Poquoson, VA to Danville, VA is 219 miles and takes about 4h 33m via Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and I-64, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. Expect a largely highway-based drive that should be straightforward for a single day. It's a practical route connecting two points in the state without significant detours. Consider this if you need a direct way to get from the Tidewater area to south-central Virginia.
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
109.5 miles from Poquoson, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 13m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
55.8 mi
1h
I 64
45 mi
49m
Highway 58
37.7 mi
48m
Philpott Road
19.7 mi
25m
Roxbury Road
13.3 mi
17m
South Boston Highway
5.3 mi
7m
Victory Boulevard
4.7 mi
7m
East Washington Street
4.3 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
— 55.8 mi, about 1h
Traffic on I-85
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 48 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~887 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,234
Quietest
2 AM
~140 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.3×
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 Poquoson, VA and Danville, VA.
1
Start on VA 171
1.6 mi·3 min·Poquoson Avenue
2
Continue on VA 171
1.4 mi·3 min·Little Florida Road
3
Continue on VA 171
4.7 mi·7 min·Victory Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward I 64 West: Williamsburg, Richmond
5
Merge onto I 64
45 mi·49 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 211Toward VA 106: Talleysville, RoxburyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
152 ft·7 sec
8
Turn left onto VA 106
3.2 mi·4 min·Emmaus Church Road
9
Continue on VA 106
13 mi·17 min·Roxbury Road
10
Continue on VA 106; VA 156
1.9 mi·2 min·Jordan Point Road
11
Turn right onto VA 10; VA 106; VA 156
2.0 mi·2 min·James River Drive
12
Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS
1.2 mi·2 min·East Randolph Road
13
Turn left onto VA 156 Business
1.8 mi·2 min·Winston Churchill Drive
14
Continue on VA 36
0.4 mi·26 sec·Oaklawn Boulevard
15
Continue on VA 36
1.0 mi·1 min·Woodlawn Street
16
Continue on VA 36
1.0 mi·1 min·Oaklawn Boulevard
17
Continue on VA 36
4.3 mi·5 min·East Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Toward I 85 South, I 95 South
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: DurhamUse the slight left lane.
20
Merge onto I 85
56 mi·1 hr·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 12BToward US 58 West, SR 47: South Hill, Chase CityUse the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork
252 ft·9 sec
Exit 12BToward US 58 West, SR 47: South Hill, Chase City
23
Turn right onto US 58
503 ft·12 sec·East Atlantic Street
24
Continue on US 58
3.5 mi·4 min·South Hill Bypass
25
Continue on US 1; US 58
3.2 mi·4 min·Highway 1
26
Continue on US 58
19 mi·24 min·Highway 58
27
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.
28
Continue on US 58; VA 49
19 mi·24 min·Highway 58
Use the left lane.
29
Continue on US 58; US 360
20 mi·25 min·Philpott Road
30
Continue on US 58; US 360
5.3 mi·7 min·South Boston Highway
31
Continue on US 58; US 360
4.2 mi·7 min·South Boston Road
32
Continue on US 360; US 58 BUS
0.6 mi·1 min·River Street
33
Turn left onto VA 293
0.6 mi·1 min·Main Street
34
Turn left onto VA 293
105 ft·2 sec·South Ridge Street
35
Arrive at destination
VA 293
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4.5-hour drive, aim to depart Poquoson in the morning to allow ample time for the drive and any unexpected delays. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $34 budget is an estimate for the entire 219 miles. A good tip for this route is to note that the transition from I-64 to Highway 58 marks the shift to more rural driving, so be prepared for fewer services in that section.
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 109.5 miles from Poquoson, VA, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.8 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 48 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.5 miles or 2h 13m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Danville, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Poquoson, 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 Poquoson, VA
This is one driving day of about 219 miles and 4h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Poquoson, 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 Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike for about 55.8 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 53.1 and 140.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
53.1 mi into trip|~1h 4m in
Take the exit toward VA 106: Talleysville, Roxbury
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 211
Toward VA 106: Talleysville, Roxbury
6
83.5 mi into trip|~1h 44m in
Take the exit toward I 85 South, I 95 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 85 South, I 95 South
8
83.9 mi into trip|~1h 45m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham
8
139.9 mi into trip|~2h 46m in
Take the exit toward US 58 West, SR 47: South Hill, Chase City
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 12B
Toward US 58 West, SR 47: South Hill, Chase Cit...
8
140.1 mi into trip|~2h 46m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 58 West, SR 47: South Hill, Chase City
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 12B
Toward US 58 West, SR 47: South Hill, Chase Cit...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.33 one way
$64.67 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg77 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$35.53
$71.06
premium
$4.49
$38.73
$77.46
diesel
$4.80
$41.35
$82.70
Estimated Tolls: $3.91
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(55.8 mi)$3.91
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
$32
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.7
0
$23.00
$10.51
Efficient EV
54.8
0
$19.16
$8.76
EV Truck/SUV
87.6
1
$30.66
$14.02
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% 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
Poquoson, VA
Morning
in Poquoson on Sunday
Local time
6:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 15 mph33% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 5:35PM EDT until July 18 at 6:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:34PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Danville, VA
Morning
in Danville on Sunday
Local time
6:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
99°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 10 mph35% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 5:35PM EDT until July 18 at 6:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 5:34PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
85°F
Lawrenceville, VA
110 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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 33m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 90.6
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
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...
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?
This drive is mostly highway, with 65% of the 219 miles on major roadways. You'll encounter the longest continuous stretch of highway driving at 55.8 miles along the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. Expect a higher concentration of exits and potential for merging traffic as you navigate these main arteries. The route transitions to surface roads for roughly 77 miles, offering a change of pace from the faster highway cruising.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55.8 mi on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 53.1 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 15 significant decision points across 219 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 53.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
507 ft4 ft
Total Climb
682 ft
Total Descent
179 ft
Highest Point
507 ft
~219 mi in
Elevation Range
503 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Poquoson, VA and Danville, VA, road signs point toward Roxbury and Chase City.
Danville is a city of 40,000 people (2018) in the state of Virginia on the Banks of the Dan River close to the border with North Carolina. Founded in 1793, Danville is perhaps best known for its role in the Civil War, when it was an important railroad stop for the Confederacy and became the last Confederate capital after Richmond fell to the North.
Top landmarks
•Danville — Amtrak station in Danville, Virginia, United States
•Dan's Hill — historic home located near Danville in Pittsylvania County, Virginia
•Main Street Methodist Episcopal Church South — church building in Danville, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 33m. Total distance: 219 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 55.8 miles on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.91 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.
Yes — we found about 14 rest areas or service plazas 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 Danville, 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 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 53.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield, Colonial National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Danville, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
