Origin
Marshall, VA
Morning in Marshall on Sunday
Local time
6:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Marshall, VA to Portsmouth Heights, VA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 59m
Distance
194.6 mi
313 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 47m
★
6 AM
4h 0m
8 AM
4h 26m
10 AM
4h 9m
12 PM
4h 6m
3 PM
4h 10m
5 PM
4h 24m
8 PM
3h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Marshall, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Daniel Miller
Trip Overview
Marshall, VA to Portsmouth Heights, VA is 194.6 miles and takes about 3h 59m via US 17 and I 64, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Virginia, transitioning from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. It's a relatively straightforward, highway-focused trip, making it a solid choice for a single-day journey. If you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without extensive planning, this route fits the bill.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
97.3 miles from Marshall, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 3m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 17 | 74.7 mi | 1h 32m |
| I 64 | 62.7 mi | 1h 9m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 13 mi | 14m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 12.1 mi | 15m |
| James Madison Highway | 11.6 mi | 16m |
| Eastern Bypass | 4.9 mi | 6m |
| Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| Portsmouth Boulevard | 3.5 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
US 17
— 74.7 mi, about 1h 32m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Marshall, VA and Portsmouth Heights, VA.
1
Start on US 17 BUS; VA 55
0.2 mi
·
39 sec
·
West Main Street
2
Turn right onto US 17 BUS
3.4 mi
·
5 min
·
Winchester Road
3
Continue on US 17
6.5 mi
·
8 min
·
James Madison Highway
4
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
4.9 mi
·
6 min
·
Eastern Bypass
Toward US 17 South: Fredericksburg
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29
5.1 mi
·
7 min
·
James Madison Highway
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
27 mi
·
39 min
·
US 17
Toward US 17 South
7
Take the exit onto US 17
48 mi
·
53 min
·
US 17
Toward I 95 South, US 17 South: Richmond
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
1.9 mi
·
2 min
Exit 84A
Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
9
Merge onto I 295
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Exit 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 64
63 mi
·
1 hr 9 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
Exit 264
Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, Chesapeake
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 664
6.1 mi
·
7 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 664
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
15
Continue on I 664
5.9 mi
·
7 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 11B
Toward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, Portsmouth
Use the right lane.
17
Turn straight onto VA 337
3.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Portsmouth Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn left onto Byers Avenue
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Byers Avenue
Use the left lane.
19
Turn right onto Vick Street
464 ft
·
20 sec
·
Vick Street
20
Arrive at destination
Vick Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 59m estimated duration, departing in the morning should allow ample time to reach Portsmouth Heights comfortably within daylight hours. The route has only one recommended stop, suggesting it's not overly taxing for a single day. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 74.7-mile stretch on US 17, as services might be less frequent than on interstates. Planning your departure to avoid peak traffic around urban areas will further streamline your 194.6-mile journey.
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 97.3 miles from Marshall, VA, or about 2h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 74.7 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 43 miles or 1h 2m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 97.3 miles or 2h 3m 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 14m
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 Marshall, 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 Marshall, VA
This is one driving day of about 194.6 miles and 3h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Marshall, 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 US 17 for about 74.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
97 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 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 97.3 miles from Marshall, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 74.7 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 10.1 and 190.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
10.1 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
US 17 / Eastern Bypass
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17 / Eastern Bypass toward US 17 South: Fredericksburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 17 South: Fredericksburg
8
94.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 1m 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
109.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 17m 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
173.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 29m in
Take the exit toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, Chesapeake
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 264
Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suff...
8
190.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 50m in
Take the exit toward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, Portsmouth
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 11B
Toward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, Ports...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.43 one way
$60.86 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
68 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $33.27 | $66.55 |
| premium | $4.70 | $36.02 | $72.03 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $42.97 | $85.93 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.4 | 0 | $20.43 | $9.34 |
| Efficient EV | 48.7 | 0 | $17.03 | $7.78 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 77.8 | 0 | $27.24 | $12.45 |
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 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
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Morning in Portsmouth Heights on Sunday
Local time
6:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
53°F
Ashland, VA
97 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
30 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
3h 59m 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...
0 mi from route
$15
near mile 154.3
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 174.5
View on nps.gov
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...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
Free
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
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 114.1
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
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!
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is heavily focused on highways, with 71% of the drive utilizing major roadways like US 17 and I 64. You'll experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 74.7 miles on US 17, offering a sustained period of highway driving. Expect a profile that leans towards efficient travel rather than winding scenic byways. The roads primarily feature high-speed travel, allowing for consistent progress towards your destination.
71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 74.7 mi on US 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 17 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.1 miles in near US 17 / Eastern Bypass.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 194.6 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 10.1 miles (US 17 / Eastern Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 94.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Marshall, VA and Portsmouth Heights, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach, Virginia Beach, Suffolk and Chesapeake.
Norfolk
94.8 mi in
|
~2h 1m
Va Beach
94.8 mi in
|
~2h 1m
Virginia Beach
109.6 mi in
|
~2h 17m
Suffolk
173.6 mi in
|
~3h 29m
Chesapeake
173.6 mi in
|
~3h 29m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 59m. Total distance: 194.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 59m 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 74.7 miles on US 17. 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.1 miles (US 17 / Eastern Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 94.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.6 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 Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Portsmouth Heights, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
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.
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