Origin
Marion, VA
Night in Marion on Saturday
Local time
9:29 PM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Marion, VA to Virginia Beach, VA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
7h 17m
Distance
387.6 mi
624 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$61
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 7m
★
6 AM
7h 18m
8 AM
7h 39m
10 AM
7h 25m
12 PM
7h 23m
3 PM
7h 26m
5 PM
7h 38m
8 PM
7h 11m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Marion, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Virginia Beach, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Crossing the state of Virginia from Marion to Virginia Beach covers 387.6 miles of diverse terrain. Expect to spend approximately 7 hours and 17 minutes behind the wheel, making this a long but manageable single-day trek. You will start by navigating local routes like South Commerce Street and Highway 16 before transitioning onto I-81 North. Budgeting roughly $60 for fuel should cover your transit across the Southeast region. While the journey is doable in one day, be prepared for a significant time commitment to reach the coast.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
193.8 miles from Marion, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 34m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 175 mi | 3h 11m |
| I 64 | 157.1 mi | 2h 53m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 22.9 mi | 25m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 12 mi | 15m |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway | 11.8 mi | 16m |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| South Commerce Street | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| 21st Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 175 mi, about 3h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Marion, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
1
Start on East Main Street
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
East Main Street
2
Turn left onto VA 16
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South Commerce Street
3
Continue on VA 16
399 ft
·
15 sec
·
State Highway 16
4
Turn left
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
5
Merge onto I 81
35 mi
·
37 min
·
I 81
Use the straight lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11
140 mi
·
2 hr 33 min
·
I 81; US 11
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on I 64; I 81
0.3 mi
·
17 sec
·
I 64; I 81
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
90 mi
·
1 hr 38 min
·
I 64
Toward I 64 East: Richmond
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit
1.2 mi
·
1 min
Exit 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
Use the slight right lane.
10
Continue on I 295
23 mi
·
25 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Exit 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 64
67 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft
·
5 sec
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
14
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
15
Continue on I 64; US 60
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 284A
Toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth
Use the slight right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
18
Merge onto I 264
12 mi
·
16 min
·
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
19
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
20
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
21
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft
·
12 sec
·
25th Street
22
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
Planning for a single stop will help break up the 7-hour and 17-minute duration, keeping you alert for the final stretch. Since this route is quite long, departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and heavy traffic. Monitor your fuel gauge closely as you exit the local turn-heavy sections, as finding a convenient station once you hit the interstate is generally easier. Because the drive is a full-day commitment, prioritize your comfort and hydration to stay focused throughout the 387.6-mile journey. Flexibility is key, so don't hesitate to extend your rest break if you find the local roads particularly demanding.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 193.8 miles from Marion, VA, or about 3h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 175 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 85 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 193.8 miles or 3h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 2m
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 Marion, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Marion, VA
This is one driving day of about 387.6 miles and 7h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 85 miles from Marion, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 175 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
194 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 85 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 193.8 miles from Marion, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 175 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 145 decision points cluster between mile 36.6 and 374.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
36.6 mi into trip
|
~41m in
|
I 81; US 11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11 toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
7
176.5 mi into trip
|
~3h 15m in
|
I 64
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 East: Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 64 East: Richmond
8
266.6 mi into trip
|
~4h 53m 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
290.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 20m 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
374.3 mi into trip
|
~6h 58m 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...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$60.61 one way
$121.22 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
136 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $66.27 | $132.55 |
| premium | $4.70 | $71.74 | $143.47 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $85.58 | $171.15 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$61
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$86–$111
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 135.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $41 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 116.3 | 1 | $40.70 | $18.60 |
| Efficient EV | 96.9 | 1 | $33.92 | $15.50 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 155 | 1 | $54.26 | $24.81 |
Gas CO2
136 kg
EV CO2
45 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Virginia Beach, VA
Night in Virginia Beach on Saturday
Local time
9:29 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live 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
15 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
7h 17m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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
~2 min detour
$15
near mile 334.2
View on nps.gov
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 360.9
View on nps.gov
Booker T Washington National Monument
National Monument
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 106.9
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...
27 mi from route
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 294.1
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip features a turn-heavy local profile that demands your full attention early on. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, you will navigate winding sections on Highway 16 before settling into the flow of I-81. With a highway share of 0% provided for the initial segments, the drive feels more technical and involved than a standard cruise. Transitioning from these local roads to the interstate system creates a dynamic change in pace as you head toward the Atlantic coast. Keep in mind that the road conditions vary significantly from the mountainous western start to the flatter eastern finish.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 175 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 36.6 miles in near I 81; US 11.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 14 significant decision points across 387.6 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 36.6 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 176.5 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 266.6 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
2,390 ft
-3 ft
Total Climb
819 ft
Total Descent
2,978 ft
Highest Point
2,390 ft
~27.7 mi in
Elevation Range
2,393 ft
Notable High Points
1,621 ft at ~166.1 miles
+539 ft prominence
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.
On the drive from Marion, VA to Virginia Beach, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Norfolk along the way.
Norfolk
266.6 mi in
|
~4h 53m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 17m. Total distance: 387.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 17m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 175 miles on I 81. 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 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 36.6 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 176.5 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 266.6 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 Booker T Washington National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Virginia Beach, VA before the return drive.
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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