This 203.7-mile drive from Norfolk, VA to Petersburg, VA is manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 13 minutes. You'll navigate primarily via I-64 and I-95, with a portion on Warrenton Road, covering 58% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $32. Given its moderate length and Southeast region context, it offers a straightforward transition between locations without requiring an overnight stop. The mixed drive profile suggests a varied travel experience as you make your way.
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
101.9 miles from Norfolk, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 3m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
61.1 mi
1h 7m
I 95
47.3 mi
51m
Warrenton Road
22.9 mi
33m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
11.9 mi
12m
Hampton Roads Beltway
11.4 mi
15m
James Madison Highway
11.3 mi
15m
US 17
9.5 mi
10m
Eastern Bypass
4.8 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 61.1 mi, about 1h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Norfolk, VA and Petersburg, 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 200Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NCUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi·2 min
Toward I 295 North: WashingtonUse 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 43AToward I 95 North: WashingtonUse 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 right at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward US 17 Business: Falmouth
16
Turn left onto US 17
23 mi·33 min·Warrenton Road
Use the straight lane.
17
Continue on US 17
4.2 mi·7 min·Marsh Road
18
Turn right onto US 15; US 29
4.6 mi·6 min·James Madison Highway
19
Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29
2.4 mi·3 min·Eastern Bypass
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
2.3 mi·3 min·Eastern Bypass
Toward US 17 North
21
Continue on US 17
6.7 mi·9 min·James Madison Highway
22
Continue on US 17
2.7 mi·3 min·Winchester Road
23
Turn left onto US 17
9.5 mi·10 min·US 17
Use the left lane.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 18Toward SR 688: MarkhamUse the slight right lane.
25
Turn left onto SR 688
0.1 mi·27 sec·Leeds Manor Road
26
Turn right onto VA 55
3.0 mi·5 min·John Marshall Highway
27
Arrive at destination
VA 55
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4-hour, 13-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to bypass potential traffic, especially around the Norfolk area. With a total distance of 203.7 miles, you can comfortably complete this in one day. Plan for one stop to stretch your legs and refuel; the longest stretch without significant breaks is 61.1 miles on I-64. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $32, and it's always wise to have a buffer. The route's highway share of 58% means you'll have ample opportunities for quick refueling.
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 101.9 miles from Norfolk, VA, or about 2h 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 45 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 101.9 miles or 2h 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 3h 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Petersburg, 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 203.7 miles and 4h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 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 61.1 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 20.2 and 200.3 — 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.
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
7
81.8 mi into trip|~1h 40m 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
95 mi into trip|~1h 55m 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
7
200.3 mi into trip|~4h 7m in
Take the exit toward SR 688: Markham
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 18
Toward SR 688: Markham
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.85 one way
$63.71 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg71 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$34.83
$69.66
premium
$4.70
$37.70
$75.40
diesel
$5.61
$44.97
$89.95
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.1
0
$21.39
$9.78
Efficient EV
50.9
0
$17.82
$8.15
EV Truck/SUV
81.5
1
$28.52
$13.04
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 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
4:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Petersburg, VA
Late night
in Petersburg on Sunday
Local time
4:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
53°F
Ashland, VA
102 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
36 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 13m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 14.5
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
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...
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires today. Native Americans first shaped the land, followed by colonists and settlers. The fertile valley became an important...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
Free
near mile 209.9
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
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 86.9
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 195.4
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed drive experience on this route, with 58% of the 203.7 miles on highways. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 61.1 miles on I-64 without major interruptions, offering consistent travel. The drive transitions as you move from I-64 to I-95 and then to Warrenton Road, indicating a blend of faster highway travel and potentially more varied road conditions. This combination means you'll experience both efficient cruising and segments that might require more attention.
58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
27 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 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 18 significant decision points across 203.7 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 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.
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 Petersburg, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Rocky Mount along the way.
Rocky Mount
81.3 mi in|~1h 39m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 13m. Total distance: 203.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
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.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 Petersburg, 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 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
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.
Yes — Fort Monroe National Monument, Colonial National Historical Park and Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park (5 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 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Petersburg, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
