Skip to main content
US Trip Planner Logo
US Trip Planner

Trip from Hopewell, VA to Chesapeake, VA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 45m

Distance

77.8 mi

125 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min
4 AM
1h 37m ★
6 AM
1h 45m
8 AM
2h 1m
10 AM
1h 51m
12 PM
1h 49m
3 PM
1h 51m
5 PM
2h 0m
8 PM
1h 40m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Hopewell, VA, VA

Hopewell, VA

Eric Joseph

Downtown Chesapeake, VA, VA

Chesapeake, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 78.8-mile journey from Hopewell, VA, to Chesapeake, VA, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete. You'll primarily navigate local roads, including James River Drive, Colonial Trail West, and Rolfe Highway, with no highway driving involved. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $13, making it an economical option. Given its relatively short duration and turn-heavy nature, this route is best suited for a single day of travel within the Southeast region, allowing for flexibility and a relaxed pace. It’s a straightforward drive that keeps you connected to the local landscape.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

38.9 miles from Hopewell, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 48m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
James River Drive 14.6 mi 19m
Colonial Trail West 13.3 mi 15m
Old Stage Highway 12 mi 15m
Colonial Trail East 9.8 mi 11m
Western Freeway 7.4 mi 9m
Bridge Road 6.2 mi 10m
Brewers Neck Boulevard 2.8 mi 3m
Elm Avenue 2.4 mi 4m
Longest stretch: James River Drive — 14.6 mi, about 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Hopewell, VA and Chesapeake, VA.

1

Start on VA 10

2.0 mi · 3 min · East Randolph Road
2

Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS

15 mi · 19 min · James River Drive
3

Continue on VA 10

13 mi · 15 min · Colonial Trail West
4

At end of road, turn left onto VA 10; VA 31

1.0 mi · 1 min · Rolfe Highway
5

Take the exit

149 ft · 6 sec
6

Merge onto VA 10

9.8 mi · 11 min · Colonial Trail East
7

Continue on VA 10

12 mi · 15 min · Old Stage Highway
Use the left lane.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto US 258

2.8 mi · 3 min · Brewers Neck Boulevard
9

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec
10

Merge onto US 17

2.3 mi · 3 min · Carrollton Boulevard
11

Continue on US 17

6.2 mi · 10 min · Bridge Road
Use the left lane.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto VA 164

7.4 mi · 9 min · Western Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto US 58; VA 164

0.7 mi · 46 sec · Martin Luther King Freeway
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward VA 141 South: Downtown Portsmouth Use the right lane.
15

Turn straight onto US 58

0.9 mi · 1 min · London Boulevard
16

Turn right onto Elm Avenue

2.4 mi · 4 min · Elm Avenue
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
17

Continue on VA 337

1.1 mi · 2 min · South Norfolk Jordan Bridge
18

Turn straight onto VA 337

0.7 mi · 1 min · Poindexter Street
Use the straight lane.
19

Turn left onto D Street

412 ft · 18 sec · D Street
20

Arrive at destination

D Street

Trip Plan

For this 1-hour and 37-minute drive, leaving at a time that avoids peak local traffic will be most beneficial, especially since there are no designated stops and the route involves frequent turns. With a fuel cost of about $13, you won't need to worry excessively about refueling stops, but it's always wise to start with a full tank. Since this is a short, local route, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits you best. A specific tip for this journey: pay close attention to road signs as you transition between James River Drive, Colonial Trail West, and Rolfe Highway, as the 'turn-heavy' nature means clear navigation is key.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 38.9 miles from Hopewell, VA, or about 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 14.6 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 17 miles or 22m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 38.9 miles or 48m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 26m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chesapeake, VA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Hopewell, VA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Hopewell, VA

This is one driving day of about 77.8 miles and 1h 45m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Hopewell, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on James River Drive for about 14.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Williamsburg, VA, VA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Williamsburg, VA

39 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

Waverly, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Williamsburg, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 38.9 miles from Hopewell, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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 Coffee Stop

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Norfolk, Virginia

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 73.1

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

+17576250461

Visit website

Sandlot Cafe & Catering

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 5.6

Hopewell, Virginia

Hours: Closed

+18043343338

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 73.1

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

+17576250461

Visit website

Gather Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 67.5

Chesapeake, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

Visit website

Ordnance Cafe

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour

Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 73.1

Portsmouth, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Nissan Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 67.5

Chesapeake, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+33172676914

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 78.8

Chesapeake, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.0 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 67.5

Chesapeake, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 67.5

Chesapeake, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Ford Charge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 67.5

Chesapeake, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

EVgo Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 73.1

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 78.8

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Isle of Wight County Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 50.6

Smithfield, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17573561223

Visit website

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 78.8

Portsmouth, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17573938591

Visit website

Wishing Tree

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 73.1

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 39.4

Surry, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+17572943439

Visit website

Virginia Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 73.1

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: 9:30 am–4 pm

+17574412374

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 29.8 and 73.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

4
29.8 mi into trip | ~37m in | VA 10; VA 31 / Rolfe Highway

At end of road, turn left onto VA 10; VA 31 / Rolfe Highway

Navigation decision point

4
52.8 mi into trip | ~1h 6m in | US 258 / Brewers Neck Boulevard

Keep slight left at fork onto US 258 / Brewers Neck Boulevard

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

6
64.3 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in | VA 164 / Western Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto VA 164 / Western Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.
6
72.4 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in

Take the exit toward VA 141 South: Downtown Portsmouth

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward VA 141 South: Downtown Portsmouth
6
73.6 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in | Elm Avenue

Turn right onto Elm Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / left / right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.17 one way

$24.33 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 27 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $13.30 $26.61
premium $4.70 $14.40 $28.80
diesel $5.61 $17.18 $34.35

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 27.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 23.3 0 $8.17 $3.73
Efficient EV 19.5 0 $6.81 $3.11
EV Truck/SUV 31.1 0 $10.89 $4.98

Gas CO2

27 kg

EV CO2

9 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.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Hopewell, VA

Morning in Hopewell on Sunday

Local time

9:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

80°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Chesapeake, VA

Morning in Chesapeake on Sunday

Local time

9:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

71°F

Williamsburg, VA

39 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

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

1h 45m 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 turn-heavy local drive on this route, as indicated by the 0% highway share. The roads you'll be on, such as James River Drive and Colonial Trail West, are more about navigating local byways than covering long distances quickly. There isn't a single 'longest stretch' specified, suggesting frequent turns and changes in direction. This type of driving means you'll be more engaged with the road and the surrounding areas, rather than settling into a long, straight highway cruise. It’s a route that demands your attention but offers a more intimate driving experience.

Only 10% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 14.6 mi on James River Drive.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 29.8 miles in near VA 10; VA 31 / Rolfe Highway.

Driving Effort 9/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 77.8 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 29.8 miles (VA 10; VA 31 / Rolfe Highway): Navigation decision point; at 52.8 miles (US 258 / Brewers Neck Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 64.3 miles (VA 164 / Western Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Chesapeake, VA

Full guide →

Chesapeake is a town of 245,000 people (2019) in the Hampton Roads region of Eastern Virginia. Chesapeake is a diverse city in which a few urban areas are located; it also has many square miles of protected farmland, forests, and wetlands, including a substantial portion of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 45m. Total distance: 77.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 14.6 miles on James River Drive. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Chesapeake, VA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 29.8 miles (VA 10; VA 31 / Rolfe Highway): Navigation decision point; at 52.8 miles (US 258 / Brewers Neck Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 64.3 miles (VA 164 / Western Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Chesapeake, VA before heading back.

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.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Chesapeake, VA

Richlands, VA 418.5 mi · 8h 2m Claypool Hill, VA 414.2 mi · 7h 55m Tazewell, VA 401.9 mi · 7h 40m Bluefield, VA 384.4 mi · 7h 18m

More from Hopewell, VA

Hampton, VA 77.9 mi · 1h 34m Portsmouth Heights, VA 72.4 mi · 1h 38m

More trips to Chesapeake, VA

Clintwood, VA 464.9 mi Coeburn, VA 445.8 mi Abingdon, VA 405.3 mi Wytheville, VA 349.3 mi Narrows, VA 332.3 mi Dublin, VA 325.2 mi
Escape planner: Hopewell, VA Scenic drives in VA

Explore more options from Hopewell, VA or browse trips ending in Chesapeake, VA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.