Origin
Portsmouth, VA
Morning in Portsmouth on Sunday
Local time
8:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Portsmouth, VA to Woodlake, 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 18m
Distance
102.1 mi
164 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$16
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 9m
★
6 AM
2h 19m
8 AM
2h 38m
10 AM
2h 25m
12 PM
2h 23m
3 PM
2h 26m
5 PM
2h 37m
8 PM
2h 13m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Portsmouth, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Woodlake, VA
Daniel Żabiński
Trip Overview
This 102.1-mile journey from Portsmouth to Woodlake, Virginia, is a manageable one-day road trip, estimated to take about 2 hours and 18 minutes. With a fuel cost of approximately $16, it's an economical option for a quick getaway within the Southeast region. The drive primarily utilizes James River Drive, Colonial West, and World War II Veterans Memorial Highway, offering a local feel rather than extensive highway cruising. It's a straightforward trip that doesn't require an overnight stay, making it ideal for a spontaneous excursion or a planned day out.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
51.1 miles from Portsmouth, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 9m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| James River Drive | 14.6 mi | 19m |
| Colonial Trail West | 13.3 mi | 15m |
| World War II Veterans Memorial Highway | 13 mi | 14m |
| Benns Church Boulevard | 12.1 mi | 15m |
| Colonial Trail East | 9.9 mi | 11m |
| Western Freeway | 7.4 mi | 9m |
| East Hundred Road | 6.6 mi | 9m |
| Bridge Road | 6.5 mi | 11m |
Longest stretch:
James River Drive
— 14.6 mi, about 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth, VA and Woodlake, 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
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
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
East Randolph Road
16
Continue on VA 10
6.6 mi
·
9 min
·
East Hundred Road
Use the left lane.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 95 North: Richmond
Use the right lane.
18
Merge onto I 95
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
19
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 62
Toward VA 288 North: Chesterfield
Use the slight right lane.
20
Continue on VA 288
13 mi
·
14 min
·
World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
43 sec
Toward US 360 West: Hull Street Road, Amelia
Use the right lane.
22
Merge onto US 360
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Hull Street Road
Use the straight lane.
23
Turn right onto SR 3600
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Woodlake Village Parkway
24
Turn left onto SR 3600
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Woodlake Village Parkway
25
Turn right
344 ft
·
25 sec
26
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given its manageable 2-hour duration, you have flexibility with when to depart for this 102.1-mile trip. Leaving in the morning allows for a full day at your destination, while an afternoon departure is also feasible. Since there are no designated stops in the data, plan for brief breaks as needed, perhaps at a gas station. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer stretches on local roads, and remember the estimated fuel cost is around $16. A good tip is to familiarize yourself with the sequence of main roads—James River Drive, Colonial West, and World War II Veterans Memorial Highway—before you set out to anticipate the transitions.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 51.1 miles from Portsmouth, VA, or about 1h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 14.6 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 22 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 51.1 miles or 1h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Woodlake, 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 102.1 miles and 2h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Portsmouth, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on James River Drive for about 14.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
51 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 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 51.1 miles from Portsmouth, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 145 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 97.2 — 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
81.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 49m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Richmond
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 95 North: Richmond
7
83.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 51m in
Take the exit toward VA 288 North: Chesterfield
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 62
Toward VA 288 North: Chesterfield
7
97 mi into trip
|
~2h 8m in
Take the exit toward US 360 West: Hull Street Road, Amelia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 360 West: Hull Street Road, Amelia
5
97.2 mi into trip
|
~2h 8m in
|
US 360 / Hull Street Road
Merge onto US 360 / Hull Street Road
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.97 one way
$31.93 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
36 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $17.46 | $34.91 |
| premium | $4.70 | $18.90 | $37.79 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $22.54 | $45.08 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.08
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(1.1 mi)
$0.08
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
$16
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 35.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 30.6 | 0 | $10.72 | $4.90 |
| Efficient EV | 25.5 | 0 | $8.93 | $4.08 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 40.8 | 0 | $14.29 | $6.53 |
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 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
Woodlake, VA
Morning in Woodlake on Sunday
Local time
8:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
52°F
Waverly, VA
51 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
7 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 18m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a 'turn-heavy' local driving experience on this route, with only about 10% of the journey on highways. You'll spend most of your time navigating local roads, including a significant 14.6-mile stretch on James River Drive. This suggests a more engaging drive with frequent turns and changes in scenery, rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. The road's character will likely shift as you move through different local areas, providing a varied driving experience.
Only 10% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 14.6 mi on James River Drive.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 102.1 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 81.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 83.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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.
On the drive from Portsmouth, VA to Woodlake, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Amelia along the way.
Amelia
97 mi in
|
~2h 8m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 18m. Total distance: 102.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 18m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 14.6 miles on James River Drive. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.08 in tolls one way, starting with Richmond-Petersburg 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.
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 Woodlake, 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. 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 81.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 83.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Woodlake, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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