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Trip from Norfolk, VA to Richlands, VA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 58m

Distance

416.5 mi

670 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$65

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min
4 AM
7h 50m ★
6 AM
7h 59m
8 AM
8h 16m
10 AM
8h 5m
12 PM
8h 3m
3 PM
8h 6m
5 PM
8h 15m
8 PM
7h 54m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Norfolk, VA, VA

Norfolk, VA

Wikimedia Commons

town in Virginia, USA

Richlands, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embark on a significant journey from Norfolk, Virginia, to Richlands, Virginia, covering 416.5 miles and taking approximately 7 hours and 58 minutes. This drive is best tackled in a single day, though you might appreciate a mid-drive break. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 79% of your travel on major interstates, making it a straightforward trek. Expect a fuel cost of around $65 for this adventure. As you travel within the Southeast region, the landscape offers a consistent, though not overly varied, driving experience. This is a practical route for reaching your destination 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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

208.2 miles from Norfolk, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 59m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 64 181.4 mi 3h 18m
I 81 117.1 mi 2h 9m
I 77 28.4 mi 31m
Governor G C Peery Highway 27.2 mi 34m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway 22.6 mi 24m
Hampton Roads Beltway 11.4 mi 15m
Big Laurel Highway 9.9 mi 11m
Tidewater Drive 4.6 mi 10m
Longest stretch: I 64 — 181.4 mi, about 3h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Norfolk, VA and Richlands, 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 right at fork

1.3 mi · 2 min
Toward I 295 North: Washington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Merge onto I 295

23 mi · 24 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
12

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 55 sec
Exit 53A Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
13

Merge onto I 64

120 mi · 2 hr 10 min · I 64
Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville Use the slight right lane.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

117 mi · 2 hr 9 min · I 81
Use the straight lane.
15

Continue on I 77; I 81; US 52

1.3 mi · 1 min · I 77; I 81; US 52
Use the straight lane.
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 77

27 mi · 30 min · I 77
Toward I 77 North: Bluefield, Charleston W. Va. Use the slight right lane.
17

Take the exit onto US 52

0.3 mi · 1 min · US 52
Exit 1 Toward US 52 North: Bluefield
18

Turn right onto US 52

2.5 mi · 2 min · John Nash Boulevard
19

Take the exit onto US 52

0.3 mi · 37 sec · US 52
Toward US 460 West: Bluefield
20

Merge onto US 52; US 460; US 52 Truck

9.9 mi · 11 min · Big Laurel Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
21

Continue on US 19; US 460

27 mi · 34 min · Governor G C Peery Highway
22

Take the exit onto US 460

386 ft · 10 sec · US 460
23

Merge onto US 460

2.4 mi · 4 min · Governor George C Peery Highway
24

Take the exit

156 ft · 4 sec
Toward US 460 BUS: Cedar Bluff, Richlands
25

Turn right onto SR F608

0.1 mi · 12 sec · SR F608
26

At end of road, turn right onto US 460 BUS

0.5 mi · 51 sec · Cedar Valley Drive
27

Continue on US 460 BUS

1.2 mi · 1 min · West Front Street
28

Turn left onto Virginia Avenue

88 ft · 2 sec · Virginia Avenue
29

Arrive at destination

Virginia Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 7-hour, 58-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Norfolk to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. With 416.5 miles to cover, planning for two stops is sensible; perhaps one around the halfway point for a meal and stretch, and a shorter one later. The longest stretch, 181.4 miles on I-64, means you'll want to ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on it. Budgeting $65 for fuel is a good estimate for this highway-heavy route. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering longer interstate segments.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 208.2 miles from Norfolk, VA, or about 3h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 181.4 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 92 miles or 1h 52m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 208.2 miles or 3h 59m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 43m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richlands, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Norfolk, VA

This is one driving day of about 416.5 miles and 7h 58m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 92 miles from Norfolk, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 64 for about 181.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

independent city in Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Roanoke, VA

208 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

Middletown, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 92 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Charlottesville, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 208.2 miles from Norfolk, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 181.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Red Flower

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Richlands, Virginia

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 416.5

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+12765969921

The Railway Depot

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Richlands, Virginia

0.4 mi

Juan's Mexican Cafe and Cantina

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Newport News, Virginia

1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Tous les Jours Bakery & Cafe - Newport News

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Newport News, Virginia

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 29.7

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17577553134

Visit website

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Norfolk, Virginia

1.5 mi

Red Flower

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 416.5

Richlands, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+12765969921

The Railway Depot

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 416.5

Richlands, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+12765984487

Visit website

Juan's Mexican Cafe and Cantina

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 29.7

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17578775826

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv mile 89.2

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18045699707

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 29.7

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+17573695533

Visit website

Eccoti Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 119

Goochland, Virginia

Hours: Closed

+18045560497

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour Inexpensiv mile 29.7

Yorktown, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17578679004

Visit website

Goochland Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 119

Goochland, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+18045569990

Visit website

Tous les Jours Bakery & Cafe - Newport News

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 29.7

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17577553134

Visit website

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

+17576250461

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Portsmouth, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 29.7

Newport News, Virginia

+18668167584

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 29.7

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 29.7

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 29.7

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 29.7

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Portsmouth, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17573938591

Visit website

Virginia Zoo

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: 9:30 am–4 pm

+17574412374

Visit website

Wishing Tree

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Riverview Farm Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 29.7

Newport News, Virginia

+17578867912

Visit website

The Raymond F. Ratcliffe Memorial Transportation

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 327.2

Pulaski, Virginia

Hours: Closed

+15409802307

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 20.2 and 344.9 — 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
6
105.7 mi into trip | ~2h 7m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 64 West: Charlottesville

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 53A Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
8
344.9 mi into trip | ~6h 30m in | I 77

Keep slight right at fork onto I 77 toward I 77 North: Bluefield, Charleston W. Va.

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 77 North: Bluefield, Charleston W. Va.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$65.13 one way

$130.26 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 146 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $71.21 $142.43
premium $4.70 $77.09 $154.17
diesel $5.61 $91.96 $183.92

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$65

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$90–$115

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 145.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $44 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 124.9 1 $43.73 $19.99
Efficient EV 104.1 1 $36.44 $16.66
EV Truck/SUV 166.6 2 $58.31 $26.66

Gas CO2

146 kg

EV CO2

49 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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

Night in Norfolk on Saturday

Local time

9:26 PM

EDT

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Richlands, VA

Night in Richlands on Saturday

Local time

9:26 PM

EDT

Current temp

70°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

14 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

7h 58m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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

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 14.4
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
View on nps.gov
Colonial National Historical Park

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...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour $15 near mile 43.1
View on nps.gov
Booker T Washington National Monument

Booker T Washington National Monument

National Monument

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...

21 mi from route ~54 min detour Free near mile 272.9
View on nps.gov
Petersburg National Battlefield

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...

28 mi from route ~70 min detour Free near mile 86.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This drive leans heavily into its highway profile, with 79% of the journey utilizing major interstates like I-64, I-81, and I-77. You'll experience long, uninterrupted stretches, including the longest segment of 181.4 miles on I-64. While efficient, this highway-focused nature means much of the drive will involve consistent speeds and a predictable road surface. The character is less about winding country lanes and more about covering ground effectively on well-maintained arteries. Prepare for a steady pace as you make your way across Virginia.

79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 181.4 mi on I 64.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 81. 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 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 21 significant decision points across 416.5 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 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.

Between Norfolk, VA and Richlands, VA, road signs point toward Rocky Mount and Charleston W. Va..

Rocky Mount

81.3 mi in | ~1h 39m

Charleston W. Va.

344.9 mi in | ~6h 30m | via I 77

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 58m. Total distance: 416.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 58m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 181.4 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Richlands, 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 2 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 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 Booker T Washington National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 8.0 hours each way, a round trip means 16.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Richlands, VA before the return drive.

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.

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