Leesburg, VA to Portsmouth Heights, VA is 215.8 miles and takes about 4h 25m via I 95, I 64, and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, primarily traversing Virginia. With a recommended single day of travel and a mostly highway profile, this route is designed for efficient transit between two points. Plan for a straightforward drive that prioritizes covering ground over extensive sightseeing.
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
107.9 miles from Leesburg, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 18m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
74.6 mi
1h 23m
I 64
62.7 mi
1h 9m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
Hampton Roads Beltway
12.1 mi
15m
Dulles Greenway
11.6 mi
13m
Ox Road
8.7 mi
12m
Fairfax County Parkway
7.7 mi
11m
Sully Road
4.6 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 74.6 mi, about 1h 23m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 51 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 Leesburg, VA and Portsmouth Heights, VA.
1
Start on VA 7 BUS
226 ft·15 sec·East Market Street
2
Turn left onto US 15 BUS
1.1 mi·3 min·South King Street
3
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward VA 7 East, US 15 North: Alexandria, Leesburg BypassUse the left lane.
4
Merge onto US 15; VA 7
0.3 mi·25 sec·Leesburg Bypass
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward VA 267 East: Dulles Airport, WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on VA 267
12 mi·13 min·Dulles Greenway
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi·55 sec
Exit 9AToward VA 28 South: Dulles Airport, CentrevilleUse the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward VA 28 South: CentrevilleUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto VA 28
4.6 mi·6 min·Sully Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward US 50: Winchester, FairfaxUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward US 50 East: FairfaxUse the straight lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward US 50 East: FairfaxUse the right lane.
13
Merge onto US 50
3.2 mi·5 min·Route 50
Use the left lane.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward VA 286 South: Fairfax County ParkwayUse the slight right lane.
15
Turn right onto VA 286
7.7 mi·11 min·Fairfax County Parkway
Use the right lane.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward VA 123 North: Ox Road
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·24 sec
Toward VA 123 South: Ox Road
18
Turn left onto VA 123
8.7 mi·12 min·Ox Road
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on VA 123
0.9 mi·1 min·Gordon Boulevard
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Fredericksburg
21
Merge onto I 95
26 mi·30 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
49 mi·53 min·I 95
Use the straight lane.
23
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
24
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Merge onto I 64
63 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.5 mi·36 sec
Exit 264Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, ChesapeakeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Merge onto I 664
6.1 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Continue on I 664
4.3 mi·5 min·Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
30
Continue on I 664
5.9 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 11BToward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, PortsmouthUse the right lane.
32
Turn straight onto VA 337
3.5 mi·6 min·Portsmouth Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Turn left onto Byers Avenue
0.3 mi·1 min·Byers Avenue
Use the left lane.
34
Turn right onto Vick Street
464 ft·20 sec·Vick Street
35
Arrive at destination
Vick Street
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 4h 25m duration, departing Leesburg after the morning rush hour, perhaps around 9 or 10 AM, should allow you to arrive in Portsmouth Heights before evening traffic fully develops. The recommended single day of travel means you can be flexible with stops. With a fuel cost estimated at $33, it's wise to fill up before leaving Leesburg or in a less populated area along I 95 to potentially save a bit. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the final 50 miles into Portsmouth Heights, as services can become more spread out.
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 107.9 miles from Leesburg, VA, or about 2h 18m 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 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.9 miles or 2h 18m 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portsmouth Heights, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Leesburg, 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 Leesburg, VA
This is one driving day of about 215.8 miles and 4h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Leesburg, 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 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 13.7 and 130.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
13.7 mi into trip|~18m in
Take the exit toward VA 28 South: Dulles Airport, Centreville
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 9A
Toward VA 28 South: Dulles Airport, Centreville
8
19.6 mi into trip|~27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 50 East: Fairfax
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 50 East: Fairfax
8
19.8 mi into trip|~28m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 50 East: Fairfax
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward US 50 East: Fairfax
8
116 mi into trip|~2h 27m 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
130.9 mi into trip|~2h 43m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.86 one way
$63.72 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg76 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$35.01
$70.02
premium
$4.49
$38.16
$76.33
diesel
$4.80
$40.75
$81.49
Estimated Tolls: $2.91
Dulles Greenway
(11.6 mi)$2.91
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
64.7
0
$22.66
$10.36
Efficient EV
54
0
$18.88
$8.63
EV Truck/SUV
86.3
1
$30.21
$13.81
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Leesburg, VA
Morning
in Leesburg on Sunday
Local time
6:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 9 mph45% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 6:29PM EDT until July 18 at 7:30PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:13PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Morning
in Portsmouth Heights on Sunday
Local time
6:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
96°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 13 mph23% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 6:29PM EDT until July 18 at 7:30PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 6:13PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
64°F
Fredericksburg, VA
108 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
4 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 25m 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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
$15
near mile 178.6
Park Closure: Jamestown Island Loop Drive to Temporarily Close to Vehicles
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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!
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 193.5
At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry. Here you can explore John Brown's Raid against slavery. Find your...
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 134
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 69% of the total mileage on major interstates. You'll encounter the longest continuous stretch on I 95, covering 74.6 miles without significant breaks. Expect to transition from highway cruising to surface roads as you approach your destination, which will likely involve more frequent exits and potentially denser traffic patterns closer to Portsmouth Heights.
69% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 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 13.7 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 29 significant decision points across 215.8 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 13.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 19.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
365 ft7 ft
Total Climb
291 ft
Total Descent
624 ft
Highest Point
365 ft
~30.8 mi in
Elevation Range
358 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Leesburg, VA and Portsmouth Heights, VA, road signs point toward Centreville, Fairfax, Norfolk, Va Beach, Virginia Beach and Suffolk - among others.
Leesburg is in Loudoun County, Virginia. During the War of 1812, Leesburg was used as a temporary capital of the United States when the British occupied Washington.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 25m. Total distance: 215.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 25m drive, comfortable solo distance.
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.
Expect about $2.91 in tolls one way, starting with Dulles Greenway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 18 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 Portsmouth Heights, 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 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 13.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 19.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 19.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Fort Monroe National Monument (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Portsmouth Heights, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
