Leesburg, VA to Portsmouth, VA is 217.6 miles and takes about 4h 27m via I 95 and I 64, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, connecting two points in the Southeast region. With over 70% of the drive on highways, expect a fairly direct path. It's a single-day excursion, making it a good option for a quick trip. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to travel between these two areas of the state.
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
108.8 miles from Leesburg, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 19m 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
Dulles Greenway
11.6 mi
13m
Ox Road
8.7 mi
12m
Fairfax County Parkway
7.7 mi
11m
Hampton Roads Beltway
7.2 mi
9m
Western Freeway
5.8 mi
7m
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, 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
1.1 mi·1 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
31
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 8BToward VA 135 South: College Drive, ChurchlandUse the right lane.
32
Continue on VA 135
1.4 mi·2 min·College Drive
Use the straight lane.
33
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward VA 164 East: Downtown Portsmouth
34
Merge onto VA 164
5.8 mi·7 min·Western Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Merge onto US 58; VA 164
0.7 mi·46 sec·Martin Luther King Freeway
36
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward VA 141 South: Downtown PortsmouthUse the right lane.
37
Turn straight onto US 58
1.2 mi·2 min·London Boulevard
38
Turn right onto VA 141
0.1 mi·11 sec·Effingham Street
Use the right lane.
39
Turn left onto High Street
0.5 mi·1 min·High Street
Use the left lane.
40
Continue on High Street
201 ft·20 sec·High Street
Use the left lane.
41
Arrive at destination
High Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4 hour 27 minute estimated drive time, leaving Leesburg in the morning should allow ample time to reach Portsmouth before evening. The route includes a single recommended stop, but with a drive under 5 hours, you might not need it if you plan your fuel and restroom breaks strategically. The longest continuous stretch on I 95 is 74.6 miles, so plan accordingly for your last fuel stop before that segment if needed. Keep an eye on traffic conditions, especially as you approach the I 64 corridor in the Hampton Roads region, as this can impact your arrival time.
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 108.8 miles from Leesburg, VA, or about 2h 19m 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 48 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.8 miles or 2h 19m 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 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portsmouth, 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 217.6 miles and 4h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 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 32
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
$32.13 one way
$64.25 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg76 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$35.30
$70.61
premium
$4.49
$38.48
$76.97
diesel
$4.80
$41.09
$82.17
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: 76.1 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
65.3
0
$22.85
$10.44
Efficient EV
54.4
0
$19.04
$8.70
EV Truck/SUV
87
1
$30.46
$13.93
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Leesburg, VA
Morning
in Leesburg on Sunday
Local time
6:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 9 mph45% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 5:54PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 5:53PM EDT until July 18 at 6:30PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Destination
Portsmouth, VA
Morning
in Portsmouth on Sunday
Local time
6:54 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 14 mph50% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 5:54PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 5:53PM EDT until July 18 at 6:30PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
64°F
Fredericksburg, VA
109 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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 27m 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
~7 min detour
$15
near mile 172.6
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 195.1
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...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 135.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 71% of the 217.6 miles spent on major interstates like I 95 and I 64. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 74.6 miles on I 95 before needing to navigate potential exits or merges. The transition from highway to surface roads will occur gradually as you approach your destination. Be prepared for potentially dense traffic and numerous exits as you get closer to the Hampton Roads area.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
41 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 32 significant decision points across 217.6 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
404 ft-4 ft
Total Climb
207 ft
Total Descent
538 ft
Highest Point
404 ft
~31.1 mi in
Elevation Range
408 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, 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 27m. Total distance: 217.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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, 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 4.5 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, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
