Lake Barcroft, VA to Virginia Beach, VA is 203.2 miles and takes about 4h 6m via I 95 and I 64, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a primarily highway-focused drive that keeps you within the Southeast region and the state of Virginia for its entirety. You'll experience a fairly direct journey, suitable for a single-day trip. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to get from the Northern Virginia area to the Virginia coast without significant detours.
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
101.6 miles from Lake Barcroft, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 3m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
66.8 mi
1h 15m
I 95
48.6 mi
53m
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
36.9 mi
43m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
Hampton Roads Beltway
12 mi
15m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
11.8 mi
16m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Braddock Road
1.8 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 66.8 mi, about 1h 15m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 52 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,046 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,734
Quietest
2 AM
~462 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.6×
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 Lake Barcroft, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
1
Start on Crosswoods Drive
57 ft·8 sec·Crosswoods Drive
2
Turn left onto Waterway Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·Waterway Drive
3
Continue on Waterway Drive
0.1 mi·33 sec·Waterway Drive
4
Turn slight left onto Dearborn Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·Dearborn Drive
5
At end of road, turn left onto SR 613
0.7 mi·1 min·Sleepy Hollow Road
6
At end of road, turn left onto VA 244
0.8 mi·1 min·Columbia Pike
7
Turn right onto SR 613
0.4 mi·57 sec·Lincolnia Road
Use the right lane.
8
Turn right onto SR 620
1.8 mi·4 min·Braddock Road
Use the right lane.
9
Turn left onto Clifton Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Clifton Street
10
At end of road, turn left onto SR 648
0.4 mi·1 min·Edsall Road
Use the left lane.
11
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 395 South: Richmond
12
Merge onto I 395
0.6 mi·45 sec·Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 395
36 mi·43 min·Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 1AToward I 95 South: RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
49 mi·53 min·I 95
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
16
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
20
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
21
Continue on I 64; US 60
12 mi·15 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
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.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va BeachUse the straight / slight left lanes.
24
Merge onto I 264
12 mi·16 min·Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
25
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi·54 sec·21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi·46 sec·Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
27
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft·12 sec·25th Street
28
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 6m estimated duration, this is a very manageable one-day trip. Departing from Lake Barcroft, VA, consider leaving in the morning to avoid peak commuter traffic on the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway. With only one stop recommended, you have flexibility in where and when you choose to take a break. The fuel cost is estimated at $32, so plan your fueling stops accordingly, especially before heading into longer stretches like the 66.8 miles on I 64.
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 101.6 miles from Lake Barcroft, VA, or about 2h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.8 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 45 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 101.6 miles or 2h 3m 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 17m
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 Lake Barcroft, 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 Lake Barcroft, VA
This is one driving day of about 203.2 miles and 4h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Lake Barcroft, 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 64 for about 66.8 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 5.2 and 190 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
5.2 mi into trip|~13m in|SR 648 / Edsall Road
At end of road, turn left onto SR 648 / Edsall Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
91.3 mi into trip|~1h 52m 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
106.2 mi into trip|~2h 8m 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
189.8 mi into trip|~3h 46m 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
190 mi into trip|~3h 46m 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
$30.00 one way
$60.00 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg71 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$32.97
$65.94
premium
$4.49
$35.94
$71.87
diesel
$4.80
$38.37
$76.74
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61
0
$21.34
$9.75
Efficient EV
50.8
0
$17.78
$8.13
EV Truck/SUV
81.3
1
$28.45
$13.00
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 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 Jul 19, 2026
Origin
Lake Barcroft, VA
Afternoon
in Lake Barcroft on Sunday
Local time
1:23 PM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
W 6 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Afternoon
in Virginia Beach on Sunday
Local time
1:23 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 15 mph34% 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
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
4h 6m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 175.2
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
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...
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
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 105.1
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!
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is largely a highway-focused drive, with 63% of the journey on major interstates like I 95 and I 64. You'll encounter the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway early on, which can be busy depending on the time of day. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 66.8 miles on I 64, offering a period of consistent driving. Expect a straightforward travel experience with minimal complexities on this route.
63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 66.8 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.2 miles in near SR 648 / Edsall Road.
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 21 significant decision points across 203.2 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 5.2 miles (SR 648 / Edsall Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 91.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
268 ft11 ft
Total Climb
208 ft
Total Descent
466 ft
Highest Point
268 ft
Elevation Range
258 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Lake Barcroft, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Portsmouth.
Norfolk
91.3 mi in|~1h 52m
Va Beach
91.3 mi in|~1h 52m
Portsmouth
189.8 mi in|~3h 46m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 6m. Total distance: 203.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 66.8 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 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. There are 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.2 miles (SR 648 / Edsall Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 91.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fort Monroe National Monument, Colonial National Historical Park and Petersburg National Battlefield (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Virginia Beach, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
