Origin
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Morning in Portsmouth Heights on Tuesday
Local time
7:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Portsmouth Heights, VA to Spotsylvania Courthouse, 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 49m
Distance
139.9 mi
225 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 39m
★
6 AM
2h 50m
8 AM
3h 12m
10 AM
2h 58m
12 PM
2h 55m
3 PM
2h 59m
5 PM
3h 11m
8 PM
2h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Daniel Miller
Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA
David Guerrero
Trip Overview
Portsmouth Heights, VA to Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA is 139.9 miles and takes about 2h 49m via I 64, I 95, and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $22 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, connecting two points in Virginia. It's a straightforward drive, largely on major highways, making it a convenient option for a single-day journey. You'll find it's a practical route for getting from point A to point B without too much fuss, ideal if you're looking for efficiency.
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
69.9 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 25m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 62.5 mi | 1h 9m |
| I 95 | 32.3 mi | 34m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 11.9 mi | 12m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 9.7 mi | 12m |
| Morris Road | 4.5 mi | 6m |
| Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| Courthouse Road | 3.7 mi | 7m |
| Portsmouth Boulevard | 2.1 mi | 4m |
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 Spotsylvania Courthouse, 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
32 mi
·
34 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 118
Toward SR 606: Thornburg
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn left onto SR F163
521 ft
·
16 sec
·
Mallard Road
21
Turn left onto SR 606
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Mudd Tavern Road
Use the left lane.
22
Enter roundabout onto SR 606
118 ft
·
2 sec
·
Mudd Tavern Road
23
Continue on SR 606
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
·
Mudd Tavern Road
24
Continue on SR 606
4.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Morris Road
25
Turn right onto VA 208 BUS
3.7 mi
·
7 min
·
Courthouse Road
26
Turn left
290 ft
·
21 sec
27
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under 3 hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, offering flexibility for when you choose to depart. You'll want to keep an eye on your fuel, especially with the longest stretch being 62.5 miles on I 64; ensure you're topped off before starting that segment. The $22 fuel cost is an estimate, so it's always wise to check current prices. Consider leaving early to avoid potential traffic, particularly as you approach urban areas, and take advantage of the straightforward nature of this route by planning just one brief stop for fuel or a quick break.
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 69.9 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA, or about 1h 25m 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 31 miles or 42m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 69.9 miles or 1h 25m 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 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Spotsylvania Courthouse, 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 139.9 miles and 2h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
70 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 31 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 69.9 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 I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62.5 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 185 decision points cluster between mile 18.9 and 130.5 — 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
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
7
130.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 32m in
Take the exit toward SR 606: Thornburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 118
Toward SR 606: Thornburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$21.88 one way
$43.75 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
49 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $23.92 | $47.84 |
| premium | $4.70 | $25.89 | $51.79 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $30.89 | $61.78 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 48.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42 | 0 | $14.69 | $6.72 |
| Efficient EV | 35 | 0 | $12.24 | $5.60 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 56 | 0 | $19.59 | $8.95 |
Gas CO2
49 kg
EV CO2
16 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
Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA
Morning in Spotsylvania Courthouse on Tuesday
Local time
7:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°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
14 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 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
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...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
$15
near mile 38.6
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 19.3
View on nps.gov
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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 82
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 primarily highway-focused, with 68% of the journey on major interstates like I 64 and I 95. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including one segment of 62.5 miles on I 64 without significant interruption. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway also contributes to the fast-paced nature of this route. Expect a driving experience characterized by smooth, high-speed travel for the majority of the trip, making it feel efficient and direct.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 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 is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 95. 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 18 significant decision points across 139.9 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 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.
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 Spotsylvania Courthouse, 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 2h 49m. Total distance: 139.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (68%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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.
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 Spotsylvania Courthouse, 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 82.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Spotsylvania Courthouse, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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