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Fredericksburg
6
Merge onto I 95
26 mi
·
30 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
49 mi
·
53 min
·
I 95
Use the straight lane.
8
Take the exit
1.9 mi
·
2 min
Exit 84A
Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
9
Merge onto I 295
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Exit 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 64
67 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft
·
5 sec
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
13
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
14
Continue on I 64; US 60
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Exit 276
Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby Street
Use the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
Toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek Road
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
17
Turn straight onto US 460
3.1 mi
·
7 min
·
Granby Street
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on US 460
446 ft
·
9 sec
·
Church Street
19
Turn right onto US 460
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Monticello Avenue
Use the right lane.
20
Continue on US 460
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
21
Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue
158 ft
·
9 sec
·
East City Hall Avenue
Use the left lane.
22
Arrive at destination
East City Hall Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 185.4-mile drive, aim to time your departure to avoid peak traffic hours, as the reliance on I-95 and I-64 can lead to significant congestion. Planning for one scheduled stop will help you break up the 3-hour and 44-minute duration comfortably. Keep your $30 fuel budget in mind, and consider fueling up before you hit the busiest sections of the interstate to avoid higher prices near major junctions. Since the trip is short enough to handle in one go, you have the flexibility to leave early in the morning or later in the afternoon based on your personal schedule.
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 92.7 miles from Fairfax, VA, or about 1h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 74.6 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 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 92.7 miles or 1h 51m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Norfolk, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fairfax, 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 Fairfax, VA
This is one driving day of about 185.4 miles and 3h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Fairfax, 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 74.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
93 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 92.7 miles from Fairfax, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 74.6 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 180.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
VA 123 / Chain Bridge Road
Turn left onto VA 123 / Chain Bridge Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
88.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 47m 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
103.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 3m 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
179.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 32m in
Take the exit toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby Street
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 276
Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby Street
9
180.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 33m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek Road
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, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Cr...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.99 one way
$57.98 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
65 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $31.70 | $63.40 |
| premium | $4.70 | $34.31 | $68.63 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $40.93 | $81.87 |
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: 64.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 55.6 | 0 | $19.47 | $8.90 |
| Efficient EV | 46.4 | 0 | $16.22 | $7.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 74.2 | 0 | $25.96 | $11.87 |
Gas CO2
65 kg
EV CO2
22 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.
Destination
Norfolk, VA
Late night in Norfolk on Sunday
Local time
2:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°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
1 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
3h 44m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
$15
near mile 147
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 172.6
View on nps.gov
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!
24 mi from route
~60 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
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...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 102.3
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is defined by its heavy reliance on major infrastructure, with 76% of the journey spent on highways. You will navigate via I-95, I-64, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway as you head toward your destination. Expect a consistent, fast-paced rhythm, particularly during the longest uninterrupted stretch of 74.6 miles on I-95. While the route is efficient, it functions primarily as an interstate grind rather than a winding backroad experience. Staying focused is key as you transition between these high-traffic arteries to complete your transit.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 74.6 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 early in the drive near VA 123 / Chain Bridge Road.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 14 significant decision points across 185.4 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: near the start (VA 123 / Chain Bridge Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 88.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.8 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fairfax, VA and Norfolk, VA, road signs point toward Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
Va Beach
88.9 mi in
|
~1h 47m
Virginia Beach
103.8 mi in
|
~2h 3m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 44m. Total distance: 185.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 74.6 miles on I 95. 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 Norfolk, 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: near the start (VA 123 / Chain Bridge Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 88.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.8 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 (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.7 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 Norfolk, 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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