Norfolk, VA to Rocky Mount, VA is 241.1 miles and takes about 5h 31m via Portsmouth Boulevard and Highway 58, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Virginia, traversing the Southeast region. You'll experience a mix of highway and surface roads, making for a varied but manageable day trip. Consider this route if you're looking for a straightforward drive between these two points without extensive planning.
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
120.5 miles from Norfolk, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 44m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Portsmouth Boulevard
62.1 mi
1h 21m
Highway 58
40.4 mi
51m
Governor Harrison Parkway
22.5 mi
30m
Old Franklin Turnpike
16.9 mi
24m
Halifax Road
16.3 mi
22m
West Gretna Road
13.7 mi
18m
Chatham Road
12.9 mi
19m
US 29
9.8 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
Portsmouth Boulevard
— 62.1 mi, about 1h 21m
Traffic on I-264
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 6 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,452 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,835
Quietest
2 AM
~162 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.1×
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 Rocky Mount, 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
62 mi·1 hr 21 min·Portsmouth Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Continue on US 58
5.2 mi·7 min·Courtland Road
11
Continue on US 58
6.3 mi·8 min·Pleasant Shade Drive
12
Continue on US 58
23 mi·30 min·Governor Harrison Parkway
13
Continue on US 58
1.2 mi·2 min·Piney Pond Road
14
Continue on US 58
3.5 mi·5 min·Highway 58
15
Continue on US 58
1.1 mi·1 min·East Atlantic Street
16
Continue on US 58
3.5 mi·4 min·South Hill Bypass
17
Continue on US 1; US 58
3.2 mi·4 min·Highway 1
18
Continue on US 58
19 mi·24 min·Highway 58
19
Turn straight onto US 58
4.0 mi·5 min·Clarksville Bypass
Toward US 58 West, US 15 South, VA 49 South: South Boston, DanvilleUse the straight lane.
20
Continue on US 58; VA 49
18 mi·22 min·Highway 58
21
Turn right onto US 360
1.1 mi·2 min·John Randolph Boulevard
22
Turn left onto VA 34
0.6 mi·1 min·Hodges Street
23
At end of road, turn right onto VA 129
1.8 mi·3 min·North Main Street
24
Continue on VA 129
0.9 mi·1 min·Old Halifax Road
25
Take the ramp
266 ft·7 sec
26
Merge onto US 501
1.9 mi·3 min·Halifax Road
27
Continue on US 501
0.4 mi·1 min·South Main Street
28
Turn left onto VA 360
3.5 mi·5 min·Mountain Road
29
Turn right onto VA 57
13 mi·19 min·Chatham Road
30
Continue on VA 57
14 mi·19 min·Halifax Road
31
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward US 29 North
32
Merge onto US 29
8.0 mi·9 min·US 29
33
Keep slight left at fork onto US 29
1.8 mi·2 min·US 29
Toward US 29 North
34
Take the exit
0.2 mi·39 sec
Toward VA 40
35
Turn left onto VA 40
14 mi·18 min·West Gretna Road
36
Continue on VA 40
17 mi·24 min·Old Franklin Turnpike
37
Continue on VA 40
0.1 mi·18 sec·Pell Avenue
38
Turn slight right onto VA 40
0.7 mi·1 min·VA 40
39
At end of road, turn right onto US 220 BUS; VA 40
184 ft·9 sec·North Main Street
40
Turn left onto VA 40
0.4 mi·40 sec·Franklin Street
41
Arrive at destination
VA 40
Trip Plan
For this 5.5-hour drive, leaving in the morning will give you plenty of time to reach Rocky Mount before evening. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your journey. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you move onto Highway 58, and plan to fill up before you hit longer stretches. Given the relatively short duration, you can easily make this a single-day trip, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider breaking it up with an overnight stay midway, perhaps around the 2-3 hour mark.
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 120.5 miles from Norfolk, VA, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.1 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 53 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 120.5 miles or 2h 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 4h 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rocky Mount, 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 241.1 miles and 5h 31m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 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 Portsmouth Boulevard for about 62.1 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 139.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in
Take the ramp toward US 460 West, I 264 Toll West, I 464: Portsmouth
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 460 West, I 264 Toll West, I 464: Por...
5
0.2 mi into trip|~0m in|I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337
Merge onto I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
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...
5
139.5 mi into trip|~3h 8m in|US 58 / Clarksville Bypass
Turn straight onto US 58 / Clarksville Bypass toward US 58 West, US 15 South, VA 49 South: South Boston, Danville
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 58 West, US 15 South, VA 49 South: So...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.60 one way
$71.19 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg84 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$39.12
$78.23
premium
$4.49
$42.64
$85.28
diesel
$4.80
$45.52
$91.05
Estimated Tolls: $1.18
Old Franklin Turnpike
(16.9 mi)$1.18
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
$36
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 84.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.3
0
$25.32
$11.57
Efficient EV
60.3
0
$21.10
$9.64
EV Truck/SUV
96.4
1
$33.75
$15.43
Gas CO2
84 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Late night
in Norfolk on Sunday
Local time
4:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
97°F
Patchy Smoke then Mostly Sunny
SW 6 to 14 mph14% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Rocky Mount, VA
Late night
in Rocky Mount on Sunday
Local time
4:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
92°F
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 1 to 10 mph58% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
86°F
South Boston, VA
121 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
5h 31m 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.
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...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 232.8
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
About 42% of this drive is on highways, meaning you'll have stretches of faster cruising interspersed with more local travel. The longest continuous highway segment measures 62.1 miles on Portsmouth Boulevard. Expect to transition from highway speeds to surface roads, which can involve more frequent changes in speed and traffic patterns. This profile suggests a route that balances efficiency with local road experiences.
42% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.1 mi on Portsmouth Boulevard.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 early in the drive.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 241.1 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: near the start: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.2 miles (I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,135 ft7 ft
Total Climb
1,227 ft
Total Descent
99 ft
Highest Point
1,135 ft
~241.1 mi in
Elevation Range
1,128 ft
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 Rocky Mount, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Danville along the way.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 31m. Total distance: 241.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.1 miles on Portsmouth Boulevard. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.18 in tolls one way, starting with Old Franklin 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.
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 Rocky Mount, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: near the start: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.2 miles (I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Booker T Washington National Monument and Fort Monroe National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 11.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Rocky Mount, VA before the return drive.
