Origin
Newport News, VA
Morning in Newport News on Sunday
Local time
9:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Newport News, VA to Potomac Mills, VA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 50m
Distance
147.6 mi
238 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 40m
★
6 AM
2h 51m
8 AM
3h 13m
10 AM
2h 58m
12 PM
2h 56m
3 PM
2h 59m
5 PM
3h 12m
8 PM
2h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Newport News, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Potomac Mills, VA
Mark Stebnicki
Trip Overview
Newport News to Potomac Mills is 147.6 miles and takes about 2h 50m via I-95, I-64, and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $23 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. It's a straightforward drive primarily on major highways, making it a practical option for a single-day journey. Expect a consistent pace for most of the route, so plan accordingly for your arrival.
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
73.8 miles from Newport News, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 24m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 69.1 mi | 1h 16m |
| I 64 | 56.6 mi | 1h 2m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 11.9 mi | 12m |
| Opitz Boulevard | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Potomac Center Boulevard | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| J Clyde Morris Boulevard | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| Smoketown Road | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Diligence Drive | 0.4 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 69.1 mi, about 1h 16m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Newport News, VA and Potomac Mills, VA.
1
Start on this road
82 ft
·
12 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
413 ft
·
31 sec
3
At end of road, turn right onto Thimble Shoals Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
Thimble Shoals Boulevard
4
Turn left onto Diligence Drive
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Diligence Drive
5
Turn left onto US 17
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
J Clyde Morris Boulevard
Use the left lane.
6
Continue on US 17
168 ft
·
10 sec
·
J Clyde Morris Boulevard
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 64 West: Williamsburg, Richmond
8
Merge onto I 64
57 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
I 64
Use the right lane.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 295 North: Washington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 295
12 mi
·
12 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
12
Take the exit
2.4 mi
·
2 min
Exit 43A
Toward I 95 North: Washington
Use the slight left lane.
13
Merge onto I 95
46 mi
·
49 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
I 95; US 17
15
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
16
Merge onto I 95
22 mi
·
25 min
·
I 95
Use the slight left lane.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 156
Toward SR 784: Dale City, Rippon Landing
Use the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Exit 156A
Toward SR 784 East: Community College, Rippon Landing, Leesylvania State Park
Use the slight right lane.
19
Turn straight onto SR 784
0.1 mi
·
16 sec
·
Dale Boulevard
20
Turn left onto SR 638
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Potomac Center Boulevard
Use the left lane.
21
Turn left onto SR 2000
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Opitz Boulevard
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on SR 2000
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
·
Smoketown Road
23
Turn right onto Nazarene Way
374 ft
·
17 sec
·
Nazarene Way
24
Turn left onto Potomac Mills Circle
0.3 mi
·
57 sec
·
Potomac Mills Circle
25
Turn right
65 ft
·
8 sec
26
Turn left
365 ft
·
27 sec
27
Turn right
76 ft
·
5 sec
28
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 2h 50m duration, this is easily a same-day trip, so you can leave anytime that suits your schedule. The longest stretch without a break is 69.1 miles on I-95, so consider a quick stop before or after that segment for fuel or a stretch. With a fuel cost estimate of $23, it's wise to fill up before you depart Newport News to ensure you have enough for the entire 147.6-mile journey. Since it's a relatively short and direct highway drive, you have flexibility with your timing and stop frequency.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 73.8 miles from Newport News, VA, or about 1h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.1 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 32 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 73.8 miles or 1h 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 16m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Potomac Mills, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Newport News, 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 Newport News, VA
This is one driving day of about 147.6 miles and 2h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 miles from Newport News, 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 95 for about 69.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
74 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 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 73.8 miles from Newport News, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69.1 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 235 decision points cluster between mile 58.2 and 144.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
58.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 6m in
Take the exit toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
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 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
7
58.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 6m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 295 North: Washington
7
71.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 22m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Washington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 43A
Toward I 95 North: Washington
8
144.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 43m in
Take the exit toward SR 784: Dale City, Rippon Landing
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 156
Toward SR 784: Dale City, Rippon Landing
9
144.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 43m in
Keep slight right at fork toward SR 784 East: Community College, Rippon Landing, Leesylvania State Park
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 156A
Toward SR 784 East: Community College, Rippon L...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.08 one way
$46.16 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
52 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $25.24 | $50.47 |
| premium | $4.70 | $27.32 | $54.64 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $32.59 | $65.18 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 44.3 | 0 | $15.50 | $7.08 |
| Efficient EV | 36.9 | 0 | $12.92 | $5.90 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 59 | 0 | $20.66 | $9.45 |
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
17 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.
Destination
Potomac Mills, VA
Morning in Potomac Mills on Sunday
Local time
9:43 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
23 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
2h 50m 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
~1 min detour
$15
near mile 15.3
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...
10 mi from route
~26 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
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 56
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is heavily focused on highways, with 85% of the journey utilizing major interstates. You'll experience a significant stretch of 69.1 miles on I-95 without interruption, offering a consistent, high-speed travel experience. The route transitions from I-64 to I-95, providing a familiar interstate feel for the majority of the trip. Expect a generally smooth and direct drive, characteristic of a highway-focused profile.
85% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 69.1 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 58.2 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 23 significant decision points across 147.6 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 58.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Newport News, VA to Potomac Mills, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Rocky Mount along the way.
Rocky Mount
58.2 mi in
|
~1h 6m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 50m. Total distance: 147.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (85%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 69.1 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Potomac Mills, 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 58.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Potomac Mills, VA before heading back.
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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