Traveling from Norfolk to Amherst covers 192.5 miles of Virginia landscape, typically taking about 4 hours and 11 minutes of driving time. Because the route is categorized as a turn-heavy local drive, it functions best as a single-day trip rather than a multi-day excursion. You should budget approximately $31 for fuel to complete the journey. Navigating through the Southeast region of the state, you will rely on a mix of local roads like VA 337 and Tidewater Drive, alongside the Hampton Roads Beltway. This trek is straightforward enough to complete in one go, providing a practical transit option for those moving between these two distinct areas of Virginia.
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
96.3 miles from Norfolk, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
69.1 mi
1h 16m
Anderson Highway
40.8 mi
53m
West James Anderson Highway
17.1 mi
22m
Richmond Highway
14.7 mi
20m
Hampton Roads Beltway
11.4 mi
15m
Midlothian Turnpike
9.9 mi
16m
East James Anderson Highway
8.1 mi
9m
Tidewater Drive
4.6 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 69.1 mi, about 1h 16m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Norfolk, VA and Amherst, VA.
1
Start on East City Hall Avenue
0.4 mi·42 sec·East City Hall Avenue
2
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·28 sec
Toward VA 337: Tidewater Drive
3
Merge onto VA 337
4.6 mi·10 min·Tidewater Drive
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left
0.2 mi·28 sec
5
Merge onto I 64
5.6 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
7
Continue on I 64; US 60
5.9 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
69 mi·1 hr 16 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 193AToward VA 33 West: Nine Mile RoadUse the slight right lane.
10
Turn straight onto VA 33
1.0 mi·1 min·Nine Mile Road
11
Enter roundabout onto North 25th Street
148 ft·2 sec·North 25th Street
12
Continue on North 25th Street
0.5 mi·48 sec·North 25th Street
13
Enter roundabout onto North 25th Street
100 ft·2 sec·North 25th Street
14
Continue on North 25th Street
0.5 mi·1 min·North 25th Street
15
Turn right onto US 60
0.3 mi·29 sec·East Main Street
16
Turn left onto South 21st Street
0.1 mi·17 sec·South 21st Street
17
At end of road, turn right onto Dock Street
0.4 mi·49 sec·Dock Street
18
At end of road, turn right onto US 360; US 60 ALT
306 ft·12 sec·South 14th Street
Use the left / right lanes.
19
Turn left onto East Canal Street
0.2 mi·36 sec·East Canal Street
20
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward VA 195 Toll West
21
Merge onto VA 195
2.5 mi·3 min·Downtown Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 146
1.1 mi·1 min·VA 146
Toward Powhite ParkwayUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto VA 76
1.0 mi·1 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 76
1.0 mi·1 min·E-ZPass Only (Powhite Parkway)
25
Merge onto VA 76
2.5 mi·3 min·Powhite Parkway
26
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward US 60: Midlothian TurnpikeUse the slight right lane.
27
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·19 sec·this road
Toward US 60: Midlothian Turnpike
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward US 60 West: Midlothian Turnpike, MidlothianUse the slight right lane.
29
Merge onto US 60
9.9 mi·16 min·Midlothian Turnpike
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Continue on US 60
37 mi·48 min·Anderson Highway
31
Continue on US 60
8.1 mi·9 min·East James Anderson Highway
32
Continue on US 60
17 mi·22 min·West James Anderson Highway
33
Continue on US 60
4.1 mi·5 min·Anderson Highway
34
Continue on US 60
15 mi·20 min·Richmond Highway
35
Turn sharp left onto SR T1112
432 ft·14 sec·Washington Street
36
Turn right onto 2nd Street
0.2 mi·35 sec·2nd Street
37
Turn right onto Goodwin Street
146 ft·6 sec·Goodwin Street
38
Arrive at destination
Goodwin Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a 4-hour and 11-minute drive without high-speed highway segments, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and break up the turn-heavy navigation. Departing early in the day is your best strategy to avoid fatigue, especially given the technical nature of the roads involved. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $31 estimate can fluctuate based on your vehicle's efficiency and the stop-and-go nature of local driving. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, so adjust your pace to account for the frequent turns and local traffic patterns you will encounter throughout the 192.5-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 96.3 miles from Norfolk, VA, or about 2h 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 42 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 96.3 miles or 2h 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 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Amherst, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, VA
This is one driving day of about 192.5 miles and 4h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Norfolk, 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 69.1 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 20.2 and 101.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
20.2 mi into trip|~32m in|I 64
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
89.3 mi into trip|~1h 49m in
Take the exit toward VA 33 West: Nine Mile Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 193A
Toward VA 33 West: Nine Mile Road
6
92.4 mi into trip|~1h 54m in|US 360; US 60 ALT / South 14th Street
At end of road, turn right onto US 360; US 60 ALT / South 14th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / right lanes.
7
95.2 mi into trip|~1h 59m in|VA 146
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 146 toward Powhite Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward Powhite Parkway
9
101.2 mi into trip|~2h 8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 60 West: Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 60 West: Midlothian Turnpike, Midloth...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.10 one way
$60.21 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg67 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$32.91
$65.83
premium
$4.70
$35.63
$71.26
diesel
$5.61
$42.50
$85.00
Estimated Tolls: $0.69
Midlothian Turnpike
(9.9 mi)$0.69
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
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 67.4 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
57.8
0
$20.21
$9.24
Efficient EV
48.1
0
$16.84
$7.70
EV Truck/SUV
77
0
$26.95
$12.32
Gas CO2
67 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.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Norfolk, VA
Late night
in Norfolk on Sunday
Local time
2:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Amherst, VA
Late night
in Amherst on Sunday
Local time
2:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°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
12 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 11m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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...
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...
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Question...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 172.6
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...
23 mi from route
~56 min detour
Free
near mile 99.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a hands-on driving experience as you navigate this route, which features zero highway share and relies entirely on local roads. The profile is distinctly turn-heavy, requiring your full attention as you transition from the coastal environment of Norfolk toward the interior. Because this is not an interstate-focused trip, you will not encounter long, monotonous stretches of high-speed cruising. Instead, the journey shifts through various local road conditions that demand consistent engagement behind the wheel. Prepare for a winding path that prioritizes local connectivity over the efficiency of major limited-access highways.
45% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
38 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 69.1 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 20.2 miles in near I 64.
Driving Effort10/10
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 24 significant decision points across 192.5 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 20.2 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 89.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 92.4 miles (US 360; US 60 ALT / South 14th Street): 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.
On the drive from Norfolk, VA to Amherst, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Midlothian along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 11m. Total distance: 192.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 69.1 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.69 in tolls one way, starting with Midlothian 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 Amherst, 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 20.2 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 89.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 92.4 miles (US 360; US 60 ALT / South 14th Street): Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Amherst, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
