Portsmouth to Bedford is 219 miles and takes about 4h 39m via Richmond Highway and US 460, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. The route primarily utilizes surface roads, offering a more grounded travel experience compared to interstate cruising. With just one recommended stop and a drive time under five hours, this is a manageable trip for a single day, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.
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
109.5 miles from Portsmouth, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Richmond Highway
31.1 mi
38m
US 460
29.4 mi
35m
New Cox Road
23 mi
26m
James River Drive
14.6 mi
19m
Colonial Trail West
13.3 mi
15m
West Colonial Trail Highway
13.1 mi
16m
East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
12.3 mi
15m
Benns Church Boulevard
12.1 mi
15m
Longest stretch:
Richmond Highway
— 31.1 mi, about 38m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 19 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,118 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,535
Quietest
2 AM
~240 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
8.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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, VA and Bedford, VA.
1
Start on High Street
0.5 mi·56 sec·High Street
2
Turn right onto VA 141
0.1 mi·11 sec·Effingham Street
3
Turn left onto VA 141
1.1 mi·1 min·London Boulevard
Use the right lane.
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward US 58, VA 164: Western Freeway, Midtown TunnelUse the slight right lane.
5
Merge onto US 58; VA 164
0.3 mi·34 sec·Martin Luther King Freeway
6
Continue on VA 164
7.4 mi·9 min·Western Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on US 17
6.5 mi·11 min·Bridge Road
Use the straight lane.
8
Continue on US 17
2.4 mi·3 min·Carrollton Boulevard
9
Turn left onto Brewers Neck Boulevard
2.9 mi·4 min·Brewers Neck Boulevard
10
Merge onto US 258; VA 10
12 mi·15 min·Benns Church Boulevard
11
Continue on VA 10
9.9 mi·11 min·Colonial Trail East
12
Turn left onto VA 10; VA 31
1.0 mi·1 min·Rolfe Highway
13
Turn right onto VA 10
13 mi·15 min·Colonial Trail West
14
Continue on VA 10
15 mi·19 min·James River Drive
15
Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS
1.2 mi·2 min·East Randolph Road
16
Turn left onto VA 156 Business
1.8 mi·2 min·Winston Churchill Drive
17
Continue on VA 36
0.4 mi·26 sec·Oaklawn Boulevard
18
Continue on VA 36
1.0 mi·1 min·Woodlawn Street
19
Continue on VA 36
1.0 mi·1 min·Oaklawn Boulevard
20
Continue on VA 36
4.3 mi·5 min·East Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Toward I 85 South, I 95 South
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: DurhamUse the slight left lane.
23
Merge onto I 85
6.3 mi·7 min·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
24
Take the exit onto US 460
0.2 mi·25 sec·US 460
Exit 61Toward US 460 West: Blackstone, LynchburgUse the slight right lane.
25
Continue on US 460
1.1 mi·1 min·Airport Street
26
Continue on US 460
23 mi·26 min·New Cox Road
27
Continue on US 460
4.3 mi·5 min·East Colonial Trail Highway
28
Continue on US 460
6.9 mi·7 min·East Colonial Trail Road
29
Continue on US 460
7.5 mi·11 min·East Colonial Trail
30
Merge onto US 360; US 460
1.5 mi·2 min·West Colonial Trail Highway
31
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
12 mi·14 min·West Colonial Trail Highway
32
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460
29 mi·34 min·US 460
33
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
31 mi·38 min·Richmond Highway
Toward US 460 West: Lynchburg
34
Continue on US 460
12 mi·15 min·East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
35
Take the exit onto US 460 BUS
0.2 mi·22 sec·US 460 BUS
Toward US 460 Business, VA 122
36
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460 BUS
1.3 mi·2 min·US 460 BUS
37
Arrive at destination
US 460 BUS; VA 43; VA 122 BUS
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 39m estimated drive time, departing in the morning will give you plenty of daylight to reach Bedford without feeling rushed. The route has only one recommended stop, but since it's a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to add more breaks as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially as you move away from major highway corridors, and remember that the $36 fuel cost is an estimate. Driving on surface roads means you'll encounter varying speed limits and more local traffic, so staying aware of your surroundings is key.
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 109.5 miles from Portsmouth, VA, or about 2h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.1 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 48 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.5 miles or 2h 21m 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 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bedford, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Portsmouth, 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, VA
This is one driving day of about 219 miles and 4h 39m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Portsmouth, 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 Richmond Highway for about 31.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The Exchange Building and Petersburg Visitors Center
4.2
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Early stretch
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Petersburg, Virginia
+18048359630
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 174.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.7 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the ramp toward US 58, VA 164: Western Freeway, Midtown Tunnel
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 58, VA 164: Western Freeway, Midtown...
6
81.9 mi into trip|~1h 48m in
Take the exit toward I 85 South, I 95 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 85 South, I 95 South
8
82.4 mi into trip|~1h 49m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham
8
88.9 mi into trip|~1h 57m in|US 460
Take the exit onto US 460 toward US 460 West: Blackstone, Lynchburg
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 61
Toward US 460 West: Blackstone, Lynchburg
5
174.2 mi into trip|~3h 42m in|US 460 / Richmond Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460 / Richmond Highway toward US 460 West: Lynchburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 460 West: Lynchburg
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.83 one way
$69.67 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg77 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$37.98
$75.96
premium
$4.78
$41.20
$82.41
diesel
$5.35
$46.13
$92.26
Estimated Tolls: $1.30
East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
(12.3 mi)$0.86
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(6.3 mi)$0.44
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
$35
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.7
0
$23.00
$10.51
Efficient EV
54.8
0
$19.16
$8.76
EV Truck/SUV
87.6
1
$30.66
$14.02
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 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 May 31, 2026
Origin
Portsmouth, VA
Afternoon
in Portsmouth on Wednesday
Local time
3:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Clear
NE 1 to 13 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 30 at 7:53PM EDT until May 31 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Bedford, VA
Afternoon
in Bedford on Wednesday
Local time
3:46 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Mostly Clear
NE 2 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 30 at 7:53PM EDT until May 31 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
61°F
Colonial Heights, VA
110 mi in
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
3 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 39m 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.
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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 90.6
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Question...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 173.7
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
$15
near mile 37.8
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...
12 mi from route
~29 min detour
Free
near mile 7.6
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
near mile 219
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly on surface roads, with only 26% of the 219 miles on highways. You'll experience a significant stretch of 31.1 miles on Richmond Highway before transitioning to other main roads like US 460 and New Cox Road. Expect more frequent intersections and potentially slower speeds as you navigate through populated areas and rural cruising sections rather than sustained high-speed travel.
Only 26% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 31.1 mi on Richmond Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 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 18 significant decision points across 219 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 1.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 81.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,009 ft9 ft
Total Climb
1,090 ft
Total Descent
90 ft
Highest Point
1,009 ft
~219 mi in
Elevation Range
1,000 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Portsmouth, VA to Bedford, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Lynchburg along the way.
Bedford is a town and former independent city in the county of the same name in Central Virginia of the Southern United States of America. With an estimated population of 6,585 as of 2018, the town – which is the county seat of Bedford County – is part of the Lynchburg Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town, despite its seemingly unremarkable size, is home to a plethora of historical sites, notably those devoted to the World War II history of the citizens in the town.
Bedford is known as "the place that sells itself," boasting multiple cultural and natural sites in the immediate vicinity, including the Blue Ridge Mountains to the north, with the Peaks of Otter overlooking the town. Smith Mountain Lake, a reservoir and the largest lake fully in Virginia, is roughly 14 miles (25 km) to the south, and boasts a variety of fishing activities and water sports.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 39m. Total distance: 219 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 39m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 31.1 miles on Richmond Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.30 in tolls one way, starting with East Lynchburg Salem 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 Bedford, 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 1.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 81.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Colonial National Historical Park (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Bedford, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
