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Trip from Norfolk, VA to Woodlake, VA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 22m

Distance

104.1 mi

168 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 12m ★
6 AM
2h 22m
8 AM
2h 42m
10 AM
2h 29m
12 PM
2h 27m
3 PM
2h 30m
5 PM
2h 41m
8 PM
2h 16m

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

Downtown Woodlake, VA, VA

Woodlake, VA

Daniel Żabiński

Trip Overview

This 104.1-mile drive from Norfolk, VA, to Woodlake, VA, is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take around 2 hours and 22 minutes. You'll primarily navigate along James River Drive, Colonial Trail West, and World War II Veterans Memorial Highway. With a fuel cost estimated at $16, this route offers a straightforward journey through Virginia's Southeast region. The profile suggests a turn-heavy local drive, so expect a more engaging experience than a simple highway cruise. Given its duration and character, it's perfectly suited for a single-day excursion without the need for an overnight stop.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

52.1 miles from Norfolk, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
James River Drive 14.6 mi 19m
Colonial Trail West 13.3 mi 15m
World War II Veterans Memorial Highway 13 mi 14m
Benns Church Boulevard 12.1 mi 15m
Colonial Trail East 9.9 mi 11m
Western Freeway 7.4 mi 9m
East Hundred Road 6.6 mi 9m
Bridge Road 6.5 mi 11m
Longest stretch: James River Drive — 14.6 mi, about 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Norfolk, VA and Woodlake, 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

2.6 mi · 4 min · I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337
4

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 37 sec
Exit 6 Toward VA 164 West: Martin Luther King Jr Expressway, Norfolk Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Continue on VA 164

0.5 mi · 48 sec · Martin Luther King Jr Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Continue on US 58; VA 164

0.6 mi · 55 sec · Martin Luther King Freeway
7

Continue on VA 164

7.4 mi · 9 min · Western Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on US 17

6.5 mi · 11 min · Bridge Road
Use the straight lane.
9

Continue on US 17

2.4 mi · 3 min · Carrollton Boulevard
10

Turn left onto Brewers Neck Boulevard

2.9 mi · 4 min · Brewers Neck Boulevard
11

Merge onto US 258; VA 10

12 mi · 15 min · Benns Church Boulevard
12

Continue on VA 10

9.9 mi · 11 min · Colonial Trail East
13

Turn left onto VA 10; VA 31

1.0 mi · 1 min · Rolfe Highway
14

Turn right onto VA 10

13 mi · 15 min · Colonial Trail West
15

Continue on VA 10

15 mi · 19 min · James River Drive
16

Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS

2.9 mi · 4 min · East Randolph Road
17

Continue on VA 10

6.6 mi · 9 min · East Hundred Road
Use the left lane.
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Toward I 95 North: Richmond Use the right lane.
19

Merge onto I 95

1.1 mi · 1 min · Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
20

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 62 Toward VA 288 North: Chesterfield Use the slight right lane.
21

Continue on VA 288

13 mi · 14 min · World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 43 sec
Toward US 360 West: Hull Street Road, Amelia Use the right lane.
23

Merge onto US 360

3.3 mi · 5 min · Hull Street Road
Use the straight lane.
24

Turn right onto SR 3600

0.7 mi · 1 min · Woodlake Village Parkway
25

Turn left onto SR 3600

0.8 mi · 1 min · Woodlake Village Parkway
26

Turn right

344 ft · 25 sec
27

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour and 22-minute drive, flexibility is your advantage. Since it's a single-day trip with a modest 104.1 miles, you can depart at your leisure. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $16, and plan for potential stops if needed, though none are explicitly listed. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests being attentive to navigation, especially as you transition between James River Drive, Colonial Trail West, and World War II Veterans Memorial Highway. A good tip is to have your GPS or map readily accessible to smoothly manage the frequent road changes.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 52.1 miles from Norfolk, VA, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 14.6 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 23 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 52.1 miles or 1h 11m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 55m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Woodlake, 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 104.1 miles and 2h 22m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Norfolk, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on James River Drive for about 14.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Downtown Waverly, VA, VA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Waverly, VA

52 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

Newport News, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Waverly, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 52.1 miles from Norfolk, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Wild Rose Cafe Inc

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Chester, Virginia

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 20min to go 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+18043181189

Visit website

Best coffee break

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Norfolk, Virginia

Near the start, short detour

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

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

+17576250461

Visit website

A Place Of Miracles Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

2 mi

Sandlot Cafe & Catering

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Hopewell, Virginia

Hours: Closed

+18043343338

Wild Rose Cafe Inc

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Chester, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+18043181189

Visit website

The Lilly Pad

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

Final third 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $20 to $30

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 4–9 pm

+18045071997

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

A Place Of Miracles Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 4–6 pm

+18042366887

Visit website

Gather Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

First break 4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Chesapeake, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

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

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

EV Connect Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Midlothian, Virginia

+18668167584

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

Ford Charge Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

First break 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour

Chesapeake, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Nissan Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Chesapeake, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+33172676914

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour

Chesapeake, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

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

Isle of Wight County Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Smithfield, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17573561223

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

The Beauty Cafe Luxury Salons

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Chesterfield, Virginia

Visit website

Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Early stretch 3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Surry, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–4 pm

+17572943439

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 99 — 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...
8
2.8 mi into trip | ~5m in

Take the exit toward VA 164 West: Martin Luther King Jr Expressway, Norfolk

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 6 Toward VA 164 West: Martin Luther King Jr Expre...
6
83.8 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in

Take the exit toward I 95 North: Richmond

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward I 95 North: Richmond
7
85.3 mi into trip | ~1h 55m in

Take the exit toward VA 288 North: Chesterfield

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 62 Toward VA 288 North: Chesterfield
7
99 mi into trip | ~2h 11m in

Take the exit toward US 360 West: Hull Street Road, Amelia

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the right lane. Toward US 360 West: Hull Street Road, Amelia

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.28 one way

$32.56 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 36 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $17.80 $35.60
premium $4.70 $19.27 $38.53
diesel $5.61 $22.98 $45.97

Estimated Tolls: $0.08

Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike (1.1 mi) $0.08

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

$16

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 36.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 31.2 0 $10.93 $5.00
Efficient EV 26 0 $9.11 $4.16
EV Truck/SUV 41.6 0 $14.57 $6.66

Gas CO2

36 kg

EV CO2

12 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 21, 2026

Origin

Norfolk, VA

Morning in Norfolk on Tuesday

Local time

8:23 AM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Woodlake, VA

Morning in Woodlake on Tuesday

Local time

8:23 AM

EDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

52°F

Waverly, VA

52 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

2h 22m on the road

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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

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...

11 mi from route ~26 min detour $15 near mile 39.5
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
View on nps.gov
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...

11 mi from route ~27 min detour Free near mile 7.2
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...

12 mi from route ~30 min detour Free near mile 82.6
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This route presents a turn-heavy local drive, meaning you'll experience a dynamic road that shifts frequently rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. Only 13% of the journey is on highways, so be prepared for a more connected-to-the-local-landscape feel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 14.6 miles along James River Drive, offering a brief period of consistent travel before the road begins its more intricate course. This character suggests a drive where you'll be actively navigating through communities and varied terrain.

Only 13% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 14.6 mi on James River Drive.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 104.1 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 2.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Norfolk, VA

Full guide →

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).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 22m. Total distance: 104.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 14.6 miles on James River Drive. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.08 in tolls one way, starting with Richmond-Petersburg 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.

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 Woodlake, 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. 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 2.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Woodlake, VA before heading back.

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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