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Trip from Portsmouth Heights, VA to Belle Haven, VA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 44m

Distance

190.1 mi

306 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 32m ★
6 AM
3h 44m
8 AM
4h 10m
10 AM
3h 53m
12 PM
3h 51m
3 PM
3h 54m
5 PM
4h 8m
8 PM
3h 37m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Portsmouth Heights, VA, VA

Portsmouth Heights, VA

Daniel Miller

Downtown Belle Haven, VA, VA

Belle Haven, VA

Francesco Ungaro

Trip Overview

This 190.1-mile journey from Portsmouth Heights, VA, to Belle Haven, VA, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 44 minutes. You'll spend about 79% of your time on major highways, including I-95 and I-64, making for a relatively straightforward drive. With an estimated fuel cost of $30, this route is budget-friendly for a day excursion. The drive primarily stays within the Southeast region, offering a consistent feel throughout. This trip is well-suited for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop.

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

95 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 53m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 87.8 mi 1h 40m
I 64 62.5 mi 1h 9m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway 11.9 mi 12m
Hampton Roads Beltway 9.7 mi 12m
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel 4.3 mi 5m
Portsmouth Boulevard 2.1 mi 4m
Taylor Road 2 mi 4m
Capital Beltway (Local) 2 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 87.8 mi, about 1h 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth Heights, VA and Belle Haven, VA.

1

Start on Vick Street

143 ft · 6 sec · Vick Street
2

Continue on Vick Street

320 ft · 17 sec · Vick Street
3

Turn left onto Byers Avenue

0.3 mi · 1 min · Byers Avenue
4

Turn right onto VA 337

2.1 mi · 4 min · Portsmouth Boulevard
5

Turn right onto Taylor Road

2.0 mi · 4 min · Taylor Road
Use the right lane.
6

Turn left onto Pughsville Road

525 ft · 16 sec · Pughsville Road
7

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Toward I 664 North: Newport News Use the slight right lane.
8

Merge onto I 664

3.5 mi · 4 min · Hampton Roads Beltway
9

Continue on I 664

4.3 mi · 5 min · Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
10

Continue on I 664

6.2 mi · 7 min · Hampton Roads Beltway
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 53 sec
Exit 1A Toward I 64 West: Williamsburg, Richmond Use the slight left lane.
12

Merge onto I 64

1.4 mi · 1 min · I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64

61 mi · 1 hr 7 min · I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 32 sec
Exit 200 Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight right at fork

1.3 mi · 2 min
Toward I 295 North: Washington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Merge onto I 295

12 mi · 12 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
17

Take the exit

2.4 mi · 2 min
Exit 43A Toward I 95 North: Washington Use the slight left lane.
18

Merge onto I 95

46 mi · 49 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17

1.6 mi · 1 min · I 95; US 17
20

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
21

Merge onto I 95

35 mi · 41 min · I 95
Use the slight left lane.
22

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

5.5 mi · 7 min · I 95
Toward I 95 North, I 495 East: Baltimore Use the slight left / straight lanes.
23

Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; I 495

2.0 mi · 2 min · Capital Beltway (Local)
Toward I 95, I 495: Alexandria Use the slight right lane.
24

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 177A-B Toward US 1: Alexandria, Fort Belvoir Use the slight right lane.
25

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 19 sec
Exit 177A Toward US 1 South: Fort Belvoir Use the slight right lane.
26

Merge onto US 1

344 ft · 6 sec · Richmond Highway
27

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 29 sec
Toward Fort Hunt Road: Old Richmond Highway Use the slight right lane.
28

Turn left onto SR 629

0.4 mi · 1 min · Fort Hunt Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
29

Turn right onto Hunting Cove Place

0.1 mi · 26 sec · Hunting Cove Place
30

Arrive at destination

Hunting Cove Place

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 3-hour and 44-minute drive, consider departing early in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially on I-95. With only one suggested stop, you have flexibility in how you pace your journey, but planning for a quick break around the halfway point might be beneficial. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch without a major exit is 87.8 miles on I-95. The $30 fuel cost is an estimate, so checking current prices before you leave is always a good idea. This route is designed for a single-day trip, so no need to plan for an overnight stay.

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 95 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA, or about 1h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.8 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 42 miles or 54m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 95 miles or 1h 53m 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 1m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Portsmouth Heights, 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 Portsmouth Heights, VA

This is one driving day of about 190.1 miles and 3h 44m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Portsmouth Heights, 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 87.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

census designated place in Henrico County, Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

East Highland Park, VA

95 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

Gloucester Point, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

East Highland Park, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 95 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 87.8 miles.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 24

5 decision points cluster between mile 18.9 and 189.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

9
18.9 mi into trip | ~28m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 64 West: Williamsburg, Richmond

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 1A Toward I 64 West: Williamsburg, Richmond
8
82.2 mi into trip | ~1h 38m 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
8
181.5 mi into trip | ~3h 31m in | I 95

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 toward I 95 North, I 495 East: Baltimore

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Toward I 95 North, I 495 East: Baltimore
8
187 mi into trip | ~3h 38m in | I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local)

Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local) toward I 95, I 495: Alexandria

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 95, I 495: Alexandria
9
189.2 mi into trip | ~3h 41m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 1 South: Fort Belvoir

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 177A Toward US 1 South: Fort Belvoir

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.73 one way

$59.45 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 67 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $32.50 $65.01
premium $4.70 $35.18 $70.37
diesel $5.61 $41.97 $83.94

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 66.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 57 0 $19.96 $9.12
Efficient EV 47.5 0 $16.63 $7.60
EV Truck/SUV 76 0 $26.61 $12.17

Gas CO2

67 kg

EV CO2

22 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

Portsmouth Heights, VA

Late night in Portsmouth Heights on Sunday

Local time

12:50 AM

EDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Belle Haven, VA

Late night in Belle Haven on Sunday

Local time

12:50 AM

EDT

Current temp

58°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

27 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 44m 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...

0 mi from route ~1 min detour $15 near mile 39.3
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...

5 mi from route ~12 min detour Free near mile 19.7
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...

27 mi from route ~68 min detour Free near mile 85.2
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 79% of the route utilizing major interstates. You'll experience an uninterrupted stretch of 87.8 miles on I-95, providing ample opportunity to maintain a steady pace. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway also features prominently. While the majority of the drive is on high-speed roadways, be prepared for the transition as you approach your destination. This route offers a predominantly efficient travel experience, prioritizing directness over varied road types.

79% 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: 87.8 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 18.9 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 24 significant decision points across 190.1 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: at 18.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 181.5 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

232 ft 6 ft

Total Climb

340 ft

Total Descent

222 ft

Highest Point

232 ft

~122.2 mi in

Elevation Range

226 ft

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Portsmouth Heights, VA and Belle Haven, VA, road signs point toward Richmond and Rocky Mount.

Richmond

18.9 mi in | ~28m

Rocky Mount

82.2 mi in | ~1h 38m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 44m. Total distance: 190.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 87.8 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Belle Haven, 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: at 18.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 181.5 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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.

Possible but tiring. At 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Belle Haven, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Belle Haven, VA to Portsmouth Heights, VA

Plan the drive back the other way.

192.3 mi 3h 46m

Explore more options from Portsmouth Heights, VA or browse trips ending in Belle Haven, VA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.