Skip to main content

Trip from Portsmouth Heights, VA to Mantua, 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 49m

Distance

191.5 mi

308 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 39 min
4 AM
3h 36m ★
6 AM
3h 49m
8 AM
4h 15m
10 AM
3h 58m
12 PM
3h 56m
3 PM
3h 59m
5 PM
4h 13m
8 PM
3h 42m

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 Mantua, VA, VA

Mantua, VA

Serena Koi

Trip Overview

Portsmouth Heights, VA to Mantua, VA is 191.5 miles and takes about 3h 49m via I 95, I 64, and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, traversing the Southeast region. Expect a straightforward, highway-focused journey that's ideal for a single-day drive. It's a practical route for getting from point A to point B efficiently, with a relatively short duration and manageable fuel costs.

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

95.8 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 82.3 mi 1h 33m
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
Capital Beltway 3.2 mi 4m
Little River Turnpike 2.4 mi 4m
Portsmouth Boulevard 2.1 mi 4m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 82.3 mi, about 1h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth Heights, VA and Mantua, 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 right at fork onto I 395

0.6 mi · 52 sec · Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 170A; 170B Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner Use the straight / slight left lanes.
23

Take the exit

1.4 mi · 1 min
Exit 170B Toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner Use the slight right lane.
24

Merge onto I 495

1.0 mi · 1 min · Capital Beltway
25

Keep slight right at fork onto I 495

2.2 mi · 2 min · Capital Beltway
Use the straight lane.
26

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Exit 52B-A Toward VA 236: Annandale, Fairfax Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward VA 236 West: Fairfax
28

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Exit 52A Toward VA 236 West: Fairfax Use the right lane.
29

Turn straight onto VA 236

2.4 mi · 4 min · Little River Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
30

Turn right onto SR 3412

1.1 mi · 2 min · Prince William Drive
Use the right lane.
31

Turn right onto Hamilton Drive

0.3 mi · 42 sec · Hamilton Drive
32

Turn left onto Alba Place

0.2 mi · 42 sec · Alba Place
33

At end of road, turn right onto Christopher Street

455 ft · 21 sec · Christopher Street
34

Turn right onto Santayana Drive

467 ft · 20 sec · Santayana Drive
35

Arrive at destination

Santayana Drive

Trip Plan

Given the 3h 49m duration, this trip is easily achievable in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave mid-morning to avoid peak rush hour traffic if possible. With only one stop suggested, you can plan your break strategically along the longest stretch on I 95. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 82.3-mile segment on I 95, as services might be more spread out.

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 95.8 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA, or about 1h 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.3 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 95.8 miles or 1h 54m 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 2m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mantua, 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 191.5 miles and 3h 49m.

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 82.3 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

96 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 95.8 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 82.3 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 29

5 decision points cluster between mile 18.9 and 187.2 — 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
9
181.5 mi into trip | ~3h 31m in | I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner

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

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Exit 170A; 170B Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Ty...
8
186.8 mi into trip | ~3h 38m in

Take the exit toward VA 236: Annandale, Fairfax

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 52B-A Toward VA 236: Annandale, Fairfax
9
187.2 mi into trip | ~3h 39m in

Keep slight right at fork toward VA 236 West: Fairfax

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 52A Toward VA 236 West: Fairfax

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.95 one way

$59.89 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 67 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $32.74 $65.49
premium $4.70 $35.44 $70.89
diesel $5.61 $42.28 $84.56

Estimated Tolls: $0.17

Little River Turnpike (2.4 mi) $0.17

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

$30

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 67 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 57.4 0 $20.11 $9.19
Efficient EV 47.9 0 $16.76 $7.66
EV Truck/SUV 76.6 0 $26.81 $12.26

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

Morning in Portsmouth Heights on Sunday

Local time

11:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Mantua, VA

Morning in Mantua on Sunday

Local time

11:00 AM

EDT

Current temp

80°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

5 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 49m 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...

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $15 near mile 39.6
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 19.8
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!

25 mi from route ~62 min detour Free near mile 191.5
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 79.3
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 77% of the route utilizing major interstates. You'll experience longer stretches of high-speed driving, including an 82.3-mile segment on I 95 where you can maintain steady progress. While the majority is interstate, the inclusion of roads like the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway offers slight variations within the overall highway character. The journey is designed for efficiency rather than winding scenic byways.

77% 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: 82.3 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 29 significant decision points across 191.5 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 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Mantua, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Rocky Mount and Tysons Corner.

Richmond

18.9 mi in | ~28m

Rocky Mount

82.2 mi in | ~1h 38m

Tysons Corner

181.5 mi in | ~3h 31m | via I 395

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 49m. Total distance: 191.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 82.3 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $0.17 in tolls one way, starting with Little River 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.

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 Mantua, 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 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): 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 Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (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 Mantua, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

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

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.