Luray, VA to Norfolk, VA is 215.6 miles and takes about 4h 33m via I 64, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. You'll spend a good portion of your time on the interstate, making for a relatively straightforward trip. With a recommended one-day drive, this route is a solid option for getting from the Shenandoah Valley area to the Hampton Roads region without much fuss.
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
107.8 miles from Luray, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
106.8 mi
1h 58m
Spotswood Trail
30.5 mi
41m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.9 mi
25m
US 340
17.1 mi
26m
James Madison Highway
11 mi
15m
US 211
6.1 mi
8m
Hampton Roads Beltway
4.5 mi
6m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 106.8 mi, about 1h 58m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 58 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,255 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,692
Quietest
2 AM
~132 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.1×
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 Luray, VA and Norfolk, VA.
1
Start on US 211 BUS
1.1 mi·3 min·East Main Street
2
Enter roundabout onto Northcott Drive
26 ft·0 sec·Northcott Drive
3
Continue on Northcott Drive
0.1 mi·16 sec·Northcott Drive
4
Turn left onto US 211; US 340
6.1 mi·8 min·US 211; US 340
5
Continue on US 340
17 mi·26 min·US 340
6
Turn left onto US 33 BUS
0.3 mi·38 sec·US 33 BUS
Use the left lane.
7
Merge onto US 33
13 mi·16 min·Spotswood Trail
8
Turn straight onto US 33
2.2 mi·3 min·Stanardsville By-Pass
9
Continue on US 33
12 mi·17 min·Spotswood Trail
10
Enter roundabout onto US 33
167 ft·3 sec·Spotswood Trail
11
Continue on US 33
5.4 mi·8 min·Spotswood Trail
12
Continue on US 33; VA 231
0.2 mi·14 sec·North Main Street
13
Enter roundabout onto US 15; US 33
72 ft·0 sec·US 15; US 33
14
Continue on US 15; US 33
0.7 mi·1 min·US 15; US 33
15
Turn slight right onto US 15; US 33
0.4 mi·34 sec·Martinsburg Avenue
16
Continue on US 15; US 33
11 mi·15 min·James Madison Highway
17
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·50 sec
18
Merge onto I 64
40 mi·43 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 177Toward I 295 North: Washington, NorfolkUse the slight right lane.
20
Continue on I 295
23 mi·25 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
24
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
25
Continue on I 64; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 276Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby StreetUse the slight right lane.
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek RoadUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
28
Turn straight onto US 460
3.1 mi·7 min·Granby Street
Use the left lane.
29
Continue on US 460
446 ft·9 sec·Church Street
30
Turn right onto US 460
1.2 mi·2 min·Monticello Avenue
Use the right lane.
31
Continue on US 460
0.7 mi·1 min·Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
32
Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue
158 ft·9 sec·East City Hall Avenue
Use the left lane.
33
Arrive at destination
East City Hall Avenue
Trip Plan
Consider leaving Luray in the morning to give yourself ample time to reach Norfolk. Since this is a one-day trip, you won't need to plan for an overnight stay. The longest stretch without a major road change is over 100 miles on I 64, so plan your fuel stops accordingly, though your estimated fuel cost is only $33. With a total drive time under five hours, you have flexibility to stop for a break or two along the way without significantly impacting 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 107.8 miles from Luray, VA, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.8 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 47 miles or 1h 8m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.8 miles or 2h 23m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Norfolk, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Luray, 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 Luray, VA
This is one driving day of about 215.6 miles and 4h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Luray, 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 106.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 107.8 miles from Luray, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 106.8 miles.
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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 24.3 and 210.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
24.3 mi into trip|~38m in|US 33 BUS
Turn left onto US 33 BUS
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
109.9 mi into trip|~2h 25m in
Take the exit toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
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 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
8
134 mi into trip|~2h 52m 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
210.1 mi into trip|~4h 21m in
Take the exit toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby Street
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 276
Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby Street
9
210.3 mi into trip|~4h 21m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Cr...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.83 one way
$63.66 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg75 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$34.98
$69.96
premium
$4.49
$38.13
$76.26
diesel
$4.80
$40.71
$81.42
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.4 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
$22.64
$10.35
Efficient EV
53.9
0
$18.87
$8.62
EV Truck/SUV
86.2
1
$30.18
$13.80
Gas CO2
75 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
Luray, VA
Afternoon
in Luray on Sunday
Local time
3:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 0 to 7 mph52% 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
Norfolk, VA
Afternoon
in Norfolk on Sunday
Local time
3:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 14 mph50% 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
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
10 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 33m 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...
0 mi from route
$15
near mile 178.4
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 200.7
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over...
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires today. Native Americans first shaped the land, followed by colonists and settlers. The fertile valley became an important...
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 133.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is mostly highway, with 61% of the driving occurring on interstates. You'll encounter a long stretch of 106.8 miles on I 64. After the highway portions, expect to transition to surface roads for the remainder of your drive. The frequent exits on the interstate segments indicate a good number of services and potential points of interest along the main corridor.
61% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106.8 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Spotswood Trail. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 24.3 miles in near US 33 BUS.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 215.6 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 24.3 miles (US 33 BUS): Lane positioning matters here; at 109.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,314 ft7 ft
Total Climb
1,542 ft
Total Descent
2,340 ft
Highest Point
2,314 ft
~30.8 mi in
Elevation Range
2,307 ft
Notable High Points
2,314 ft at ~30.8 miles+1,347 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Luray, VA to Norfolk, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Virginia Beach along the way.
Norfolk is in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. It is a port city with a large Navy and shipping presence. But it is also known as a major cultural center, with world-class museums, opera, symphony, ballet and a vibrant arts community. The downtown area has experienced a major resurgence, with gourmet restaurants, shopping and attractions. Norfolk is one of the top cruise ports in the country.
Top landmarks
•USS Wisconsin — 1943 Iowa-class battleship
•Chrysler Museum of Art — art museum in Norfolk, Virginia
•Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Norfolk — church building in Norfolk, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 33m. Total distance: 215.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 106.8 miles on I 64. 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 Norfolk, 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 24.3 miles (US 33 BUS): Lane positioning matters here; at 109.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 134 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Shenandoah National Park (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Norfolk, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
