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Trip from Portsmouth, VA to Wolf Trap, VA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 59m

Distance

202.6 mi

326 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 46m ★
6 AM
3h 59m
8 AM
4h 25m
10 AM
4h 8m
12 PM
4h 6m
3 PM
4h 10m
5 PM
4h 24m
8 PM
3h 52m

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

census designated place in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States

Wolf Trap, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Portsmouth, VA to Wolf Trap, VA is 202.6 miles and takes about 3h 59m via I 95, I 64, and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $32 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, making it a straightforward drive between the Southeast region. With a majority of the drive on major interstates, this route is best suited for those looking for an efficient transit rather than a scenic tour. Plan for a single-day trip, as the estimated drive time is well under four hours, leaving ample time for your destination.

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

101.3 miles from Portsmouth, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 58m 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
Capital Beltway 10.5 mi 12m
Hampton Roads Beltway 7 mi 8m
Western Freeway 6 mi 8m
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel 4.3 mi 5m
Leesburg Pike 2 mi 3m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 82.3 mi, about 1h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth, VA and Wolf Trap, 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

263 ft · 4 sec · Dulles Toll Road
33

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Exit 16 Toward VA 7: Tysons Corner, Leesburg, Leesburg Pike Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Toward VA 7 West: Leesburg Pike, Leesburg Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
35

Merge onto VA 7

2.0 mi · 3 min · Leesburg Pike
36

Turn left onto SR 702

1.5 mi · 3 min · Beulah Road
Use the left lane.
37

Turn right onto Lozano Drive

0.3 mi · 1 min · Lozano Drive
38

Arrive at destination

Lozano Drive

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short drive time of under four hours, you can afford to be flexible with your departure. Leaving in the morning will get you to Wolf Trap with plenty of time to settle in. The estimated fuel cost is around $32, so factor that into your budget, and keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 82.3-mile stretch on I 95. Since this is a single-day trip, you won't need to worry about booking overnight stays, but it's wise to be aware of potential traffic delays near the DC metro area as you get closer to Wolf Trap.

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 101.3 miles from Portsmouth, VA, or about 1h 58m 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 45 miles or 55m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 101.3 miles or 1h 58m 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 11m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wolf Trap, 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 202.6 miles and 3h 59m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 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.

census designated place in Henrico County, Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

East Highland Park, VA

101 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 45 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ashland, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 101.3 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · final third

Olla Cafe & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stafford, Virginia

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third · 51min to go 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15406996355

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Yorktown, Virginia

1.4 mi

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Newport News, Virginia

1.4 mi

Best coffee break · final third

Merge Cafe (Stafford)

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stafford, Virginia

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third · 51min to go 1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+15404264142

Visit website

Dubai Girls Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Glen Allen, Virginia

1.1 mi

Cafe Stella

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Norfolk, Virginia

2.3 mi

Olla Cafe & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately

Stafford, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15406996355

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv

Yorktown, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+17578679004

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

+17573695533

Visit website

Blessing Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Tysons, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+17032889040

Visit website

Brickmakers Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Lorton, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17036469486

Visit website

Hohl

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Toano, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–5 pm

+17577410144

Visit website

Mason-Dixon Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+15403711950

Visit website

Angela's Italian Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+15405825250

Visit website

Merge Cafe (Stafford)

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Stafford, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+15404264142

Visit website

Dubai Girls Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Glen Allen, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18044001505

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

Tous les Jours Bakery & Cafe - Newport News

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17577553134

Visit website

Curitiba Art Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $1 to $10

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

Visit website

Lil Cow Cafe Bistro

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

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, short detour

First break 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Newport News, Virginia

+18668167584

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

Virginia Welcome Center at Fredericksburg

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Fredericksburg, VA

Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm

+15407868344

Visit website

2 stars hotel

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour

Ruther Glen, Virginia

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

Fun Land of Fredericksburg

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 12–9 pm

+15403861351

Visit website

Colonial Escape Room

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Williamsburg, Virginia

Hours: 2–9 pm

+17576032594

Visit website

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Woodbridge, Virginia

Hours: 4–8 pm

+15712618677

Visit website

Alum Spring Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+15403721086

Lake Accotink Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Springfield, Virginia

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+17035693464

Visit website

Loch Ness Monster

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Williamsburg, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+17572294386

Visit website

Monster Mini Golf Stafford

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Stafford, Virginia

Hours: 12–9 pm

+15404264983

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 33

5 decision points cluster between mile 8.5 and 198.7 — 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
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
198.4 mi into trip | ~3h 50m in

Take the exit toward VA 7: Tysons Corner, Leesburg, Leesburg Pike

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 16 Toward VA 7: Tysons Corner, Leesburg, Leesburg...
9
198.7 mi into trip | ~3h 51m in

Keep slight right at fork toward VA 7 West: Leesburg Pike, Leesburg

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward VA 7 West: Leesburg Pike, Leesburg

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.68 one way

$63.36 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 71 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $34.64 $69.28
premium $4.70 $37.50 $74.99
diesel $5.61 $44.73 $89.46

Estimated Tolls: $0.23

Dulles Toll Road (1.1 mi) $0.23

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

$32

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$57–$82

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 70.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 60.8 0 $21.27 $9.72
Efficient EV 50.7 0 $17.73 $8.10
EV Truck/SUV 81 1 $28.36 $12.97

Gas CO2

71 kg

EV CO2

24 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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Portsmouth, VA

Morning in Portsmouth on Tuesday

Local time

11:23 AM

EDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Wolf Trap, VA

Morning in Wolf Trap on Tuesday

Local time

11:23 AM

EDT

Current temp

67°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

6 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 59m 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

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 ~1 min detour $15 near mile 41.9
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...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 21
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!

19 mi from route ~48 min detour Free near mile 202.6
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 ~64 min detour Free near mile 83.8
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This drive is primarily on highways, with 75% of the route utilizing major interstates like I 95 and I 64. You'll experience an 82.3-mile stretch on I 95, which means extended periods of consistent highway cruising. Expect a high number of exits and potential for urban merging as you approach your destination, given the substantial highway share.

75% 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 202.6 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 184 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 Wolf Trap, 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

About the Cities

Starting in Portsmouth, VA

Full guide →

Portsmouth is in Virginia, within the United States of America.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 59m. Total distance: 202.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (75%). 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 $0.23 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.

Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.

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 Wolf Trap, 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. There are 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.

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 184 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Wolf Trap, 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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