Portsmouth Heights, VA to Ferrum, VA is 249.6 miles and takes about 5h 38m via Portsmouth Boulevard and Highway 58, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you across Virginia's Southeast region, starting in a more urban area and transitioning to more rural landscapes as you head west. With a mixed highway and surface road profile, this route offers a straightforward way to cover ground between these two points. It's a solid option if you're looking for a single-day drive with a manageable duration and cost.
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
124.8 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 49m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Portsmouth Boulevard
62.6 mi
1h 22m
Highway 58
41.2 mi
53m
Governor Harrison Parkway
22.5 mi
30m
Philpott Road
19.7 mi
25m
US 58
15.6 mi
20m
Danville Expressway
13.9 mi
16m
Virginia Avenue
9.5 mi
13m
Henry Road
9.2 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
Portsmouth Boulevard
— 62.6 mi, about 1h 22m
Traffic on I-264
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 2 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,452 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,835
Quietest
2 AM
~162 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15.1×
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 Ferrum, 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, RichmondUse 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-BToward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, Military HighwayUse 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
1.1 mi·1 min·East Atlantic Street
20
Continue on US 58
3.5 mi·4 min·South Hill Bypass
21
Continue on US 1; US 58
3.2 mi·4 min·Highway 1
22
Continue on US 58
19 mi·24 min·Highway 58
23
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.
24
Continue on US 58; VA 49
19 mi·24 min·Highway 58
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on US 58; US 360
20 mi·25 min·Philpott Road
26
Continue on US 58; US 360
5.3 mi·7 min·South Boston Highway
27
Continue on US 58; US 360
3.1 mi·5 min·South Boston Road
28
Take the ramp onto US 58
0.3 mi·39 sec·US 58
Toward US 29 South, US 58 West: Greesboro, Martinsville
29
Merge onto US 29; US 58
14 mi·16 min·Danville Expressway
30
Keep slight left at fork onto US 58
15 mi·20 min·US 58
31
Continue on US 58 BUS
3.6 mi·5 min·A L Philpott Highway
Toward US 58 West: Business, Martinsville
32
Continue on US 58 BUS; VA 57
0.9 mi·1 min·East Church Street
33
Turn right onto Hooker Street
0.3 mi·45 sec·Hooker Street
34
Turn right onto Fairy Street
116 ft·4 sec·Fairy Street
35
Turn left onto VA 457
2.3 mi·3 min·Commonwealth Boulevard East
36
Turn right onto US 220 BUS
3.9 mi·6 min·Virginia Avenue
37
Take the ramp onto US 220 BUS
0.2 mi·29 sec·US 220 BUS
Toward US 220 North: Roanoke
38
Merge onto US 220
5.6 mi·7 min·Virginia Avenue
Toward US 220 North: Roanoke
39
Continue on US 220
1.9 mi·2 min·Virgil H Goode Highway
40
Turn left onto SR 605
9.2 mi·12 min·Henry Road
41
Turn right onto SR 778
2.9 mi·4 min·Republican Church Road
42
At end of road, turn right onto SR 623
2.5 mi·3 min·Ingramville Road
43
Turn slight left onto SR 805
0.2 mi·31 sec·Fieldcrest Road
44
At end of road, turn left onto VA 40
0.2 mi·22 sec·Franklin Street
45
Arrive at destination
VA 40
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 38m estimated drive time, starting your trip in the morning will give you plenty of flexibility. You'll only have one recommended stop, so consider making it a fuel and stretch break around the halfway point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you move onto the surface road sections, as services might be more spread out. The $38 fuel cost estimate is based on the total mileage, so plan accordingly. This route is easily accomplished in one day, so you can depart and arrive within daylight hours.
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 124.8 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA, or about 2h 49m 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 55 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 124.8 miles or 2h 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 4h 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ferrum, 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 249.6 miles and 5h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 135.6 — 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
135.6 mi into trip|~3h 3m in|US 58 / Clarksville Bypass
Turn straight onto US 58 / Clarksville Bypass toward US 58 West, US 15 South, VA 49 South: South Boston, Danville
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 58 West, US 15 South, VA 49 South: So...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.85 one way
$73.70 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg87 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$40.50
$80.99
premium
$4.49
$44.14
$88.28
diesel
$4.80
$47.13
$94.26
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
74.9
0
$26.21
$11.98
Efficient EV
62.4
0
$21.84
$9.98
EV Truck/SUV
99.8
1
$34.94
$15.97
Gas CO2
87 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% 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
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Late night
in Portsmouth Heights on Sunday
Local time
5:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
97°F
Patchy Smoke then Mostly Sunny
S 5 to 13 mph14% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:31AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:16AM EDT until July 18 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Destination
Ferrum, VA
Late night
in Ferrum on Sunday
Local time
5:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 1 to 9 mph58% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:31AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:16AM EDT until July 18 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
86°F
South Boston, VA
125 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
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
5h 38m 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.
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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
20 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 249.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is about 40% highway, meaning you'll experience a blend of faster travel and more local road cruising. Your longest continuous stretch on a single road is 62.6 miles on Portsmouth Boulevard. Expect to transition from highway driving to surface roads, which will naturally bring a change in speed and traffic patterns. You'll notice the shift as exits become less frequent and the environment opens up.
40% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
45 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?
9/10
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 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 23 significant decision points across 249.6 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 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.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,288 ft7 ft
Total Climb
1,358 ft
Total Descent
76 ft
Highest Point
1,288 ft
~249.6 mi in
Elevation Range
1,281 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 Ferrum, VA, road signs point toward Danville and Martinsville.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 38m. Total distance: 249.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
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.
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 Ferrum, 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 — Fort Monroe National Monument and Booker T Washington National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Ferrum, VA before the return drive.
