Origin
Portsmouth, VA
Morning in Portsmouth on Sunday
Local time
6:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Portsmouth, VA to Mantua, 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 49m
Distance
194 mi
312 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 37m
★
6 AM
3h 50m
8 AM
4h 15m
10 AM
3h 59m
12 PM
3h 56m
3 PM
4h 0m
5 PM
4h 14m
8 PM
3h 42m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Portsmouth, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Mantua, VA
Serena Koi
Trip Overview
Portsmouth, VA to Mantua, VA is 194 miles and takes about 3h 49m via I 95, I 64, and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Southeast region, specifically across Virginia. It's a straightforward highway-focused trip, making it an efficient option if you need to get from point A to point B without many detours. With a recommended one-day drive, you can easily complete it within daylight hours.
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
97 miles from Portsmouth, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 54m 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 |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 7 mi | 8m |
| Western Freeway | 6 mi | 8m |
| Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| Capital Beltway | 3.2 mi | 4m |
| Little River Turnpike | 2.4 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 82.3 mi, about 1h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth, VA and Mantua, 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
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Capital Beltway
Use the straight lane.
29
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 52B-A
Toward VA 236: Annandale, Fairfax
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward VA 236 West: Fairfax
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 52A
Toward VA 236 West: Fairfax
Use the right lane.
32
Turn straight onto VA 236
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Little River Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
33
Turn right onto SR 3412
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Prince William Drive
Use the right lane.
34
Turn right onto Hamilton Drive
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
Hamilton Drive
35
Turn left onto Alba Place
0.2 mi
·
42 sec
·
Alba Place
36
At end of road, turn right onto Christopher Street
455 ft
·
21 sec
·
Christopher Street
37
Turn right onto Santayana Drive
467 ft
·
20 sec
·
Santayana Drive
38
Arrive at destination
Santayana Drive
Trip Plan
Since this is a one-day drive covering 194 miles and taking under 4 hours, you have a lot of flexibility. Consider leaving in the morning to avoid peak traffic, especially around major urban areas. You'll only have one recommended stop, so plan it strategically along I 95 for fuel and a quick break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch on I 95 is over 80 miles, and it’s always best to refuel before reaching empty, particularly when driving through potentially less populated sections.
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 97 miles from Portsmouth, VA, or about 1h 54m 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 43 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 97 miles or 1h 54m 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 3m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Mantua, 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 194 miles and 3h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
97 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 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 97 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 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.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 335 decision points cluster between mile 8.5 and 189.7 — 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...
9
189.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 40m in
Keep slight right at fork toward VA 236 West: Fairfax
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 52A
Toward VA 236 West: Fairfax
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.34 one way
$60.67 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
68 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $33.17 | $66.34 |
| premium | $4.70 | $35.91 | $71.81 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $42.83 | $85.67 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.17
Little River Turnpike
(2.4 mi)
$0.17
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
$30
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 67.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.2 | 0 | $20.37 | $9.31 |
| Efficient EV | 48.5 | 0 | $16.97 | $7.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 77.6 | 0 | $27.16 | $12.42 |
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 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.
Destination
Mantua, VA
Morning in Mantua on Sunday
Local time
6:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
80°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
18 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 49m 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
~3 min detour
$15
near mile 40.1
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
~13 min detour
Free
near mile 20.1
View on nps.gov
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!
25 mi from route
~62 min detour
Free
near mile 194
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...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 87
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 predominantly highway-focused, with 79% of the drive on major interstates. Expect to spend most of your time on I 95, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of 82.3 miles. The drive will likely feel consistent as you navigate these main arteries. While it's primarily an interstate experience, the inclusion of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway might offer a slight shift in scenery or driving conditions as you approach your destination.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
38 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 33 significant decision points across 194 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 Mantua, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Rocky Mount and Tysons Corner.
Richmond
21.4 mi in
|
~29m
Rocky Mount
84.7 mi in
|
~1h 39m
Tysons Corner
184 mi in
|
~3h 32m
|
via I 395
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 49m. Total distance: 194 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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 $0.17 in tolls one way, starting with Little River 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 Mantua, 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 (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Mantua, 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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