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Trip from Portsmouth, VA to Belmont, VA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

4h 18m

Distance

218.8 mi

352 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 5m ★
6 AM
4h 19m
8 AM
4h 45m
10 AM
4h 28m
12 PM
4h 25m
3 PM
4h 29m
5 PM
4h 44m
8 PM
4h 11m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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independent city in Virginia, United States

Portsmouth, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Belmont, VA, VA

Belmont, VA

Magda Ehlers

Trip Overview

Portsmouth, VA to Belmont, VA is 218.8 miles and takes about 4h 18m via I 95, I 64, and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, one-day trip primarily within Virginia, connecting two points in the Southeast region. With just one recommended stop, the journey is designed for efficiency, making it a good option if you need to get from point A to point B without extensive detours. Expect a highway-focused experience for most of the drive, so pack your favorite podcasts or audiobooks to keep you company.

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

109.4 miles from Portsmouth, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 7m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 82.3 mi 1h 33m
I 64 62.5 mi 1h 9m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway 11.9 mi 12m
Dulles Toll Road 11.3 mi 15m
Capital Beltway 10.5 mi 12m
Dulles Greenway 7.9 mi 9m
Hampton Roads Beltway 7 mi 8m
Western Freeway 6 mi 8m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 82.3 mi, about 1h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth, VA and Belmont, 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 Tunnel Use 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

6.0 mi · 8 min · Western Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 14 sec
Toward VA 135: College Drive Use the slight right lane.
8

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 10 sec
Toward VA 135 North: College Drive Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
9

Turn straight onto VA 135

1.1 mi · 1 min · College Drive
Use the left lane.
10

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 57 sec
Toward I 664 North: Newport News, Hampton
11

Merge onto I 664

0.8 mi · 1 min · Hampton Roads Beltway
12

Continue on I 664

4.3 mi · 5 min · Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
13

Continue on I 664

6.2 mi · 7 min · Hampton Roads Beltway
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 53 sec
Exit 1A Toward I 64 West: Williamsburg, Richmond Use the slight left lane.
15

Merge onto I 64

1.4 mi · 1 min · I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64

61 mi · 1 hr 7 min · I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

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.
18

Keep slight right at fork

1.3 mi · 2 min
Toward I 295 North: Washington Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Merge onto I 295

12 mi · 12 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
20

Take the exit

2.4 mi · 2 min
Exit 43A Toward I 95 North: Washington Use the slight left lane.
21

Merge onto I 95

46 mi · 49 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17

1.6 mi · 1 min · I 95; US 17
23

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
24

Merge onto I 95

35 mi · 41 min · I 95
Use the slight left lane.
25

Keep slight right at fork onto I 395

0.6 mi · 52 sec · Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 170A; 170B Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner Use the straight / slight left lanes.
26

Take the exit

1.4 mi · 1 min
Exit 170B Toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner Use the slight right lane.
27

Merge onto I 495

1.0 mi · 1 min · Capital Beltway
28

Keep slight right at fork onto I 495

9.5 mi · 11 min · Capital Beltway
Use the straight lane.
29

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Exit 45 Toward VA 267 Toll West: Reston, Herndon, Dulles Airport Use the slight left lane.
30

Merge onto VA 267

1.1 mi · 1 min · Dulles Toll Road
31

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 22 sec
32

Merge onto VA 267

10 mi · 13 min · Dulles Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33

Continue on VA 267

7.9 mi · 9 min · Dulles Greenway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Exit 4 Toward VA 659: Belmont Ridge Road Use the slight right lane.
35

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Toward VA 659 North Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
36

Turn straight onto SR 659

2.0 mi · 3 min · Belmont Ridge Road
Use the left lane.
37

Arrive at destination

SR 659

Trip Plan

Given the 4h 18m estimated drive time, this trip is comfortably achievable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and allow for any unexpected traffic delays, especially around major interchanges. The longest uninterrupted stretch is over 82 miles, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $34, you have flexibility in when and where you choose to pause. Keep an eye on I 95 for potential congestion, as it's a primary artery for much of this journey.

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 109.4 miles from Portsmouth, VA, or about 2h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.3 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 58m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 109.4 miles or 2h 7m 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 27m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Belmont, 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 218.8 miles and 4h 18m.

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 I 95 for about 82.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

town in Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ashland, VA

109 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

Gloucester Point, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ashland, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 109.4 miles from Portsmouth, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82.3 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Himalayan Heritage Restaurant & Bar VA

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 140.6

Hours: 10:30 am–9:30 pm

+15409934252

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Fredericksburg, Virginia

0.4 mi

Juan's Mexican Cafe and Cantina

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Newport News, Virginia

0.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Tous les Jours Bakery & Cafe - Newport News

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Newport News, Virginia

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 31.3

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17577553134

Visit website

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Norfolk, Virginia

2.3 mi

Merge Cafe (Stafford)

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stafford, Virginia

2.4 mi

Himalayan Heritage Restaurant & Bar VA

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 140.6

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 10:30 am–9:30 pm

+15409934252

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour Inexpensiv mile 140.6

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+15407107025

Visit website

Juan's Mexican Cafe and Cantina

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 31.3

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17578775826

Visit website

Castiglia's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 140.6

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15408917300

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 31.3

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+17573695533

Visit website

Olla Cafe & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately mile 156.3

Stafford, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15406996355

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv mile 93.8

Mechanicsville, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18045699707

Visit website

Sun's Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 78.1

Quinton, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+18049325037

Visit website

Tous les Jours Bakery & Cafe - Newport News

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 31.3

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17577553134

Visit website

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

+17576250461

Visit website

Merge Cafe (Stafford)

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 156.3

Stafford, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+15404264142

Visit website

Lil Cow Cafe Bistro

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 187.5

Burke, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17038520544

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Portsmouth, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 31.3

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 31.3

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 31.3

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 15.6

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 31.3

Newport News, Virginia

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 46.9

Williamsburg, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Portsmouth, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17573938591

Visit website

Lake Accotink Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 187.5

Springfield, Virginia

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+17035693464

Visit website

Neabsco Creek Boardwalk

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 171.9

Woodbridge, Virginia

Visit website

Victory Landing Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 15.6

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+17578867912

Visit website

Civil War era tunnel

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 187.5

Springfield, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+17035693464

Visit website

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 171.9

Woodbridge, Virginia

Hours: 4–8 pm

+15712618677

Visit website

Government Island

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 156.3

Stafford, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+15406584871

Visit website

The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 15.6

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+17572472360

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 31

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.5 and 196.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
8.5 mi into trip | ~12m in

Keep slight right at fork toward VA 135 North: College Drive

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward VA 135 North: College Drive
9
21.4 mi into trip | ~29m 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
84.7 mi into trip | ~1h 39m 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
9
184 mi into trip | ~3h 32m in | I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Exit 170A; 170B Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Ty...
8
196.6 mi into trip | ~3h 48m in

Take the exit toward VA 267 Toll West: Reston, Herndon, Dulles Airport

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 45 Toward VA 267 Toll West: Reston, Herndon, Dulle...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$34.22 one way

$68.43 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 77 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $37.41 $74.82
premium $4.70 $40.50 $80.99
diesel $5.61 $48.31 $96.62

Estimated Tolls: $4.23

Dulles Toll Road (11.3 mi) $2.26
Dulles Greenway (7.9 mi) $1.97

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

$34

Tolls

$4

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$63–$88

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, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 65.6 0 $22.97 $10.50
Efficient EV 54.7 0 $19.15 $8.75
EV Truck/SUV 87.5 1 $30.63 $14.00

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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Portsmouth, VA

Late night in Portsmouth on Sunday

Local time

12:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Mostly Clear

SE 3 mph 1% chance Live forecast

Destination

Belmont, VA

Late night in Belmont on Sunday

Local time

12:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Mostly Clear

N 5 mph 0% chance Live forecast

53°F

Ashland, VA

109 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

5 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 18m 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

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...

4 mi from route ~9 min detour $15 near mile 37.7
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
View on nps.gov
Fort Monroe National Monument

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...

5 mi from route ~13 min detour Free near mile 22.6
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

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!

6 mi from route ~15 min detour Free near mile 218.8
View on nps.gov
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

National Historical Park

At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry. Here you can explore John Brown's Raid against slavery. Find your...

21 mi from route ~54 min detour $20 near mile 218.8
View on nps.gov
Petersburg National Battlefield

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 ~66 min detour Free near mile 83
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This route is heavily influenced by its highway focus, with 69% of the drive utilizing major interstates like I 95 and I 64. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 82.3 miles on I 95, offering a consistent pace for a considerable portion of your travel. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway also contributes to the predominantly high-speed nature of this journey. While the scenery might be consistent, the ease of navigation on these major roadways allows for a predictable and often swift transit between Portsmouth and Belmont.

69% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
37 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 82.3 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 8.5 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 31 significant decision points across 218.8 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 8.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Portsmouth, VA and Belmont, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Rocky Mount, Tysons Corner, Herndon and Dulles Airport.

Richmond

21.4 mi in | ~29m

Rocky Mount

84.7 mi in | ~1h 39m

Tysons Corner

184 mi in | ~3h 32m | via I 395

Herndon

196.6 mi in | ~3h 48m

Dulles Airport

196.6 mi in | ~3h 48m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 18m. Total distance: 218.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 82.3 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $4.23 in tolls one way, starting with Dulles Toll Road. 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 Belmont, 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 8.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 84.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Belmont, 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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