Portsmouth Heights, VA to Shawnee Land, VA is 244.3 miles and takes about 5h 4m via I 64, I 95, and Warrenton Road, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. Expect a mixed drive experience with a significant portion on major highways. This route is well-suited for a single-day journey, offering a straightforward path for those looking to cover ground efficiently.
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
122.2 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
62.5 mi
1h 9m
I 95
47.3 mi
51m
Warrenton Road
22.9 mi
33m
US 17
18.6 mi
20m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
11.9 mi
12m
James Madison Highway
11.3 mi
15m
Hampton Roads Beltway
9.7 mi
12m
I 66
9.6 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 62.5 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth Heights, VA and Shawnee Land, 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
12 mi·12 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
17
Take the exit
2.4 mi·2 min
Exit 43AToward I 95 North: WashingtonUse 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 right at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward US 17 Business: Falmouth
21
Turn left onto US 17
23 mi·33 min·Warrenton Road
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 17
4.2 mi·7 min·Marsh Road
23
Turn right onto US 15; US 29
4.6 mi·6 min·James Madison Highway
24
Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29
2.4 mi·3 min·Eastern Bypass
25
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
2.3 mi·3 min·Eastern Bypass
Toward US 17 North
26
Continue on US 17
6.7 mi·9 min·James Madison Highway
27
Continue on US 17
2.7 mi·3 min·Winchester Road
28
Turn left onto US 17
19 mi·20 min·US 17
Use the left lane.
29
Continue on I 66
9.6 mi·10 min·I 66
30
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 1AToward I 81 South: RoanokeUse the straight lane.
31
Merge onto I 81
3.2 mi·3 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
32
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward US 48, VA 55: Strasburg
33
Keep slight right at fork
160 ft·3 sec
34
Merge onto US 48; VA 55
8.6 mi·9 min·John Marshall Highway
35
Continue on US 48; VA 55
0.7 mi·46 sec·Wardensville Pike
36
Turn right onto SR 600
2.7 mi·4 min·North Pifer Road
37
Continue on SR 600; SR 608
0.7 mi·1 min·Wardensville Grade
38
Turn slight left onto SR 600
6.5 mi·11 min·Back Mountain Road
39
Turn left onto SR 753
0.2 mi·58 sec·Rosenberger Lane
40
Turn left onto Tomahawk Trail
0.6 mi·2 min·Tomahawk Trail
41
Continue on Tomahawk Trail
0.4 mi·1 min·Tomahawk Trail
42
Arrive at destination
Tomahawk Trail
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 4m estimated duration, starting your drive in the morning from Portsmouth Heights, VA, will allow ample time to reach Shawnee Land, VA, before evening. With only one recommended stop, plan this strategically for a break and potential fuel top-off. The estimated fuel cost of $38 suggests keeping an eye on your gauge, especially during the 62.5-mile stretch on I 64. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility; consider an early departure to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic delays, particularly if traveling on a weekday.
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 122.2 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.5 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 54 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.2 miles or 2h 23m 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Shawnee Land, 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 244.3 miles and 5h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 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 62.5 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 18.9 and 219.8 — 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
95.8 mi into trip|~1h 54m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Washington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 43A
Toward I 95 North: Washington
8
219.8 mi into trip|~4h 26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 81 South: Roanoke
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1A
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.20 one way
$76.41 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$41.77
$83.54
premium
$4.70
$45.21
$90.43
diesel
$5.61
$53.94
$107.88
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.3
0
$25.65
$11.73
Efficient EV
61.1
0
$21.38
$9.77
EV Truck/SUV
97.7
1
$34.20
$15.64
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% 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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Morning
in Portsmouth Heights on Sunday
Local time
11:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Shawnee Land, VA
Morning
in Shawnee Land on Sunday
Local time
11:12 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°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
39 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 4m 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.
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires today. Native Americans first shaped the land, followed by colonists and settlers. The fertile valley became an important...
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...
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...
6 mi from route
~14 min detour
Free
near mile 16.8
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
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 84.2
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!
28 mi from route
~69 min detour
Free
near mile 193.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive offers a mixed experience, with 58% of the route utilizing highways. You'll encounter stretches on I 64 and I 95, providing a faster pace for significant portions of the journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll navigate is 62.5 miles on I 64, so be prepared for sustained highway driving during that segment. Warrenton Road offers a change of pace, likely presenting a different driving feel as you transition from high-speed interstates.
58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
42 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.5 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 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 27 significant decision points across 244.3 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.
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 Shawnee Land, 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 5h 4m. Total distance: 244.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.5 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 Shawnee Land, 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 1 rest area 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 — Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Colonial National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Shawnee Land, VA before the return drive.
