Origin
Fairfax, VA
Morning in Fairfax on Sunday
Local time
7:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fairfax, VA to Portsmouth, 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 47m
Distance
190.5 mi
307 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 35m
★
6 AM
3h 48m
8 AM
4h 13m
10 AM
3h 56m
12 PM
3h 54m
3 PM
3h 58m
5 PM
4h 12m
8 PM
3h 40m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fairfax, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Portsmouth, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 190.5-mile drive from Fairfax, VA to Portsmouth, VA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes. You'll primarily be on major highways, including I-95 and I-64, with a short section on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. With an estimated fuel cost of around $30, this is a budget-friendly journey. The route is characterized by its highway-focused profile, making it a straightforward transit between two locations within the Southeast region of Virginia. Given its efficiency, it's ideal for a quick transition or a direct trip.
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
95.2 miles from Fairfax, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 74.6 mi | 1h 23m |
| I 64 | 62.7 mi | 1h 9m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 13 mi | 14m |
| Ox Road | 12.4 mi | 19m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 7.2 mi | 9m |
| Western Freeway | 5.8 mi | 7m |
| Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| College Drive | 1.4 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 Portsmouth, 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
63 mi
·
1 hr 9 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
Exit 264
Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, Chesapeake
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 664
6.1 mi
·
7 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 664
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
15
Continue on I 664
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 8B
Toward VA 135 South: College Drive, Churchland
Use the right lane.
17
Continue on VA 135
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
College Drive
Use the straight lane.
18
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward VA 164 East: Downtown Portsmouth
19
Merge onto VA 164
5.8 mi
·
7 min
·
Western Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto US 58; VA 164
0.7 mi
·
46 sec
·
Martin Luther King Freeway
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward VA 141 South: Downtown Portsmouth
Use the right lane.
22
Turn straight onto US 58
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
London Boulevard
23
Turn right onto VA 141
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Effingham Street
Use the right lane.
24
Turn left onto High Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
High Street
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on High Street
201 ft
·
20 sec
·
High Street
Use the left lane.
26
Arrive at destination
High Street
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 47-minute drive, leaving in the morning is recommended to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Hampton Roads area. With only one stop suggested, you have the flexibility to make it a quick pit stop or a more relaxed break. Keep an eye on your fuel, with an estimated cost of $30 for the 190.5 miles, and note that I-95 can experience congestion. Planning for a single-day trip is straightforward, but consider a brief pause around the halfway point to stretch your legs before the final push.
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 95.2 miles from Fairfax, VA, or about 1h 54m 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 42 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 95.2 miles or 1h 54m 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 3m
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 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 190.5 miles and 3h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 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
95 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 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 95.2 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 175 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 179.8 — 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
167.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 16m 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
179.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 31m 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
$29.79 one way
$59.58 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
67 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $32.57 | $65.15 |
| premium | $4.70 | $35.26 | $70.52 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $42.06 | $84.12 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66.7 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 | 57.2 | 0 | $20.00 | $9.14 |
| Efficient EV | 47.6 | 0 | $16.67 | $7.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 76.2 | 0 | $26.67 | $12.19 |
Gas CO2
67 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.
Destination
Portsmouth, VA
Morning in Portsmouth on Sunday
Local time
7:32 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°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
21 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 47m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 75% of the journey utilizing interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 74.6 miles on I-95, so prepare for sustained driving on fast-paced roads. While the majority is highway, the inclusion of I-64 and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway suggests a blend of major interstate travel. This route offers a consistent driving rhythm, prioritizing directness over winding scenic byways.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 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 17 significant decision points across 190.5 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: 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 Portsmouth, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Chesapeake and Churchland.
Norfolk
88.9 mi in
|
~1h 47m
Va Beach
88.9 mi in
|
~1h 47m
Virginia Beach
103.8 mi in
|
~2h 3m
Suffolk
167.7 mi in
|
~3h 16m
Chesapeake
167.7 mi in
|
~3h 16m
Churchland
179.8 mi in
|
~3h 31m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 47m. Total distance: 190.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). 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 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: 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Portsmouth, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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