Trip from Pantops, VA to Suffolk, 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

3h 16m

Distance

158.5 mi

255 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

3h 5m ★

6 AM

3h 17m

8 AM

3h 41m

10 AM

3h 25m

12 PM

3h 23m

3 PM

3h 26m

5 PM

3h 39m

8 PM

3h 10m

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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Pantops, VA

Photography Maghradze PH

independent city in Virginia, United States

Suffolk, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 158.5-mile drive from Pantops, VA, to Suffolk, VA, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 16 minutes. You'll navigate primarily via I 64 and the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, with a portion on James River Drive, making for a mixed driving experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $25, this route offers an economical way to travel within the Southeast region. The single recommended stop suggests a straightforward journey, ideal for those looking for a relatively quick and efficient trip between these two Virginia locations.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

79.2 miles from Pantops, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 64	65.5 mi	1h 13m
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike	14.6 mi	18m
James River Drive	14.6 mi	19m
Colonial Trail West	13.3 mi	15m
Old Stage Highway	12 mi	15m
Colonial Trail East	9.8 mi	11m
Godwin Boulevard	8.9 mi	10m
West Hundred Road	6.8 mi	10m

Longest stretch: I 64 — 65.5 mi, about 1h 13m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Pantops, VA and Suffolk, VA.

Start on VA 20

34 ft · 6 sec · Stony Point Road

Turn left onto US 250

1.7 mi · 3 min · Richmond Road

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Toward I 64 East

Merge onto I 64

65 mi · 1 hr 13 min · I 64

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

15 mi · 18 min · Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec

Exit 61A Toward VA 10 East: Hopewell Use the right lane.

Continue on VA 10

6.8 mi · 10 min · West Hundred Road

Use the left / uturn lanes.

Continue on VA 10

2.9 mi · 4 min · West Randolph Road

Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS

15 mi · 19 min · James River Drive

Continue on VA 10

13 mi · 15 min · Colonial Trail West

At end of road, turn left onto VA 10; VA 31

1.0 mi · 1 min · Rolfe Highway

Take the exit

149 ft · 6 sec

Merge onto VA 10

9.8 mi · 11 min · Colonial Trail East

Continue on VA 10

12 mi · 15 min · Old Stage Highway

Use the left lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto VA 10

4.3 mi · 5 min · Benns Church Boulevard

Continue on VA 10; VA 32

8.4 mi · 9 min · Godwin Boulevard

Continue on VA 10; VA 32

0.5 mi · 48 sec · Godwin Boulevard

Turn left onto US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32

366 ft · 6 sec · Pruden Boulevard

Continue on US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32

2.2 mi · 5 min · North Main Street

Turn right onto VA 337

454 ft · 17 sec · West Washington Street

Turn left onto South Saratoga Street

165 ft · 4 sec · South Saratoga Street

Arrive at destination

South Saratoga Street

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 3-hour and 16-minute duration, you can comfortably depart Pantops at your leisure, perhaps in the mid-morning to avoid peak rush hour traffic in the Richmond area. Plan for one stop to stretch your legs and refuel; a good point might be around the halfway mark. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the longest stretch of 65.5 miles on I 64, as services can be spaced out on interstates. The estimated $25 fuel cost is a helpful budget guide for this 158.5-mile trip.

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 79.2 miles from Pantops, VA, or about 1h 32m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65.5 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 35 miles or 41m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 79.2 miles or 1h 32m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 37m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Suffolk, VA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Pantops, 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 Pantops, VA

This is one driving day of about 158.5 miles and 3h 16m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Pantops, 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 65.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Hopewell, VA

79 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

Ashland, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bensley, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 79.2 miles from Pantops, 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 65.5 miles.

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 · early in the drive

The Grapevine Greek & Italian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch · 1h 10m in 0.2 mi from route $20 to $30

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+18044409100

Visit website

Mama Cucina | Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Glen Allen, Virginia

0.5 mi

Cafe Rustika

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

0.7 mi

Best coffee break · early in the drive

Corner Bakery

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Glen Allen, Virginia

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch · 1h 10m in 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18044473766

Visit website

Cafe Synai

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

0.5 mi

Calyx Cafe | Lounge

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

0.6 mi

The Grapevine Greek & Italian Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch 0.2 mi from route $20 to $30

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+18044409100

Visit website

Mama Cucina | Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Glen Allen, Virginia

Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm

+18043463350

Visit website

Cafe Rustika

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 4–9 pm

+18042258811

Visit website

Tarrant's Cafe Downtown

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18042250035

Visit website

Chez Foushee Restaurant & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 4:30–9 pm

+18046483225

Visit website

FIREFLY Restaurant + Game Room

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Charlottesville, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14342021050

Visit website

821 Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+18046491042

Visit website

C & O Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $10

Charlottesville, Virginia

Hours: 5–9 pm

+14349717044

Visit website

Corner Bakery

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Early stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Glen Allen, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18044473766

Visit website

Cafe Synai

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 12–5 pm

+18048161419

Calyx Cafe | Lounge

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10

Richmond, Virginia

Visit website

Harrison Street Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

Visit website

Oley's Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Glen Allen, Virginia

Hours: 8:30 am–2:30 pm

+18044243399

A Place Of Miracles Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 4–6 pm

+18042366887

Visit website

Publix Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Glen Allen, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+18047996041

Royal Bazaar Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

+18043088837

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18046449871

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

+18047888000

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

Halfway reset 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

+18043444300

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour

Charlottesville, Virginia

+14349797264

Visit website

The Draftsman, Charlottesville, University, Autograph Collection Hotel

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Charlottesville, Virginia

+14349848000

Visit website

Little Mod Hotel

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Charlottesville, Virginia

+14344433207

Visit website

Virginia Guesthouse Hotel

Near the start, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Charlottesville, Virginia

+14344002100

Visit website

Hotel

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Charlottesville, Virginia

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 158.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 250 / Richmond Road

Turn left onto US 250 / Richmond Road

Navigation decision point

2 mi into trip | ~4m in | I 64

Merge onto I 64

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

67.5 mi into trip | ~1h 17m in | I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

82.1 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in

Take the exit toward VA 10 East: Hopewell

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

Use the right lane. Exit 61A Toward VA 10 East: Hopewell

158.4 mi into trip | ~3h 16m in | South Saratoga Street

Turn left onto South Saratoga Street

Navigation decision point

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.79 one way

$49.57 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 56 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$27.10	$54.20
premium	$4.70	$29.33	$58.67
diesel	$5.61	$34.99	$69.99

Estimated Tolls: $1.02

Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike (14.6 mi) $1.02

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

$25

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 55.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	47.6	$16.64	$7.61
Efficient EV	39.6	$13.87	$6.34
EV Truck/SUV	63.4	$22.19	$10.14

Gas CO2

55 kg

EV CO2

19 kg (65% 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

Pantops, VA

Morning in Pantops on Tuesday

Local time

8:20 AM

EDT

Current temp

84°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Suffolk, VA

Morning in Suffolk on Tuesday

Local time

8:20 AM

EDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

72°F

Hopewell, VA

79 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

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

3h 16m 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

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 ~28 min detour $15 near mile 131.1

Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues

View on nps.gov

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

View on nps.gov

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...

17 mi from route ~42 min detour Free near mile 142.1

View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

The drive features a 51% highway share, meaning you'll spend a good portion of your time on faster-paced roads. Expect a longest stretch of 65.5 miles on I 64, offering a consistent pace for a significant part of your journey. The profile is described as a 'mixed drive,' indicating a blend of interstate travel and potentially some more local or scenic road segments. This combination suggests a dynamic driving experience, shifting from efficient highway cruising to possibly more varied road conditions as you progress towards Suffolk.

51% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.

22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 65.5 mi on I 64.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

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 near US 250 / Richmond Road.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 158.5 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: near the start (US 250 / Richmond Road): Navigation decision point; at 2 miles (I 64): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 67.5 miles (I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Arriving in Suffolk, VA

Full guide →

Suffolk is a city in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.

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 3h 16m. Total distance: 158.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 65.5 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $1.02 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.

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 Suffolk, 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.

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

Possible but tiring. At 3.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Suffolk, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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Trip from Pantops, VA to Suffolk, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

The Grapevine Greek & Italian Restaurant

Corner Bakery

The Grapevine Greek & Italian Restaurant

Mama Cucina | Italian Restaurant

Cafe Rustika

Tarrant's Cafe Downtown

Chez Foushee Restaurant & Bar

FIREFLY Restaurant + Game Room

821 Cafe

C & O Restaurant

Corner Bakery

Cafe Synai

Calyx Cafe | Lounge

Harrison Street Cafe

Oley's Cafe

A Place Of Miracles Cafe

Publix Cafe

Royal Bazaar Cafe

Tesla Destination Charger

Tesla Destination Charger

Tesla Destination Charger

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

EVgo Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

The Jeff Hotel

The Draftsman, Charlottesville, University, Autograph Collection Hotel

Little Mod Hotel

Virginia Guesthouse Hotel

Hotel

T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge

Lake Meade Park

ICA Shop + Cafe

Science Museum of Virginia

Rage RVA

The Robins Nature Center at Maymont

The Cask Cafe

Southern mansion: Block cafe, Brewpub, donuts

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Pantops, VA

Suffolk, VA

Same local time

14 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 16m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Colonial National Historical Park

Petersburg National Battlefield

Fort Monroe National Monument

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Arriving in Suffolk, VA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

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