Portsmouth Heights, VA to Brightwood, VA is 182.6 miles and takes about 3h 47m via I 64 and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $29 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, starting in the Southeast region and ending in the same region. Expect a drive primarily on major highways, making it a straightforward journey. If you're looking for an efficient way to cover this distance without extensive detours, this route is a solid choice. It's designed for getting you from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
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
91.3 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 49m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
102.7 mi
1h 52m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.6 mi
24m
Blue Ridge Turnpike
16 mi
28m
James Madison Highway
10.8 mi
15m
Hampton Roads Beltway
9.7 mi
12m
South Seminole Trail
5 mi
6m
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
4.3 mi
5m
Portsmouth Boulevard
2.1 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 102.7 mi, about 1h 52m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 53 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,305 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,757
Quietest
2 AM
~133 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.3×
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 Portsmouth Heights, VA and Brightwood, 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 NewsUse 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 1AToward I 64 West: Williamsburg, RichmondUse 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 200Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NCUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi·2 min
Toward I 295 North: WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 295
23 mi·24 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·55 sec
Exit 53AToward I 64 West: Charlottesville
18
Merge onto I 64
40 mi·43 min·I 64
Toward I 64 West: CharlottesvilleUse the slight right lane.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward US 15: Gordonsville, PalmyraUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra
21
Turn straight onto US 15
11 mi·15 min·James Madison Highway
22
Continue on US 15; US 33
0.4 mi·34 sec·Martinsburg Avenue
23
Continue on US 15; US 33
0.7 mi·1 min·South Main Street
24
Enter roundabout onto US 33; VA 231
117 ft·1 sec·North Main Street
25
Continue on US 33; VA 231
0.2 mi·14 sec·North Main Street
26
Turn right onto VA 231
6.1 mi·10 min·Blue Ridge Turnpike
27
Enter roundabout onto VA 231
122 ft·2 sec·Blue Ridge Turnpike
28
Continue on VA 231
9.9 mi·17 min·Blue Ridge Turnpike
29
Continue on SR 687
1.7 mi·3 min·Fairground Road
30
Turn slight right onto US 29
5.0 mi·6 min·South Seminole Trail
31
Turn left onto SR 607
0.3 mi·39 sec·Ridgeview Road
32
Arrive at destination
SR 607
Trip Plan
Given this drive is around 3 hours and 47 minutes, you can comfortably complete it in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to take advantage of daylight and allow for any unforeseen delays. The longest stretch without a major road change is over 100 miles on I 64, so plan your fuel stops accordingly before you get too low. While there's only one suggested stop, consider taking a brief break around the halfway point, especially if you're feeling fatigued. The efficient nature of this route means you have flexibility; however, keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is key, particularly during that long stretch on I 64.
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 91.3 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA, or about 1h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102.7 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 40 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91.3 miles or 1h 49m 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 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brightwood, 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 182.6 miles and 3h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 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 64 for about 102.7 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 18.9 and 147.5 — 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
7
82.6 mi into trip|~1h 39m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 295 North: Washington
7
147.3 mi into trip|~2h 50m in
Take the exit toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra
7
147.5 mi into trip|~2h 51m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.96 one way
$53.92 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg64 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$29.63
$59.25
premium
$4.49
$32.29
$64.59
diesel
$4.80
$34.48
$68.96
Estimated Tolls: $1.12
Blue Ridge Turnpike
(16 mi)$1.12
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
$27
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 63.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
54.8
0
$19.17
$8.76
Efficient EV
45.7
0
$15.98
$7.30
EV Truck/SUV
73
0
$25.56
$11.69
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
21 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 Jul 19, 2026
Origin
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Morning
in Portsmouth Heights on Sunday
Local time
7:21 AM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 13 mph34% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Brightwood, VA
Morning
in Brightwood on Sunday
Local time
7:21 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Mostly Cloudy
SW 0 to 3 mph8% chanceLive 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
7 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 47m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
$15
near mile 37.8
Park Closure: Jamestown Island Loop Drive to Temporarily Close to Vehicles
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 18.9
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over...
14 mi from route
~36 min detour
$30
near mile 176.3
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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 81.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is largely highway-focused, with 65% of the drive utilizing major roads like I 64 and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 102.7 miles on I 64, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent speed. While the majority is highway, the latter part of the journey may transition to roads like the Blue Ridge Turnpike, offering a change of pace. This mix means you'll experience both efficient interstate travel and potentially more winding, local road segments as you approach your destination.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 102.7 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. 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 Effort10/10
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 19 significant decision points across 182.6 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 82.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
589 ft4 ft
Total Climb
587 ft
Total Descent
5 ft
Highest Point
589 ft
~182.6 mi in
Elevation Range
585 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 Brightwood, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Rocky Mount and Palmyra.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 47m. Total distance: 182.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 102.7 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.12 in tolls one way, starting with Blue Ridge 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 7 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 Brightwood, 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 7 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 82.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Shenandoah National Park (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Brightwood, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
