Portsmouth Heights, VA to Stanley, VA is 211.5 miles and takes about 4h 23m via I 64 and Spotswood Trail, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, connecting two points in Virginia. You'll experience a mix of highway speeds and surface road cruising. Given the relatively short duration and moderate distance, this route is well-suited for a single-day excursion, offering a straightforward path between your starting and ending points.
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
105.7 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 5m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
102.7 mi
1h 52m
Spotswood Trail
30.6 mi
41m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.6 mi
24m
James Madison Highway
10.8 mi
15m
Hampton Roads Beltway
9.7 mi
12m
4th Street
8.3 mi
13m
US 340 BUS
5.1 mi
7m
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
4.3 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 102.7 mi, about 1h 52m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 106 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,320 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,855
Quietest
2 AM
~137 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Stanley, 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·13 sec·North Main Street
26
Continue on US 33
5.4 mi·8 min·Spotswood Trail
27
Enter roundabout onto US 33; VA 20
83 ft·1 sec·Spotswood Trail
28
Continue on US 33; VA 20
12 mi·17 min·Spotswood Trail
29
Continue on US 33
2.2 mi·2 min·Stanardsville By-Pass
30
Continue on US 33
13 mi·16 min·Spotswood Trail
31
Take the exit onto US 33 BUS
0.2 mi·22 sec·US 33 BUS
Use the slight right lane.
32
Keep slight right at fork onto US 33 BUS
363 ft·11 sec·US 33 BUS
33
Continue on US 340
0.8 mi·1 min·South Stuart Avenue
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
34
Continue on US 340
4.3 mi·6 min·North East Side Highway
35
Continue on US 340
0.3 mi·23 sec·South Third Street
36
Continue on US 340
0.1 mi·18 sec·3rd Street
37
Continue on US 340
8.3 mi·13 min·4th Street
38
Turn right onto US 340 BUS
5.1 mi·7 min·US 340 BUS
39
Arrive at destination
US 340 BUS
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4h 23m drive, consider leaving in the morning to allow for flexibility. The route has one recommended stop, so plan to take a break roughly midway through your journey. With a fuel cost estimated at $33, you can easily manage refueling needs along the way. Pay attention to the transition off I 64, as this marks the shift to Spotswood Trail and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, which may have different traffic patterns and speed limits. This drive is manageable in one day, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you could easily split it with an overnight stay.
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 105.7 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA, or about 2h 5m 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 47 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.7 miles or 2h 5m 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 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stanley, 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 211.5 miles and 4h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 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 20
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
$33.60 one way
$67.20 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$36.64
$73.28
premium
$4.78
$39.80
$79.60
diesel
$6.18
$51.45
$102.90
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.5
0
$22.21
$10.15
Efficient EV
52.9
0
$18.51
$8.46
EV Truck/SUV
84.6
1
$29.61
$13.54
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% 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 Oct 17, 2026
Origin
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Morning
in Portsmouth Heights on Sunday
Local time
9:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Rain
N 15 to 20 mph100% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 8:09AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 8:01AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Destination
Stanley, VA
Morning
in Stanley on Sunday
Local time
9:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
N 13 to 16 mph34% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 8:09AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 8:01AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
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
4h 23m 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
$15
near mile 36.5
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
$30
near mile 211.5
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 21.9
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 80.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive features a 51% highway share, meaning you'll spend a significant portion of your time on faster roads like I 64. The longest continuous stretch on the highway is 102.7 miles on I 64. After this, expect the profile to shift to mixed highway and surface roads as you transition away from the interstate. You'll notice the change from high-speed interstate driving to more varied speeds and potentially more local traffic.
51% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
39 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 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 20 significant decision points across 211.5 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 82.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,091 ft7 ft
Total Climb
1,255 ft
Total Descent
170 ft
Highest Point
1,091 ft
~211.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,084 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 Stanley, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Rocky Mount and Palmyra.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 23m. Total distance: 211.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
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.
Yes — we found about 8 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 Stanley, 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 8 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, Shenandoah National Park and Fort Monroe National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Stanley, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
