Spanning 287.9 miles across Virginia, this trip connects the rolling landscape of Hillsville to the coastal atmosphere of Norfolk. Expect roughly 6 hours and 23 minutes of total driving time, making it a feasible single-day journey if you start early. You will primarily navigate via US 58, Jeb Stuart Highway, and Southampton Parkway. With an estimated fuel budget of $46, you can plan your expenses ahead of time. While the route is straightforward enough to complete in one go, staying mindful of the duration is key to avoiding fatigue. It is a practical cross-state connection that transitions you from the Southeast interior toward the coast.
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
144 miles from Hillsville, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Southampton Parkway
62.1 mi
1h 20m
Jeb Stuart Highway
31.2 mi
42m
US 58
29.4 mi
37m
Clarksville Bypass
22.9 mi
29m
Governor Harrison Parkway
22.5 mi
30m
Philpott Road
19.7 mi
25m
Bill Tuck Highway
18.8 mi
24m
Danville Pike
15.2 mi
20m
Longest stretch:
Southampton Parkway
— 62.1 mi, about 1h 20m
Traffic on I-264
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 6 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,452 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,835
Quietest
2 AM
~162 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 Hillsville, VA and Norfolk, VA.
1
Start on US 221; US 58 BUS
73 ft·9 sec·West Stuart Drive
2
Turn right onto US 52
1.4 mi·2 min·South Main Street
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward US 58 East: Martinsville, Danville
4
Merge onto US 58
2.4 mi·2 min·Hillsville Bypass
5
Continue on US 58
15 mi·20 min·Danville Pike
6
Continue on US 58
31 mi·42 min·Jeb Stuart Highway
7
Continue on US 58
8.4 mi·11 min·A. L. Philpott Highway
8
Take the exit onto US 58
0.3 mi·40 sec·US 58
Toward US 58 East, US 220 South
9
Merge onto US 58; US 220
9.4 mi·10 min·William F Stone Highway
10
Keep slight right at fork onto US 58
15 mi·19 min·US 58
Toward US 58 East: DanvilleUse the slight right lane.
11
Take the exit onto US 58
14 mi·17 min·US 58
Toward US 58 East
12
Take the exit onto US 58
0.3 mi·38 sec·US 58
Toward US 58 East, US 360 East: South Boston
13
Merge onto US 58; US 360
2.9 mi·5 min·South Boston Road
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on US 58; US 360
5.3 mi·7 min·South Boston Highway
15
Continue on US 58; US 360
20 mi·25 min·Philpott Road
16
Continue on US 58; US 360
19 mi·24 min·Bill Tuck Highway
17
Continue on US 58; VA 49
3.6 mi·4 min·Clarksville Bypass
Use the straight lane.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto US 58
19 mi·24 min·Clarksville Bypass
Toward US 58 East: Boydton, South Hill
19
Continue on US 1; US 58
3.5 mi·4 min·Highway 1
20
Continue on US 58
3.3 mi·4 min·South Hill Bypass
21
Continue on US 58
1.1 mi·1 min·East Atlantic Street
22
Continue on US 58
3.6 mi·5 min·Highway 58
23
Continue on US 58
1.2 mi·2 min·Piney Pond Road
24
Continue on US 58
23 mi·30 min·Governor Harrison Parkway
25
Continue on US 58
6.4 mi·8 min·Pleasant Shade Drive
26
Continue on US 58
5.1 mi·6 min·West Atlantic Street
27
Continue on US 58
62 mi·1 hr 20 min·Southampton Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460
1.7 mi·2 min·West Military Highway
29
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
30
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
31
Merge onto I 664; US 13; US 460
0.6 mi·42 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
32
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 15AToward I 264 East: Portsmouth, Norfolk
33
Continue on I 264
7.2 mi·11 min·I 264
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT
0.2 mi·26 sec·US 460 ALT
Exit 9Toward Waterside Drive, St Paul's BoulevardUse the slight left lane.
35
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT
0.3 mi·53 sec·US 460 ALT
Toward Saint Paul's BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Turn left onto Saint Pauls Boulevard
0.1 mi·29 sec·Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
37
Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue
158 ft·9 sec·East City Hall Avenue
Use the left lane.
38
Arrive at destination
East City Hall Avenue
Trip Plan
To maximize your efficiency, aim for a morning departure to clear the bulk of the 6-hour drive before late afternoon traffic. Since the itinerary includes one recommended stop, use that break strategically to refuel and stretch your legs, keeping the $46 fuel estimate in mind for your budget. Because the route is a single-day trip, your primary advantage is flexibility; you can adjust your pace based on how you feel behind the wheel. Given the reliance on US 58 and Southampton Parkway, keep a close watch on your navigation as you transition between these main segments. Planning for that single planned stop will help you stay refreshed for the final miles approaching Norfolk.
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 144 miles from Hillsville, VA, or about 3h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.1 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 63 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 144 miles or 3h 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 5h 12m
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 Hillsville, 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 Hillsville, VA
This is one driving day of about 287.9 miles and 6h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Hillsville, 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 Southampton Parkway for about 62.1 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.4 and 287.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.4 mi into trip|~2m in
Take the ramp toward US 58 East: Martinsville, Danville
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 58 East: Martinsville, Danville
6
58.8 mi into trip|~1h 18m in|US 58
Take the exit onto US 58 toward US 58 East, US 220 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 58 East, US 220 South
7
68.5 mi into trip|~1h 30m in|US 58
Keep slight right at fork onto US 58 toward US 58 East: Danville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 58 East: Danville
9
287.3 mi into trip|~6h 22m in|US 460 ALT
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT toward Waterside Drive, St Paul's Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 9
Toward Waterside Drive, St Paul's Boulevard
8
287.5 mi into trip|~6h 22m in|US 460 ALT
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT toward Saint Paul's Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Saint Paul's Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.50 one way
$85.01 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg101 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$46.71
$93.42
premium
$4.49
$50.92
$101.83
diesel
$4.80
$54.36
$108.72
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
86.4
1
$30.23
$13.82
Efficient EV
72
0
$25.19
$11.52
EV Truck/SUV
115.2
1
$40.31
$18.43
Gas CO2
101 kg
EV CO2
34 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Hillsville, VA
Late night
in Hillsville on Sunday
Local time
5:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Patchy Smoke
S 3 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Norfolk, VA
Late night
in Norfolk on Sunday
Local time
5:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Areas Of Smoke
SE 3 to 7 mph1% chanceLive forecast
86°F
South Boston, VA
144 mi in
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
9 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 23m 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
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...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 287.9
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This journey offers a mixed-drive experience, alternating between highway stretches and secondary roads. Approximately 45% of your travel takes place on highways, providing a balance between speed and local navigation. You will encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 62.1 miles along Southampton Parkway, which serves as a significant portion of the trip. The road personality shifts as you move eastward, requiring you to remain alert as you transition between different roadway types. Being prepared for these variations will help you maintain a steady pace throughout the 287.9-mile transit.
45% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.1 mi on Southampton Parkway.
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 1.4 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 18 significant decision points across 287.9 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 1.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.8 miles (US 58): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 68.5 miles (US 58): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,975 ft7 ft
Total Climb
568 ft
Total Descent
3,072 ft
Highest Point
2,975 ft
~24 mi in
Elevation Range
2,968 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Hillsville, VA to Norfolk, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Hill along the way.
Norfolk is in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It is a port city with a large Navy and shipping presence. But it is also known as a major cultural center, with world-class museums, opera, symphony, ballet and a vibrant arts community. The downtown area has experienced a major resurgence, with gourmet restaurants, shopping and attractions. Norfolk is one of the top cruise ports in the country.
Top landmarks
•USS Wisconsin — 1943 Iowa-class battleship
•Chrysler Museum of Art — art museum in Norfolk, Virginia
•Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Norfolk — church building in Norfolk, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 23m. Total distance: 287.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 23m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.1 miles on Southampton Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 10 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. There are 10 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.8 miles (US 58): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 68.5 miles (US 58): 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 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Norfolk, VA before the return drive.
