Origin
Louisa, VA
Morning in Louisa on Tuesday
Local time
6:37 AM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Louisa, VA to Newport News, VA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 24m
Distance
116.8 mi
188 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 15m
★
6 AM
2h 25m
8 AM
2h 45m
10 AM
2h 32m
12 PM
2h 30m
3 PM
2h 33m
5 PM
2h 44m
8 PM
2h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Louisa, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Newport News, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Louisa, VA to Newport News, VA is 116.8 miles and takes about 2h 24m via I 64, with a fuel budget near $18 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, primarily traversing Virginia. Expect a mixed drive that offers a blend of highway speeds and potentially some slower local road sections. With a duration under three hours and a modest fuel cost, this is a straightforward, same-day journey. It's a practical option for moving between these two points without significant time commitment.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
58.4 miles from Louisa, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 56.7 mi | 1h 2m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 19.5 mi | 21m |
| Jefferson Highway | 19.2 mi | 26m |
| Mountain Road | 17.5 mi | 25m |
| West Main Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Diligence Drive | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Staples Mill Road | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Thimble Shoals Boulevard | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 56.7 mi, about 1h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Louisa, VA and Newport News, VA.
1
Start on this road
25 ft
·
2 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
136 ft
·
12 sec
3
Turn right onto US 33; VA 22
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
West Main Street
4
Turn right onto US 33
19 mi
·
26 min
·
Jefferson Highway
5
Continue on US 33
17 mi
·
25 min
·
Mountain Road
6
Continue on US 33
0.5 mi
·
39 sec
·
Staples Mill Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
52 sec
Toward I 295: Washington, Norfolk
8
Merge onto I 295
19 mi
·
21 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Exit 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 64
57 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
Exit 258A
Toward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
12
Turn straight onto US 17
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
J Clyde Morris Boulevard
13
Turn right onto Diligence Drive
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Diligence Drive
14
At end of road, turn right onto Thimble Shoals Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Thimble Shoals Boulevard
15
Turn left
413 ft
·
33 sec
16
At end of road, turn right
82 ft
·
6 sec
17
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 24 minutes, this is an ideal same-day trip, offering flexibility for when you depart. You likely won't need extensive stops, but consider a brief break around the halfway point, especially if you encounter slower traffic. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is $18, and it's always wise to top up before starting a journey, particularly before hitting the longest stretch on I 64. Planning to leave in the morning or early afternoon will ensure you arrive with ample daylight.
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 58.4 miles from Louisa, VA, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.7 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 26 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 58.4 miles or 1h 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 1h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Newport News, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Louisa, 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 Louisa, VA
This is one driving day of about 116.8 miles and 2h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Louisa, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 64 for about 56.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
58 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 58.4 miles from Louisa, 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 105 decision points cluster between mile 38.1 and 116.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
38.1 mi into trip
|
~55m in
|
I 295 / Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Merge onto I 295 / Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
57.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 16m 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
5
58.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 19m in
|
I 64
Merge onto I 64
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
115.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 21m in
Take the exit toward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 258A
Toward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris Boulevard
6
116.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 24m in
At end of road, turn right
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.26 one way
$36.53 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
41 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $19.97 | $39.94 |
| premium | $4.70 | $21.62 | $43.23 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $25.79 | $51.58 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 40.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 35 | 0 | $12.26 | $5.61 |
| Efficient EV | 29.2 | 0 | $10.22 | $4.67 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 46.7 | 0 | $16.35 | $7.48 |
Gas CO2
41 kg
EV CO2
14 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.
Destination
Newport News, VA
Morning in Newport News on Tuesday
Local time
6:37 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
51°F
Ashland, VA
58 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
19 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
2h 24m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
$15
near mile 100.7
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 116.8
View on nps.gov
Petersburg National Battlefield
National Battlefield
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
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 60.4
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive features a 49% highway share, meaning you'll spend a good portion on faster routes like I 64. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 56.7 miles on I 64, allowing for consistent progress. The 'Mixed drive' profile suggests that while highway travel is significant, you may also experience sections on roads like Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway and Jefferson Highway, which could offer a change of pace. Be prepared for varying speed limits and road conditions as you transition between these different types of thoroughfares.
49% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 56.7 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 10 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 38.1 miles in near I 295 / Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 116.8 miles you will encounter 10 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 38.1 miles (I 295 / Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 57.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.9 miles (I 64): 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Louisa, VA and Newport News, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Norfolk
37.8 mi in
|
~54m
Virginia Beach
57.6 mi in
|
~1h 16m
About the Cities
Arriving in Newport News, VA
Full guide →Newport News is a city in Virginia in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. It's on the James River, and much of the area has been developed into a city starting in the late 19th century.
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 2h 24m. Total distance: 116.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (49%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 56.7 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: at 38.1 miles (I 295 / Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 57.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.9 miles (I 64): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Newport News, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Newport News, VA
More from Louisa, VA
More trips to Newport News, VA
Explore more options from Louisa, VA or browse trips ending in Newport News, VA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.