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Trip from Narrows, VA to Chesapeake, VA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

6h 36m

Distance

332.3 mi

535 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$52

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
6h 24m ★
6 AM
6h 36m
8 AM
7h 0m
10 AM
6h 45m
12 PM
6h 42m
3 PM
6h 46m
5 PM
6h 59m
8 PM
6h 29m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

town in Giles County, Virginia, United States

Narrows, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Chesapeake, VA, VA

Chesapeake, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Narrows, VA to Chesapeake, VA is 332.3 miles and takes about 6h 36m via I 81 and I 64, with a fuel budget near $52 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive stays within Virginia, connecting the mountainous Southeast region to the coastal Southeast. Expect a predominantly interstate experience, making it a straightforward trip for those prioritizing speed and efficiency. With only one recommended stop and a drive time under seven hours, it's well-suited for a single-day journey.

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

166.2 miles from Narrows, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 22m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 64 156.9 mi 2h 53m
I 81 79.8 mi 1h 27m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway 22.9 mi 25m
Virginia Avenue 17 mi 21m
Mount Tabor Road 9.1 mi 15m
Catawba Valley Drive 9 mi 12m
Newport Road 7.7 mi 12m
Hampton Roads Beltway 6.8 mi 8m
Longest stretch: I 64 — 156.9 mi, about 2h 53m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Narrows, VA and Chesapeake, VA.

1

Start on VA 100

1.0 mi · 2 min · Main Street
2

Continue on VA 100

2.8 mi · 3 min · Narrows Road
3

Turn slight left onto Thomas Drive

0.2 mi · 21 sec · Thomas Drive
4

Turn right onto US 460

17 mi · 21 min · Virginia Avenue
5

Continue on US 460

3.4 mi · 4 min · Pandapas Pond Road
6

Turn left onto SR 649

392 ft · 8 sec · Coal Bank Hollow Road
7

Continue on SR 649

1.4 mi · 2 min · Coal Bank Hollow Road
8

At end of road, turn left onto SR 624

9.1 mi · 15 min · Mount Tabor Road
9

Continue on SR 624

7.7 mi · 12 min · Newport Road
10

At end of road, turn right onto VA 311

9.0 mi · 12 min · Catawba Valley Drive
11

Enter roundabout onto VA 419

163 ft · 2 sec · North Electric Road
12

Continue on VA 419

0.6 mi · 1 min · North Electric Road
Use the straight lane.
13

Turn left

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Use the left lane.
14

Merge onto I 81

80 mi · 1 hr 27 min · I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

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.
16

Take the exit

1.2 mi · 1 min
Exit 177 Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk Use the slight right lane.
17

Continue on I 295

23 mi · 25 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

1.3 mi · 2 min
Exit 28A Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Merge onto I 64

67 mi · 1 hr 15 min · I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60

342 ft · 5 sec · Hampton Roads Beltway
21

Continue on I 64; US 60

3.5 mi · 4 min · Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
22

Continue on I 64; US 60

6.7 mi · 8 min · Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec
Exit 278 Toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
24

Turn straight onto VA 194

2.1 mi · 3 min · Chesapeake Boulevard
Use the left lane.
25

Turn straight

135 ft · 7 sec
26

Turn left onto VA 247

1.1 mi · 1 min · Ballentine Boulevard
27

Turn right onto VA 166

0.9 mi · 1 min · East Princess Anne Road
28

Turn left onto VA 166

0.6 mi · 1 min · Park Avenue
29

Turn left onto US 460; VA 166; VA 168

0.3 mi · 57 sec · East Brambleton Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
30

Continue on US 460; VA 166; VA 168

0.7 mi · 1 min · Campostella Road
31

Turn right onto US 460; VA 166

0.7 mi · 1 min · Wilson Road
Use the right lane.
32

Continue on US 460; VA 166

0.3 mi · 27 sec · 22nd Street
33

Continue on US 460; VA 166

0.3 mi · 29 sec · Poindexter Street
Use the straight lane.
34

Turn right onto D Street

412 ft · 18 sec · D Street
35

Arrive at destination

D Street

Trip Plan

Given the 6h 36m duration, starting your drive from Narrows, VA in the morning is advisable to ensure you arrive in Chesapeake, VA before evening. The recommended single stop is likely sufficient for a break, but plan it strategically to break up the 332.3 miles. The fuel cost estimate of $52 suggests keeping an eye on gas prices as you travel, especially as you transition onto I-64 for the longest stretch. Consider monitoring traffic conditions on I-64 as it approaches the Hampton Roads area, as congestion can impact your arrival time.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 166.2 miles from Narrows, VA, or about 3h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.9 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 73 miles or 1h 40m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 166.2 miles or 3h 22m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 20m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chesapeake, VA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Narrows, 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 Narrows, VA

This is one driving day of about 332.3 miles and 6h 36m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 73 miles from Narrows, 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 156.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Downtown Charlottesville, VA, VA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Charlottesville, VA

166 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.

Popular next leg

Charlottesville, VA to Chesapeake, VA

165.8 mi · 3h 17m

Pacing Suggestions

Roanoke, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 73 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Charlottesville, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 166.2 miles from Narrows, 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 156.9 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 22

5 decision points cluster between mile 52.3 and 324.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
52.3 mi into trip | ~1h 17m in

Turn left

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
7
132.3 mi into trip | ~2h 45m 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
222.4 mi into trip | ~4h 23m 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
246.5 mi into trip | ~4h 50m 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
7
324.9 mi into trip | ~6h 21m in

Take the exit toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake Boulevard

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 278 Toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake Boulevard

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$51.96 one way

$103.93 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 116 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $56.82 $113.64
premium $4.70 $61.50 $123.00
diesel $5.61 $73.37 $146.74

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$52

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$77–$102

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 116.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 99.7 1 $34.89 $15.95
Efficient EV 83.1 0 $29.08 $13.29
EV Truck/SUV 132.9 1 $46.52 $21.27

Gas CO2

116 kg

EV CO2

39 kg (66% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Narrows, VA

Late night in Narrows on Sunday

Local time

12:34 AM

EDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Chesapeake, VA

Late night in Chesapeake on Sunday

Local time

12:34 AM

EDT

Current temp

85°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

13 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

6h 36m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is a highway-focused drive, with 71% of the journey on major interstates like I-81 and I-64, including a significant stretch of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 156.9 miles on I-64, indicating long periods of consistent highway travel. The character is largely one of steady progress on high-speed roads, designed for getting from point A to point B efficiently rather than for leisurely sightseeing. Be prepared for the typical interstate environment for the majority of your time behind the wheel.

71% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 156.9 mi on I 64.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 52.3 miles in.

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 22 significant decision points across 332.3 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 52.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 132.3 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 222.4 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.

Between Narrows, VA and Chesapeake, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Norfolk

222.4 mi in | ~4h 23m

Virginia Beach

246.5 mi in | ~4h 50m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 36m. Total distance: 332.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 36m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 156.9 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 Chesapeake, 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 52.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 132.3 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 222.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Chesapeake, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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