Origin
Norfolk, VA
Morning in Norfolk on Tuesday
Local time
10:30 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Norfolk, VA to Bellwood, VA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 1m
Distance
96.7 mi
156 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 52m
★
6 AM
2h 1m
8 AM
2h 19m
10 AM
2h 7m
12 PM
2h 6m
3 PM
2h 8m
5 PM
2h 18m
8 PM
1h 56m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Norfolk, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Bellwood, VA
Francesco Ungaro
Trip Overview
This 96.7-mile drive from Norfolk, VA, to Bellwood, VA, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 1 minute to complete. The route primarily utilizes major highways, including I-64 and the Hampton Roads Beltway, making it a straightforward journey through Virginia's Southeast region. With an estimated fuel cost of $15, this highway-focused trip is efficient for those looking to get from point A to point B without extensive sightseeing. No overnight stops are recommended, allowing for maximum flexibility in your schedule. You can expect a smooth, direct transit on this well-traveled corridor.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
48.3 miles from Norfolk, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 3m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 61.1 mi | 1h 7m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 11.4 mi | 15m |
| Pocahontas Parkway | 7.9 mi | 9m |
| Tidewater Drive | 4.6 mi | 10m |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 2.1 mi | 2m |
| Route 1 | 1.9 mi | 3m |
| East City Hall Avenue | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 61.1 mi, about 1h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Norfolk, VA and Bellwood, 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
61 mi
·
1 hr 7 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
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 left at fork
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
Toward I 295 South, US 60: Rocky Mount NC
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward I 295 South: Rocky Mount NC
Use the right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
59 sec
Toward US 60: Seven Pines, Bottoms Bridge
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
45 sec
Toward US 60 East, I 295 South: Bottoms Bridge
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 295 South
15
Merge onto I 295
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 25
Toward VA 895 Toll West: Richmond, Richmond International Airport
Use the slight right lane.
17
Continue on VA 895
7.9 mi
·
9 min
·
Pocahontas Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward US 1 South, US 301 South: Route 1, Petersburg
Use the right lane.
19
Turn straight onto US 1; US 301
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Route 1
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on US 1; US 301
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
Route 1
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
US 1; US 301
Trip Plan
Given the short 2-hour duration, this trip is best undertaken in a single go, offering flexibility for when you depart. Leaving mid-morning can help you avoid the peak rush hour traffic often found in the Norfolk area. With an estimated fuel cost of $15, plan to fill up before you leave or at a convenient point along the route. The longest stretch without a major exit is over 61 miles, so ensure you have everything you need before embarking on that segment. Since there are no recommended stops, pack snacks and drinks to maintain comfort during your journey.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 48.3 miles from Norfolk, VA, or about 1h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.1 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 21 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.3 miles or 1h 3m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bellwood, 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 96.7 miles and 2h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Norfolk, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 64 for about 61.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
48 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 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 48.3 miles from Norfolk, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 61.1 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 155 decision points cluster between mile 81.3 and 94.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
81.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 39m 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
8
81.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 40m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 295 South, US 60: Rocky Mount NC
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 295 South, US 60: Rocky Mount NC
7
82.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 South: Rocky Mount NC
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 295 South: Rocky Mount NC
8
86.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 47m in
Take the exit toward VA 895 Toll West: Richmond, Richmond International Airport
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 25
Toward VA 895 Toll West: Richmond, Richmond Int...
7
94.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 57m in
Take the exit toward US 1 South, US 301 South: Route 1, Petersburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 1 South, US 301 South: Route 1, Peter...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.12 one way
$30.24 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
34 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $16.53 | $33.07 |
| premium | $4.70 | $17.90 | $35.79 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $21.35 | $42.70 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 29 | 0 | $10.15 | $4.64 |
| Efficient EV | 24.2 | 0 | $8.46 | $3.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 38.7 | 0 | $13.54 | $6.19 |
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (68% 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
Bellwood, VA
Morning in Bellwood on Tuesday
Local time
10:30 AM
EDT
Current temp
87°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
32 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 1m 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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
$15
near mile 36.7
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 13.3
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...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 96.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive that is predominantly highway-focused, with 73% of the journey on major interstates. You'll experience a significant 61.1-mile stretch on I-64, offering a consistent pace. The route is designed for efficient travel, so while it may not offer winding scenic byways, it provides a reliable and direct path. The character of the road remains largely consistent, emphasizing speed and directness rather than varied terrain or town transitions. This is a route where maintaining highway speeds will be the norm for most of your travel time.
73% 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: 61.1 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Hampton Roads Beltway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 81.3 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 15 significant decision points across 96.7 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 81.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 81.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
Between Norfolk, VA and Bellwood, VA, road signs point toward Rocky Mount and Richmond International Airport.
Rocky Mount
81.3 mi in
|
~1h 39m
Richmond International Airport
86.2 mi in
|
~1h 47m
About the Cities
Starting in Norfolk, VA
Full guide →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.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 1m. Total distance: 96.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 61.1 miles on I 64. 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 Bellwood, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 81.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 81.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Bellwood, 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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
More trips to Bellwood, VA
Explore more options from Norfolk, VA or browse trips ending in Bellwood, VA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.