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Trip from Galax, 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

6h 35m

Distance

322.9 mi

520 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$50

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
6h 24m ★
6 AM
6h 36m
8 AM
7h 0m
10 AM
6h 44m
12 PM
6h 42m
3 PM
6h 46m
5 PM
6h 59m
8 PM
6h 29m

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

independent city in Virginia, United States

Galax, VA

Wikimedia Commons

independent city in Virginia, United States

Portsmouth, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 322.9-mile journey from Galax, Virginia, to Portsmouth, Virginia, is designed for a single day of travel, estimated to take about 6 hours and 35 minutes. Primarily utilizing US 58 and interstates like I-85 and I-40, it's a highway-focused drive across the Southeast region. With a projected fuel cost of around $50, this route is efficient for getting you from point A to point B. While it's manageable as a day trip, remember that the longest continuous stretch without a major change in direction or road type is 68.1 miles on US 58, so plan for potential driver fatigue. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on high-speed roads, making it a practical choice for covering ground.

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

161.4 miles from Galax, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 16m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 58 68.1 mi 1h 28m
I 85 57.5 mi 1h 4m
I 40 46.3 mi 54m
US 158 29.2 mi 34m
Pilot Mountain Parkway 20.5 mi 23m
Congressman G K Butterfield Highway 19.3 mi 20m
West Pine Street 13.7 mi 21m
NC 74 13.3 mi 15m
Longest stretch: US 58 — 68.1 mi, about 1h 28m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Galax, VA and Portsmouth, VA.

1

Start on this road

35 ft · 4 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto East Oldtown Street

159 ft · 14 sec · East Oldtown Street
3

Turn left onto VA 89

2.5 mi · 3 min · South Main Street
4

Continue on VA 89

4.9 mi · 7 min · Skyline Highway
5

Continue on NC 89

14 mi · 21 min · West Pine Street
Use the straight lane.
6

Take the ramp

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 74 East: Winston-Salem Use the right lane.
7

Merge onto I 74

11 mi · 12 min · I 74
8

Merge onto US 52

20 mi · 23 min · Pilot Mountain Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto NC 74

13 mi · 15 min · NC 74
Toward NC 74 East Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork

1.1 mi · 2 min
Exit 53B Toward US 421 South: Greensboro
11

Merge onto US 421; NC 150

11 mi · 13 min · Salem Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40

7.8 mi · 9 min · I 40
Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Merge onto I 40; US 29; US 220

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 40; US 29; US 220
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 40

37 mi · 42 min · I 40
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; NC 86 Truck

9.4 mi · 10 min · I 85; NC 86 Truck
Toward I 85 North: Durham Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 70

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 85; US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Continue on I 85; US 15; US 70; US 501

4.3 mi · 5 min · I 85; US 15; US 70; US 501
Use the straight lane.
18

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 15

37 mi · 40 min · I 85; US 15
19

Turn straight onto I 85

4.9 mi · 5 min · I 85
20

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec
Toward US 1, US 158: Norlina
21

Turn left onto US 1; US 158

8.6 mi · 10 min · US 1; US 158
22

Turn right onto US 158; US 401

1.2 mi · 1 min · US 158; US 401
23

Continue on US 158 Bypass

5.0 mi · 5 min · US 158 Bypass
24

At end of road, turn left onto US 158

28 mi · 33 min · US 158
25

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
26

Merge onto I 95; US 158

19 mi · 20 min · Congressman G K Butterfield Highway
27

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 16 sec
Toward US 58 East: Emporia, Norfolk
28

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward US 58 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
29

Merge onto US 58

68 mi · 1 hr 28 min · US 58
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30

Take the exit onto US 13; US 460

0.7 mi · 1 min · US 13; US 460
Toward I 264 East, I 64, US 13 North: Portsmouth, Norfolk, Va Beach
31

Keep slight left at fork onto US 13; US 460

0.4 mi · 56 sec · US 13; US 460
Toward I 264 East, I 64, US 13 North: Portsmouth, Norfolk, Va Beach
32

Merge onto I 664; US 13; US 460

0.6 mi · 42 sec · Hampton Roads Beltway
33

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Exit 15A Toward I 264 East: Portsmouth, Norfolk
34

Continue on I 264

5.5 mi · 7 min · I 264
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Exit 7B Toward VA 141 North: Effingham Street, Crawford Street Use the slight right lane.
36

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward Crawford Street, Downtown, Portsmouth Use the straight / right lanes.
37

Turn slight left onto Pavilion Drive

0.2 mi · 29 sec · Pavilion Drive
Use the straight lane.
38

Turn right onto Bart Street

368 ft · 7 sec · Bart Street
39

Enter roundabout onto Crawford Street

285 ft · 6 sec · Crawford Street
40

Continue on Crawford Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Crawford Street
41

Turn left onto High Street

165 ft · 12 sec · High Street
Use the left lane.
42

Arrive at destination

High Street

Trip Plan

Given the 6-hour 35-minute duration, starting your drive from Galax, VA, in the early morning is advisable to maximize daylight and minimize evening driving. With a fuel cost estimated at $50, factor this into your budget, and keep an eye on your gauge, especially during the 68.1-mile stretches on US 58 where services might be less frequent than on interstates. While this trip is achievable in one day, consider a brief stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs and stay refreshed. Pay attention to the transitions between US 58 and the interstates, as these can sometimes involve more complex interchanges.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 161.4 miles from Galax, VA, or about 3h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68.1 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 71 miles or 1h 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 161.4 miles or 3h 16m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 17m

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 Galax, 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 Galax, VA

This is one driving day of about 322.9 miles and 6h 35m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 71 miles from Galax, 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 US 58 for about 68.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Durham, NC

161 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

High Point, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 71 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Henderson, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 161.4 miles from Galax, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 58 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 68.1 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

The Copper Pot Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Mt Airy, North Carolina

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 23.1

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13363524108

Restaurant 85

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Henderson, North Carolina

1.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Grounded Coffee Company

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Galax, Virginia

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Hours: 6:30 am–4:30 pm

+12766012571

Visit website

Kyles Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kernersville, North Carolina

1.4 mi

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Norfolk, Virginia

2.3 mi

The Copper Pot Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 23.1

Mt Airy, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13363524108

Restaurant 85

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 184.5

Henderson, North Carolina

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

Windy River Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Fries, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–1 pm

+12767440137

Visit website

Grounded Coffee Company

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $1 to $10

Galax, Virginia

Hours: 6:30 am–4:30 pm

+12766012571

Visit website

Kyles Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 69.2

Kernersville, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+13364974327

Visit website

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 322.9

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

+17576250461

Visit website

Primos Coffee Bar

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10

Galax, Virginia

Hours: 7:30 am–5:30 pm

+12766012131

Visit website

Triangle Coffee House

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10 mile 138.4

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+19842191215

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 322.9

Portsmouth, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 115.3

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 299.8

Suffolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 115.3

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 115.3

Mebane, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 115.3

Haw River, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 161.4

Oxford, North Carolina

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 322.9

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 322.9

Portsmouth, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17573938591

Visit website

Museum of Life and Science

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 138.4

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19192205429

Visit website

The Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 207.6

Littleton, North Carolina

Hours: 1–6 pm

+16312201231

American Tobacco Campus

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 138.4

Durham, North Carolina

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+19194331566

Visit website

Graham Regional Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 115.3

Haw River, North Carolina

+13365706718

Visit website

Wishing Tree

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 322.9

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Virginia Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 322.9

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: 9:30 am–4 pm

+17574412374

Visit website

Lake Meade Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 299.8

Suffolk, Virginia

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+17575147250

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 33

5 decision points cluster between mile 53.4 and 322 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
53.4 mi into trip | ~1h 9m in | NC 74

Keep slight left at fork onto NC 74 toward NC 74 East

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward NC 74 East
8
79.2 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in | I 40

Keep slight right at fork onto I 40 toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 40 East: Greensboro, Martinsville
7
125.5 mi into trip | ~2h 35m in | I 85; NC 86 Truck

Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; NC 86 Truck toward I 85 North: Durham

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 85 North: Durham
8
321.8 mi into trip | ~6h 33m in

Take the exit toward VA 141 North: Effingham Street, Crawford 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 7B Toward VA 141 North: Effingham Street, Crawford...
9
322 mi into trip | ~6h 34m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Crawford Street, Downtown, Portsmouth

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

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward Crawford Street, Downtown, Portsmouth

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$50.49 one way

$100.99 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 113 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $55.21 $110.42
premium $4.70 $59.76 $119.52
diesel $5.61 $71.29 $142.58

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$50

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$75–$100

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 113 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 96.9 1 $33.90 $15.50
Efficient EV 80.7 0 $28.25 $12.92
EV Truck/SUV 129.2 1 $45.21 $20.67

Gas CO2

113 kg

EV CO2

38 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 18, 2026

Origin

Galax, VA

Late night in Galax on Sunday

Local time

5:55 AM

EDT

Current temp

57°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Portsmouth, VA

Late night in Portsmouth on Sunday

Local time

5:55 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

5 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

6h 35m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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.

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...

13 mi from route ~31 min detour Free near mile 299.3
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect an 86% highway share on this route, indicating a predominantly fast-paced driving experience. The drive begins with stretches on US 58, offering a consistent 68.1-mile segment before transitioning to major interstates. You'll navigate through sections of I-85 and I-40, which are typical for covering longer distances efficiently. The character is overwhelmingly that of a highway-focused trip, designed for covering miles rather than leisurely sightseeing. While not a winding scenic byway, it offers a straightforward path with reliable road conditions for most of its length.

86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 68.1 mi on US 58.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 58 and I 85. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 53.4 miles in near NC 74.

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 33 significant decision points across 322.9 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 53.4 miles (NC 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 79.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 125.5 miles (I 85; NC 86 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Galax, VA and Portsmouth, VA, road signs point toward Martinsville, Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Martinsville

79.2 mi in | ~1h 40m | via I 40

Norfolk

245.5 mi in | ~4h 52m

Virginia Beach

245.6 mi in | ~4h 52m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 35m. Total distance: 322.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 35m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 68.1 miles on US 58. 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: at 53.4 miles (NC 74): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 79.2 miles (I 40): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 125.5 miles (I 85; NC 86 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Fort Monroe National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Portsmouth, VA before the return drive.

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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