Origin
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Morning in Portsmouth Heights on Sunday
Local time
9:30 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Portsmouth Heights, VA to Woodlawn, 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 34m
Distance
180.8 mi
291 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 22m
★
6 AM
3h 34m
8 AM
3h 59m
10 AM
3h 43m
12 PM
3h 40m
3 PM
3h 44m
5 PM
3h 58m
8 PM
3h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Daniel Miller
Woodlawn, VA
Eric Joseph
Trip Overview
Portsmouth Heights, VA to Woodlawn, VA is 180.8 miles and takes about 3h 34m via I 95, with a fuel budget near $28 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip primarily sticks to major interstates, making it a straightforward journey through Virginia's Southeast region. Given its relatively short duration, it's an ideal one-day drive. You'll spend most of your time on high-speed highways, so pack some entertainment. This route is best suited for travelers prioritizing efficiency over a leisurely exploration.
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
90.4 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 48m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 74.4 mi | 1h 23m |
| I 64 | 62.5 mi | 1h 9m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 11.9 mi | 12m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 9.7 mi | 12m |
| Richmond Highway | 6.6 mi | 10m |
| Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| Portsmouth Boulevard | 2.1 mi | 4m |
| Taylor Road | 2 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 74.4 mi, about 1h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth Heights, VA and Woodlawn, 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
27 mi
·
31 min
·
I 95
Use the slight left lane.
22
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 161
Toward US 1 North: Fort Belvoir, Mount Vernon, Gunston Hall, Lorton
Use the slight right lane.
23
Continue on US 1
6.6 mi
·
10 min
·
Richmond Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Arrive at destination
US 1
Trip Plan
With a drive time under 4 hours, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Leaving in the morning will allow you to arrive with ample daylight, and you'll only need to plan for one stop. Given the $28 fuel estimate, it's wise to fill up before you depart or at a major exit along I 95 to avoid potentially higher prices in more remote areas. Since the longest stretch without a break is over 70 miles, ensure you're comfortable with extended highway driving or plan your single stop strategically around the halfway point.
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 90.4 miles from Portsmouth Heights, VA, or about 1h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 74.4 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 40 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 90.4 miles or 1h 48m 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 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Woodlawn, 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 180.8 miles and 3h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 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 74.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
90 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 40 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 90.4 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 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 74.4 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 175 decision points cluster between mile 18.9 and 173.6 — 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
173.6 mi into trip
|
~3h 22m in
Take the exit toward US 1 North: Fort Belvoir, Mount Vernon, Gunston Hall, Lorton
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 161
Toward US 1 North: Fort Belvoir, Mount Vernon,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.27 one way
$56.55 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
63 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $30.91 | $61.83 |
| premium | $4.70 | $33.46 | $66.92 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $39.92 | $79.84 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 63.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 54.2 | 0 | $18.98 | $8.68 |
| Efficient EV | 45.2 | 0 | $15.82 | $7.23 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 72.3 | 0 | $25.31 | $11.57 |
Gas CO2
63 kg
EV CO2
21 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
Woodlawn, VA
Morning in Woodlawn on Sunday
Local time
9:30 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°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
15 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 34m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is heavily focused on highway travel, with 76% of the route utilizing major interstates like I 95 and I 64. Expect a consistent pace for most of the 3.5-hour journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 74.4 miles on I 95, so prepare for extended periods of steady driving. While the highway profile dominates, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway offers a slight variation. Overall, the character is that of a functional, efficient interstate cruise designed to get you between destinations quickly.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 74.4 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 17 significant decision points across 180.8 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 Woodlawn, 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 3h 34m. Total distance: 180.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 74.4 miles on I 95. 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 Woodlawn, 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.
Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Woodlawn, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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