Traveling from Horse Pasture to Virginia Beach covers 249 miles across the southeastern portion of Virginia. You should expect a total drive time of approximately 5 hours and 31 minutes, making this a journey that is entirely feasible as a single-day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $40, it is a budget-friendly way to transition from the inland southeastern region to the coast. While you could power through in one go, planning for at least one stop will help keep you fresh behind the wheel. This route bridges the gap between rural Virginia and the bustling coastal environment of Virginia Beach, offering a straightforward path for travelers looking to reach the ocean.
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
124.5 miles from Horse Pasture, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 43m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Southampton Parkway
62.1 mi
1h 20m
US 58
29.4 mi
37m
I 264
24.5 mi
34m
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
William F Stone Highway
9.4 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
Southampton Parkway
— 62.1 mi, about 1h 20m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Horse Pasture, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
1
Start on US 58
31 ft·5 sec·A. L. Philpott Highway
2
Continue on US 58
2.4 mi·3 min·A. L. Philpott Highway
3
Take the exit onto US 58
0.3 mi·40 sec·US 58
Toward US 58 East, US 220 South
4
Merge onto US 58; US 220
9.4 mi·10 min·William F Stone Highway
5
Keep slight right at fork onto US 58
15 mi·19 min·US 58
Toward US 58 East: DanvilleUse the slight right lane.
6
Take the exit onto US 58
14 mi·17 min·US 58
Toward US 58 East
7
Take the exit onto US 58
0.3 mi·38 sec·US 58
Toward US 58 East, US 360 East: South Boston
8
Merge onto US 58; US 360
2.9 mi·5 min·South Boston Road
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on US 58; US 360
5.3 mi·7 min·South Boston Highway
10
Continue on US 58; US 360
20 mi·25 min·Philpott Road
11
Continue on US 58; US 360
19 mi·24 min·Bill Tuck Highway
12
Continue on US 58; VA 49
3.6 mi·4 min·Clarksville Bypass
Use the straight lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 58
19 mi·24 min·Clarksville Bypass
Toward US 58 East: Boydton, South Hill
14
Continue on US 1; US 58
3.5 mi·4 min·Highway 1
15
Continue on US 58
3.3 mi·4 min·South Hill Bypass
16
Continue on US 58
1.1 mi·1 min·East Atlantic Street
17
Continue on US 58
3.6 mi·5 min·Highway 58
18
Continue on US 58
1.2 mi·2 min·Piney Pond Road
19
Continue on US 58
23 mi·30 min·Governor Harrison Parkway
20
Continue on US 58
6.4 mi·8 min·Pleasant Shade Drive
21
Continue on US 58
5.1 mi·6 min·West Atlantic Street
22
Continue on US 58
62 mi·1 hr 20 min·Southampton Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460
1.7 mi·2 min·West Military Highway
24
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
25
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
26
Merge onto I 664; US 13; US 460
0.6 mi·42 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
27
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 15AToward I 264 East: Portsmouth, Norfolk
28
Continue on I 264
7.2 mi·11 min·I 264
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto I 264; VA 337
17 mi·23 min·I 264; VA 337
Use the slight right lane.
30
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi·54 sec·21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
31
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi·46 sec·Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
32
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft·12 sec·25th Street
33
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
For the smoothest experience, plan your departure to avoid peak traffic hours, especially as you approach the denser infrastructure near Virginia Beach. Given the 249-mile distance, incorporating at least one planned stop will make the 5-hour and 31-minute duration much more manageable. Since you are relying on Southampton Parkway for a significant portion of the trip, keep a close eye on your fuel gauge before entering that 62.1-mile stretch to ensure you aren't caught off guard. Since this is a one-day trip, your schedule offers plenty of flexibility, so don't feel pressured to rush the drive. Taking a break halfway through is the best way to ensure you arrive at your final destination feeling energized.
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 124.5 miles from Horse Pasture, VA, or about 2h 43m 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 55 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 124.5 miles or 2h 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 28m
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 Horse Pasture, 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 Horse Pasture, VA
This is one driving day of about 249 miles and 5h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Horse Pasture, 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.4 and 221.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
2.4 mi into trip|~3m 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
12.2 mi into trip|~15m 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
6
41.3 mi into trip|~52m in|US 58; US 360 / South Boston Road
Merge onto US 58; US 360 / South Boston Road
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
91.6 mi into trip|~1h 58m in|US 58 / Clarksville Bypass
Keep slight right at fork onto US 58 / Clarksville Bypass toward US 58 East: Boydton, South Hill
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 58 East: Boydton, South Hill
6
221.9 mi into trip|~4h 52m in|US 13; US 460
Keep slight left at fork onto US 13; US 460 toward I 264 East, I 64, US 13 North: Portsmouth, Norfolk, Va Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 264 East, I 64, US 13 North: Portsmout...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.94 one way
$77.88 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$42.58
$85.15
premium
$4.70
$46.08
$92.17
diesel
$5.61
$54.98
$109.95
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.7
0
$26.15
$11.95
Efficient EV
62.3
0
$21.79
$9.96
EV Truck/SUV
99.6
1
$34.86
$15.94
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 15, 2026
Origin
Horse Pasture, VA
Morning
in Horse Pasture on Sunday
Local time
9:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Morning
in Virginia Beach on Sunday
Local time
9:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
60°F
Lawrenceville, VA
125 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
14 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
5h 31m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed driving experience that shifts as you traverse the state. With a 59% highway share, you will spend a good portion of your time on major routes like US 58 and I-264, balancing faster interstate segments with more controlled parkway driving. Your longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on Southampton Parkway, where you will cover 62.1 miles of steady road. Because the route is a mix of varied road types, the pace of the drive remains dynamic rather than monotonous. You will find that the transitions between these thoroughfares dictate the overall rhythm of your trip as you move toward the coast.
59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
33 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?
9/10
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 2.4 miles in near US 58.
Driving Effort9/10
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 14 significant decision points across 249 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 2.4 miles (US 58): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.2 miles (US 58): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 41.3 miles (US 58; US 360 / South Boston Road): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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 Horse Pasture, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Hill, Norfolk and Va Beach.
Hill
91.6 mi in|~1h 58m|via US 58
Norfolk
221.2 mi in|~4h 50m|via US 13; US 460
Va Beach
221.2 mi in|~4h 50m|via US 13; US 460
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 31m. Total distance: 249 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
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.
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 2.4 miles (US 58): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.2 miles (US 58): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 41.3 miles (US 58; US 360 / South Boston Road): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Virginia Beach, VA before the return drive.
