Origin
Portsmouth, VA
Morning in Portsmouth on Sunday
Local time
7:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Portsmouth, VA to Falmouth, VA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 54m
Distance
147.2 mi
237 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 43m
★
6 AM
2h 54m
8 AM
3h 17m
10 AM
3h 2m
12 PM
3h 0m
3 PM
3h 3m
5 PM
3h 15m
8 PM
2h 48m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Portsmouth, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Falmouth, VA
Stephen Noulton
Trip Overview
This 147.2-mile drive from Portsmouth, VA, to Falmouth, VA, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes. You'll primarily be on major highways, including I-64, I-95, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. With a projected fuel cost of around $23, this route offers an efficient way to travel within Virginia. The overall feel is a straightforward highway journey, perfect for getting from point A to point B without much fuss. Given its relatively short duration, you have plenty of flexibility for when you depart and how you structure your stops.
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
73.6 miles from Portsmouth, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 27m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 62.5 mi | 1h 9m |
| I 95 | 39.9 mi | 43m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 11.9 mi | 12m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 7 mi | 8m |
| Western Freeway | 6 mi | 8m |
| Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| Emancipation Highway | 3.3 mi | 6m |
| Patriot Highway | 2.2 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 62.5 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth, VA and Falmouth, 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
40 mi
·
43 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 126A
Toward US 1 North: Fredericksburg
Use the slight right lane.
23
Turn straight onto US 1
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Patriot Highway
Use the left lane.
24
Continue on US 1
3.3 mi
·
6 min
·
Emancipation Highway
Use the straight lane.
25
Continue on US 1; US 17 BUS
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
Cambridge Street
26
Turn right onto Carter Street
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Carter Street
27
Turn left onto VA 218
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
·
Butler Road
28
Arrive at destination
VA 218
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour and 54-minute duration, this trip is best tackled in one day. Consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you navigate segments of I-95. With only one recommended stop and a total distance of 147.2 miles, you can easily manage fuel and rest breaks. The fuel cost is estimated at $23, so plan accordingly. A specific tip for this route: be aware of potential congestion around the I-64 and I-95 interchange, as this is a common nexus for traffic.
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 73.6 miles from Portsmouth, VA, or about 1h 27m 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 32 miles or 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 73.6 miles or 1h 27m 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 19m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Falmouth, 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 147.2 miles and 2h 54m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 32 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 64 for about 62.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
74 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 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 73.6 miles from Portsmouth, 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 215 decision points cluster between mile 8.5 and 98.3 — 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
7
85.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 40m 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
98.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 55m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.02 one way
$46.04 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
52 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $25.17 | $50.34 |
| premium | $4.70 | $27.24 | $54.49 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $32.50 | $65.00 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.5 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 | 44.2 | 0 | $15.46 | $7.07 |
| Efficient EV | 36.8 | 0 | $12.88 | $5.89 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 58.9 | 0 | $20.61 | $9.42 |
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
17 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
Falmouth, VA
Morning in Falmouth on Sunday
Local time
7:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
71°F
Williamsburg, VA
74 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
2h 54m 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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
$15
near mile 40.6
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 20.3
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
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 86.3
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for this journey, with 74% of the drive taking place on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 62.5 miles on I-64, offering a consistent pace. While primarily interstate, the route does incorporate other significant roadways like I-95 and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, providing a mix of major thoroughfares. This character means you'll spend most of your time on faster roads, making for a generally efficient commute between these two Virginia locations.
74% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 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 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 21 significant decision points across 147.2 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.
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 Falmouth, VA, road signs point toward Hampton, Richmond and Rocky Mount.
Hampton
9.7 mi in
|
~14m
Richmond
21.4 mi in
|
~29m
Rocky Mount
84.7 mi in
|
~1h 39m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 54m. Total distance: 147.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (74%). 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 Falmouth, 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 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 Falmouth, 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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