Norfolk, VA to South Riding, VA is 198.5 miles and takes about 4h 5m via I 95, I 64, and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive stays within Virginia, moving you from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. It's a straightforward trip that should fit comfortably into a single day, making it a convenient option for moving between these two points. Consider this route if you're looking for efficiency and a direct path.
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
99.3 miles from Norfolk, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
73.7 mi
1h 22m
I 64
61.1 mi
1h 7m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
11.9 mi
12m
Hampton Roads Beltway
11.4 mi
15m
Ox Road
8.9 mi
13m
Fairfax County Parkway
7.8 mi
11m
Route 50
5.5 mi
9m
Tidewater Drive
4.6 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 73.7 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Norfolk, VA and South Riding, 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 left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
16
Merge onto I 95
26 mi·31 min·I 95
Use the slight left lane.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 160BToward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake RidgeUse the right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge
19
Continue on VA 123
1.0 mi·2 min·Gordon Boulevard
20
Continue on VA 123
8.9 mi·13 min·Ox Road
Use the left lane.
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward VA 286 North: Fairfax County Parkway
22
Merge onto VA 286
7.8 mi·11 min·Fairfax County Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·41 sec
Toward US 50 West
24
Merge onto US 50
5.5 mi·9 min·Route 50
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on US 50
1.9 mi·2 min·Little River Turnpike
Use the left lane.
26
Turn left onto SR 2201
97 ft·4 sec·South Riding Boulevard
Use the left lane.
27
Continue on SR 2201
0.1 mi·23 sec·South Riding Boulevard
28
Turn left onto Defender Drive
0.1 mi·31 sec·Defender Drive
29
Turn right
34 ft·2 sec
30
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour drive time, departing in the morning from Norfolk will allow ample time to reach South Riding before evening. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 73.7 miles on I 95, you can easily complete this trip in one day. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is around $31, and plan your refueling accordingly, especially before longer stretches. The flexibility of a single-day drive means you can adjust your departure time based on traffic or personal preference.
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 99.3 miles from Norfolk, VA, or about 2h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.7 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 44 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 99.3 miles or 2h 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Riding, 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 198.5 miles and 4h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 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 95 for about 73.7 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 81.3 and 172.4 — 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
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
8
172.1 mi into trip|~3h 22m in
Take the exit toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 160B
Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge
7
172.4 mi into trip|~3h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.04 one way
$62.08 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg70 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$33.94
$67.88
premium
$4.70
$36.74
$73.48
diesel
$5.61
$43.83
$87.65
Estimated Tolls: $0.13
Little River Turnpike
(1.9 mi)$0.13
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
$31
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 69.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
59.6
0
$20.84
$9.53
Efficient EV
49.6
0
$17.37
$7.94
EV Truck/SUV
79.4
0
$27.79
$12.70
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (67% 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
Morning
in Norfolk on Sunday
Local time
10:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
South Riding, VA
Morning
in South Riding on Sunday
Local time
10:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°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
35 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 5m 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
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 13.7
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...
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!
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 198.5
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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 82.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 76% of the route utilizing major interstates. You'll experience a significant stretch of 73.7 miles on I 95 without needing to exit, offering a consistent pace. The overall profile is highway-focused, meaning you can expect smooth sailing for the majority of your journey. While the specific terrain isn't detailed, the primary roads suggest a typical interstate experience through various Virginia landscapes.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.7 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 64. 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 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 21 significant decision points across 198.5 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 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; at 95 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 South Riding, VA, road signs point toward Rocky Mount and Lake Ridge.
Rocky Mount
81.3 mi in|~1h 39m
Lake Ridge
172.1 mi in|~3h 22m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 5m. Total distance: 198.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 73.7 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.13 in tolls one way, starting with Little River 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.
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 South Riding, 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 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; at 95 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Fort Monroe National Monument, Colonial National Historical Park and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.1 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.2 hours — manageable with a long break at South Riding, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
