Norfolk, VA to Bedford, VA is 212.6 miles and takes about 4h 42m via US 460, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. With over half of the drive on highways, you'll experience a mix of faster travel and surface roads. This route is a solid choice for a single-day excursion, allowing for a leisurely start or a relaxed arrival. Plan for a straightforward drive that gets you where you need to go efficiently.
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
106.3 miles from Norfolk, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 29m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 460
79.8 mi
1h 51m
Richmond Highway
31.1 mi
38m
New Cox Road
23 mi
26m
West Colonial Trail Highway
13.1 mi
16m
East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
12.3 mi
15m
Portsmouth Boulevard
8.2 mi
10m
East Colonial Trail
7.5 mi
11m
I 264
7.4 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
US 460
— 79.8 mi, about 1h 51m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 25 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,359 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,674
Quietest
2 AM
~166 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.2×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Norfolk, VA and Bedford, VA.
1
Start on East City Hall Avenue
122 ft·2 sec·East City Hall Avenue
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward US 460 West, I 264 Toll West, I 464: Portsmouth
3
Merge onto I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337
7.4 mi·11 min·I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·47 sec
Toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, RichmondUse the slight right lane.
5
Merge onto I 664
0.4 mi·31 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi·54 sec
Exit 13A-BToward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, Military HighwayUse the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
8
Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460
2.4 mi·3 min·West Military Highway
9
Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460
8.2 mi·10 min·Portsmouth Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Take the exit onto US 460
0.2 mi·29 sec·US 460
Toward US 460: PetersburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
50 mi·1 hr 14 min·US 460
Toward US 460 West: Petersburg, Albert G Horton Junior Memorial, Veterans CemeteryUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
12
Turn left onto SR 630
1.9 mi·3 min·Rives Road
Use the left lane.
13
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 95 North
14
Merge onto I 95
3.7 mi·4 min·I 95
15
Take the exit onto US 460
0.6 mi·1 min·US 460
Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham, BlackstoneUse the right lane.
16
Merge onto I 85; US 460
6.0 mi·7 min·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
17
Take the exit onto US 460
0.2 mi·25 sec·US 460
Exit 61Toward US 460 West: Blackstone, LynchburgUse the slight right lane.
18
Continue on US 460
1.1 mi·1 min·Airport Street
19
Continue on US 460
23 mi·26 min·New Cox Road
20
Continue on US 460
4.3 mi·5 min·East Colonial Trail Highway
21
Continue on US 460
6.9 mi·7 min·East Colonial Trail Road
22
Continue on US 460
7.5 mi·11 min·East Colonial Trail
23
Merge onto US 360; US 460
1.5 mi·2 min·West Colonial Trail Highway
24
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
12 mi·14 min·West Colonial Trail Highway
25
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460
29 mi·34 min·US 460
26
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
31 mi·38 min·Richmond Highway
Toward US 460 West: Lynchburg
27
Continue on US 460
12 mi·15 min·East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
28
Take the exit onto US 460 BUS
0.2 mi·22 sec·US 460 BUS
Toward US 460 Business, VA 122
29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460 BUS
1.3 mi·2 min·US 460 BUS
30
Arrive at destination
US 460 BUS; VA 43; VA 122 BUS
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 4h 42m estimated drive time, you can comfortably complete this trip in one day. Consider departing Norfolk in the morning to make the most of daylight, especially as you transition to surface roads later in the drive. The longest stretch without a major change in road type is 79.8 miles on US 460, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly before you hit that segment. With a fuel cost estimate of $35, budgeting is straightforward for this 212.6-mile trip. You'll have flexibility in your departure time due to the relatively short duration.
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 106.3 miles from Norfolk, VA, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 79.8 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 47 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.3 miles or 2h 29m 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 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bedford, 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 212.6 miles and 4h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 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 US 460 for about 79.8 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 7.6 and 82.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
7.6 mi into trip|~11m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond
8
8.7 mi into trip|~13m in
Take the exit toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, Military Highway
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 13A-B
Toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suff...
8
20.4 mi into trip|~29m in|US 460
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460 toward US 460 West: Petersburg, Albert G Horton Junior Memorial, Veterans Cemetery
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 West: Petersburg, Albert G Horton...
7
75.9 mi into trip|~1h 52m in|US 460
Take the exit onto US 460 toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham, Blackstone
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham, Blackst...
8
82.5 mi into trip|~2h 1m in|US 460
Take the exit onto US 460 toward US 460 West: Blackstone, Lynchburg
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 61
Toward US 460 West: Blackstone, Lynchburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.39 one way
$62.78 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$34.49
$68.99
premium
$4.49
$37.60
$75.20
diesel
$4.80
$40.14
$80.29
Estimated Tolls: $1.28
East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
(12.3 mi)$0.86
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(6 mi)$0.42
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
$31
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.8
0
$22.32
$10.20
Efficient EV
53.2
0
$18.60
$8.50
EV Truck/SUV
85
1
$29.76
$13.61
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Norfolk, VA
Afternoon
in Norfolk on Sunday
Local time
2:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 14 mph50% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 6:53PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 2:14PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Bedford, VA
Afternoon
in Bedford on Sunday
Local time
2:52 PM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
W 6 to 9 mph25% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 6:53PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 2:14PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
85°F
Blackstone, VA
106 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
5 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 42m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 80.6
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 168.6
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...
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 212.6
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is split about evenly between highway and surface roads, with 52% on higher-speed routes. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 79.8 miles on US 460, offering a consistent cruising experience. Expect the transition from highway to surface roads to occur around the halfway point of your travel. The latter portion of the trip will involve navigating more local roads, which may mean more frequent intersections and varied speed limits.
52% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 79.8 mi on US 460.
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 7.6 miles in.
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 20 significant decision points across 212.6 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 7.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.4 miles (US 460): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,009 ft7 ft
Total Climb
1,254 ft
Total Descent
252 ft
Highest Point
1,009 ft
~212.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,002 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Norfolk, VA and Bedford, VA, road signs point toward Albert G Horton Junior Memorial, Veterans Cemetery, Blackstone and Lynchburg.
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.
Top landmarks
•USS Wisconsin — 1943 Iowa-class battleship
•Chrysler Museum of Art — art museum in Norfolk, Virginia
•Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Norfolk — church building in Norfolk, United States of America
Bedford is a town and former independent city in the county of the same name in Central Virginia of the Southern United States of America. With an estimated population of 6,585 as of 2018, the town – which is the county seat of Bedford County – is part of the Lynchburg Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town, despite its seemingly unremarkable size, is home to a plethora of historical sites, notably those devoted to the World War II history of the citizens in the town.
Bedford is known as "the place that sells itself," boasting multiple cultural and natural sites in the immediate vicinity, including the Blue Ridge Mountains to the north, with the Peaks of Otter overlooking the town. Smith Mountain Lake, a reservoir and the largest lake fully in Virginia, is roughly 14 miles (25 km) to the south, and boasts a variety of fishing activities and water sports.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 42m. Total distance: 212.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 79.8 miles on US 460. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.28 in tolls one way, starting with East Lynchburg Salem 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.
Yes — we found about 4 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Bedford, 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. There are 4 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 7.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.4 miles (US 460): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Bedford, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
