Origin
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Morning in Portsmouth Heights on Tuesday
Local time
6:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Portsmouth Heights, VA to Bracey, VA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 41m
Distance
118.9 mi
191 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 31m
★
6 AM
2h 41m
8 AM
3h 2m
10 AM
2h 49m
12 PM
2h 47m
3 PM
2h 50m
5 PM
3h 1m
8 PM
2h 35m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Daniel Miller
Bracey, VA
Andrea Piacquadio
Trip Overview
This 118.9-mile drive from Portsmouth Heights, VA to Bracey, VA is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes. The route predominantly utilizes major roads, including Portsmouth Boulevard, Governor Harrison Parkway, and I-85, with 31% of the drive on highways. Considering a fuel cost of around $19, this trip offers a budget-friendly option for a quick getaway or a visit between these two Southeast Virginia locations. The mixed drive profile suggests a varied experience, making it manageable for a day trip without feeling overly rushed.
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
59.5 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 21m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth Boulevard | 62.6 mi | 1h 22m |
| Governor Harrison Parkway | 22.5 mi | 30m |
| I 85 | 7.9 mi | 8m |
| Pleasant Shade Drive | 6.3 mi | 8m |
| Courtland Road | 5.2 mi | 7m |
| Highway 58 | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| West Military Highway | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| I 264 | 2.1 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
Portsmouth Boulevard
— 62.6 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth Heights, VA and Bracey, VA.
1
Start on Vick Street
0.1 mi
·
28 sec
·
Vick Street
2
At end of road, turn right onto Shea Street
0.2 mi
·
47 sec
·
Shea Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto VA 337
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Portsmouth Boulevard
4
Turn right onto VA 239
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Victory Boulevard
Use the right lane.
5
Turn right onto Belmont Avenue
355 ft
·
7 sec
·
Belmont Avenue
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Toward I 264 West: Bowers Hill
7
Merge onto I 264
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
I 264
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond
Use the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto I 664
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
54 sec
Exit 13A-B
Toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, Military Highway
Use the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
12
Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
West Military Highway
13
Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460
62 mi
·
1 hr 21 min
·
Portsmouth Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Continue on US 58
5.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Courtland Road
15
Continue on US 58
6.3 mi
·
8 min
·
Pleasant Shade Drive
16
Continue on US 58
23 mi
·
30 min
·
Governor Harrison Parkway
17
Continue on US 58
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Piney Pond Road
18
Continue on US 58
3.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Highway 58
19
Continue on US 58
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Atlantic Street
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward I 85 South: Durham
21
Merge onto I 85
7.9 mi
·
8 min
·
I 85
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
Toward SR 903: Bracey, Lake Gaston
23
Turn left onto SR 903
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
SR 903
24
Continue on Bracey Drive
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
·
Bracey Drive
25
Arrive at destination
Bracey Drive
Trip Plan
For this single-day trip of just under 2 hours and 41 minutes, flexibility is key. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize your daylight hours and allow ample time for the drive and any brief stops you might need. With a total distance of 118.9 miles and a fuel cost estimated at $19, you won't need to worry extensively about frequent fuel stops. A good tip for this route is to be mindful of the transition from Portsmouth Boulevard to I-85, as traffic patterns can shift significantly during these 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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 59.5 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.6 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 26 miles or 37m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59.5 miles or 1h 21m 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 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bracey, 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 118.9 miles and 2h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 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 Portsmouth Boulevard for about 62.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
59 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 59.5 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Portsmouth Boulevard if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62.6 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 145 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 117.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Shea Street
At end of road, turn right onto Shea Street
Navigation decision point
6
0.8 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
VA 239 / Victory Boulevard
Turn right onto VA 239 / Victory Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
3.7 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond
8
4.8 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Take the exit toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, Military Highway
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 13A-B
Toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suff...
5
117.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m in
Take the exit toward SR 903: Bracey, Lake Gaston
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward SR 903: Bracey, Lake Gaston
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.59 one way
$37.19 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
42 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $20.33 | $40.66 |
| premium | $4.70 | $22.01 | $44.01 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $26.25 | $52.50 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 35.7 | 0 | $12.48 | $5.71 |
| Efficient EV | 29.7 | 0 | $10.40 | $4.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 47.6 | 0 | $16.65 | $7.61 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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.
Destination
Bracey, VA
Morning in Bracey on Tuesday
Local time
6:51 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
74°F
Emporia, VA
59 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
31 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
2h 41m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
The character of this drive is best described as a mixed bag, offering a blend of highway speeds and local road navigation. You'll spend 31% of your time on highways, punctuated by a significant uninterrupted stretch of 62.6 miles along Portsmouth Boulevard. This longest stretch likely involves navigating through more developed areas before transitioning to faster interstates. Expect a dynamic driving experience as you move between different types of roadways, offering a varied feel rather than a monotonous interstate grind.
31% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.6 mi on Portsmouth Boulevard.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 around 0.1 miles in near Shea Street.
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 14 significant decision points across 118.9 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 0.1 miles (Shea Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.8 miles (VA 239 / Victory Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 41m. Total distance: 118.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (31%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.6 miles on Portsmouth Boulevard. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Bracey, 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 0.1 miles (Shea Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.8 miles (VA 239 / Victory Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Bracey, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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