This 212.3-mile drive from Herndon, VA to Virginia Beach, VA is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take around 4 hours and 20 minutes. The route predominantly uses major highways, making it a straightforward journey through the Southeast region of Virginia. With a fuel cost estimated at $33, it's an economical option for a quick getaway. This highway-focused drive is designed for efficient travel, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.
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
106.2 miles from Herndon, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 12m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
74.6 mi
1h 23m
I 64
66.8 mi
1h 15m
Fairfax County Parkway
14.3 mi
22m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
Hampton Roads Beltway
12 mi
15m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
11.8 mi
16m
Ox Road
8.7 mi
12m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 74.6 mi, about 1h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Herndon, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
1
Start on Spring Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Spring Street
2
At end of road, turn left onto Van Buren Street
280 ft·13 sec·Van Buren Street
3
Turn right onto Spring Street
0.7 mi·2 min·Spring Street
Use the right lane.
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward VA 286 South: Fairfax County Parkway
5
Merge onto VA 286
14 mi·22 min·Fairfax County Parkway
Use the right lane.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward VA 123 North: Ox Road
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·24 sec
Toward VA 123 South: Ox Road
8
Turn left onto VA 123
8.7 mi·12 min·Ox Road
Use the left lane.
9
Continue on VA 123
0.9 mi·1 min·Gordon Boulevard
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Fredericksburg
11
Merge onto I 95
26 mi·30 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
49 mi·53 min·I 95
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
14
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
18
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
19
Continue on I 64; US 60
12 mi·15 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 284AToward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, PortsmouthUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va BeachUse the straight / slight left lanes.
22
Merge onto I 264
12 mi·16 min·Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
23
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi·54 sec·21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi·46 sec·Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
25
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft·12 sec·25th Street
26
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour and 20-minute drive, consider departing early to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Hampton Roads area. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your journey. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch without a major exit is over 74 miles on I-95. Planning your single stop around the halfway point will help break up the drive effectively and ensure you arrive in Virginia Beach refreshed.
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 106.2 miles from Herndon, VA, or about 2h 12m 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 47 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.2 miles or 2h 12m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Virginia Beach, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Herndon, 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 Herndon, VA
This is one driving day of about 212.3 miles and 4h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Herndon, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 15.9 and 199.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
15.9 mi into trip|~26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward VA 123 South: Ox Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward VA 123 South: Ox Road
8
100.5 mi into trip|~2h 6m 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
115.4 mi into trip|~2h 22m 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
199 mi into trip|~4h in
Take the exit toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth
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 284A
Toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downto...
7
199.1 mi into trip|~4h 1m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.20 one way
$66.40 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$36.30
$72.60
premium
$4.70
$39.29
$78.58
diesel
$5.61
$46.87
$93.75
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.7
0
$22.29
$10.19
Efficient EV
53.1
0
$18.58
$8.49
EV Truck/SUV
84.9
1
$29.72
$13.59
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 Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Herndon, VA
Late night
in Herndon on Sunday
Local time
5:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Sunny
NW 8 to 12 mph8% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Late night
in Virginia Beach on Sunday
Local time
5:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Mostly Sunny
N 8 mph12% chanceLive 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
2 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
4h 20m 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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 183.1
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!
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
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 117.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 212.3-mile journey, with 79% of the drive taking place on interstates like I-95 and I-64. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 74.6 miles on I-95, so be prepared for extended periods of highway driving. While the Fairfax County Parkway offers a brief departure from the interstate, the overall character is one of efficient, high-speed travel designed for covering distance.
79% 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?
10/10
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 around 15.9 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 20 significant decision points across 212.3 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 15.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 100.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.4 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.
Between Herndon, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Portsmouth.
Norfolk
100.5 mi in|~2h 6m
Va Beach
100.5 mi in|~2h 6m
Portsmouth
199 mi in|~4h
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 20m. Total distance: 212.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). 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 Virginia Beach, 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 15.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 100.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.4 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 4.3 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 Virginia Beach, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
