This 191.4-mile journey from Nellysford, VA to Norfolk, VA is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in about 3 hours and 47 minutes. Given its manageable duration and a fuel cost estimated at $30, it's an ideal candidate for a single-day trip. You'll primarily navigate on I-64, along with segments of Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway and Rockfish Valley Highway. This route stays within the Southeast region, connecting two points in Virginia. It’s a practical option for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
95.7 miles from Nellysford, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 50m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
136.3 mi
2h 30m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.9 mi
25m
Rockfish Valley Highway
8.8 mi
13m
Rockfish Gap Turnpike
4.5 mi
6m
Hampton Roads Beltway
4.5 mi
6m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Granby Street
3.1 mi
7m
Critzer Shop Road
2.5 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 136.3 mi, about 2h 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Nellysford, VA and Norfolk, VA.
1
Start on VA 151
8.8 mi·13 min·Rockfish Valley Highway
2
Continue on VA 151
2.5 mi·3 min·Critzer Shop Road
3
Enter roundabout onto Rockfish Gap Turnpike
13 ft·0 sec·Rockfish Gap Turnpike
4
Continue on Rockfish Gap Turnpike
4.5 mi·6 min·Rockfish Gap Turnpike
5
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·59 sec
6
Merge onto I 64
69 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 177Toward I 295 North: Washington, NorfolkUse the slight right lane.
8
Continue on I 295
23 mi·25 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
12
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
13
Continue on I 64; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 276Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby StreetUse the slight right lane.
15
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.
16
Turn straight onto US 460
3.1 mi·7 min·Granby Street
Use the left lane.
17
Continue on US 460
446 ft·9 sec·Church Street
18
Turn right onto US 460
1.2 mi·2 min·Monticello Avenue
Use the right lane.
19
Continue on US 460
0.7 mi·1 min·Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
20
Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue
158 ft·9 sec·East City Hall Avenue
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
East City Hall Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 3 hour and 47 minute drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize your daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you approach Norfolk. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 136.3 miles on I-64, you'll want to ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking. The estimated fuel cost of $30 is a good starting point for budgeting. Since this is a relatively short, one-day trip, you have flexibility in pacing your journey and can easily adjust your departure time based on your needs.
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 95.7 miles from Nellysford, VA, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 136.3 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 42 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 95.7 miles or 1h 50m 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
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 Nellysford, 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 Nellysford, VA
This is one driving day of about 191.4 miles and 3h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Nellysford, 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 136.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 16.2 and 186 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
16.2 mi into trip|~24m in|I 64
Merge onto I 64
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
85.6 mi into trip|~1h 39m 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
109.7 mi into trip|~2h 6m 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
185.8 mi into trip|~3h 35m 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
186 mi into trip|~3h 35m 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
$29.93 one way
$59.86 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg67 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$32.73
$65.45
premium
$4.70
$35.42
$70.85
diesel
$5.61
$42.26
$84.52
Estimated Tolls: $0.31
Rockfish Gap Turnpike
(4.5 mi)$0.31
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 67 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
57.4
0
$20.10
$9.19
Efficient EV
47.9
0
$16.75
$7.66
EV Truck/SUV
76.6
0
$26.80
$12.25
Gas CO2
67 kg
EV CO2
22 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 Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Nellysford, VA
Morning
in Nellysford on Tuesday
Local time
6:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Norfolk, VA
Morning
in Norfolk on Tuesday
Local time
6:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
51°F
Ashland, VA
96 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
22 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 47m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 178.2
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
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...
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 112.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 74% of the journey on major roadways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 136.3 miles on I-64, suggesting long periods of consistent speed and less frequent turns. While the main roads include I-64, Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, and Rockfish Valley Highway, the emphasis is on covering distance. Expect a driving experience that prioritizes efficiency over leisurely exploration, with the character of the road remaining largely consistent throughout the drive.
74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 136.3 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 16.2 miles in near I 64.
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 11 significant decision points across 191.4 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 16.2 miles (I 64): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.7 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.
On the drive from Nellysford, 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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 47m. Total distance: 191.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (74%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 136.3 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.31 in tolls one way, starting with Rockfish Gap Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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 16.2 miles (I 64): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 85.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fort Monroe National Monument, Colonial National Historical Park and Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Norfolk, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
