Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Early in the drive, right off the route
Williamsburg, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+17572580007
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 24m
Distance
169 mi
272 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$26
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Norfolk, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Hollymead, VA
Marcella Soáres
This 169-mile journey from Norfolk, VA, to Hollymead, VA, is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes. You'll primarily be on major highways, including I-64 and the Hampton Roads Beltway, making it a highway-focused experience. With a fuel cost estimated at $26, it's an economical option for a day trip. The route stays within the Southeast region, so you won't experience significant environmental shifts. This drive is best suited for those who prefer efficient travel on well-maintained roads, covering a good distance without needing an overnight stop.
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
84.5 miles from Norfolk, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 113.8 mi | 2h 4m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 22.6 mi | 24m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 11.4 mi | 15m |
| Seminole Trail | 4.6 mi | 8m |
| Tidewater Drive | 4.6 mi | 10m |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| U.S. 250 Bypass | 2.1 mi | 4m |
| Richmond Road | 1.8 mi | 3m |
Step-by-step road directions between Norfolk, VA and Hollymead, VA.
Start on East City Hall Avenue
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto VA 337
Turn left
Merge onto I 64
Continue on I 64; US 60
Continue on I 64; US 60
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto I 295
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto I 64
Take the exit
Merge onto US 250
Continue on US 250; VA 20
Continue on US 250
Turn right onto SR 743
Enter roundabout onto SR 743
Continue on SR 743
Turn right onto US 29
Turn right onto SR 1520
At end of road, turn right onto SR 1520
Turn left onto SR 1523
Arrive at destination
Given the 3-hour 24-minute duration, starting your drive in the morning will allow you to reach Hollymead with plenty of daylight left. You'll likely only need one fuel stop for this 169-mile trip, so plan it strategically on I-64 before reaching the end of that longest stretch. While the route is largely highway, be mindful of potential traffic, especially around the Hampton Roads Beltway area. This is a manageable day trip, so you have the flexibility to leave when you're ready, but an early start ensures a relaxed pace.
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.
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 37 miles or 50m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 84.5 miles or 1h 44m 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 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hollymead, VA than in the middle of the route.
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 169 miles and 3h 24m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
85 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.
A short stop after about 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 84.5 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 113.8 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · early in the drive
Williamsburg, Virginia
Early in the drive, right off the route
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+17572580007
Satterwhite's Restaurant
Manakin-Sabot, Virginia
Sun's Cafe
Quinton, Virginia
Best coffee break · around the midpoint
Glen Allen, Virginia
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+18044001505
Cafe Stella
Norfolk, Virginia
Early in the drive, right off the route
Williamsburg, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+17572580007
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Manakin-Sabot, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+18047841994
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Quinton, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–8 pm
+18049325037
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Yorktown, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+17578679004
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Charlottesville, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+14349238889
Near the start, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–7 pm
+17573695533
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Sandston, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+18042222250
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Henrico, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+18045621479
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, right off the route
Glen Allen, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+18044001505
Near the start, short detour
Norfolk, Virginia
Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm
+17576250461
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Glen Allen, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+18044473766
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Glen Allen, Virginia
Hours: 8:30 am–2:30 pm
+18044243399
Near the start, ~10 min detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17577553134
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, ~12 min detour
Yorktown, Virginia
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+17578723020
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
+18045916191
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Portsmouth, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18774943833
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Norfolk, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18774943833
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Williamsburg, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Norfolk, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Glen Allen, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18774943833
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Charlottesville, Virginia
Near the start, short detour
Fort Monroe, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+17576908181
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Portsmouth, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+17573938591
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Hampton, Virginia
+17578254657
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+17575951900
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+17578883371
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Norfolk, Virginia
Hours: 9:30 am–4 pm
+17574412374
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+17575962222
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Norfolk, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 20.2 and 106.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
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
Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight right at fork toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Merge onto I 64 toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Regular Gas
$26.43 one way
$52.86 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $28.90 | $57.79 |
| premium | $4.70 | $31.28 | $62.56 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.31 | $74.63 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 50.7 | 0 | $17.74 | $8.11 |
| Efficient EV | 42.3 | 0 | $14.79 | $6.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 67.6 | 0 | $23.66 | $10.82 |
Gas CO2
59 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Afternoon in Norfolk on Tuesday
Local time
12:01 PM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Destination
Afternoon in Hollymead on Tuesday
Local time
12:01 PM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
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...
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...
National Park
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 69% of the route being on major interstates. You'll encounter stretches on I-64, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, and the Hampton Roads Beltway. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 113.8 miles on I-64, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. While the profile suggests a focus on efficient travel, the transition between these main arteries will define the driving experience, keeping you moving steadily toward your destination.
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 20.2 miles in near I 64.
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 16 significant decision points across 169 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 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.
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Norfolk, VA to Hollymead, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Rocky Mount along the way.
Rocky Mount
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).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 24m. Total distance: 169 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
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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