Origin
Salem, VA
Morning in Salem on Sunday
Local time
10:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
35°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Salem, VA to Virginia Beach, 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 40m
Distance
225.7 mi
363 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$35
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 27m
★
6 AM
4h 41m
8 AM
5h 7m
10 AM
4h 50m
12 PM
4h 47m
3 PM
4h 51m
5 PM
5h 6m
8 PM
4h 32m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Salem, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Virginia Beach, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Salem to Virginia Beach covers 225.7 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 40 minutes of driving time. Because this route stays within the Southeast region of Virginia, it is a straightforward journey that you can easily accomplish in a single day. Budgeting approximately $36 for fuel will get you from the mountains to the coast without much fuss. While the trip is manageable in one go, you will only need one planned stop to keep your energy up. It is a practical, highway-focused drive that connects the inland parts of the state directly to the Atlantic shoreline.
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
112.9 miles from Salem, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 106.8 mi | 1h 58m |
| Spotswood Trail | 30.5 mi | 41m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 22.9 mi | 25m |
| US 340 | 17.1 mi | 26m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 12 mi | 15m |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway | 11.8 mi | 16m |
| James Madison Highway | 11 mi | 15m |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | 3.5 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 106.8 mi, about 1h 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salem, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
1
Start on US 211; US 340
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
US 211; US 340
2
Continue on US 340
17 mi
·
26 min
·
US 340
3
Turn left onto US 33 BUS
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
US 33 BUS
Use the left lane.
4
Merge onto US 33
13 mi
·
16 min
·
Spotswood Trail
5
Turn straight onto US 33
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Stanardsville By-Pass
6
Continue on US 33
12 mi
·
17 min
·
Spotswood Trail
7
Enter roundabout onto US 33
167 ft
·
3 sec
·
Spotswood Trail
8
Continue on US 33
5.4 mi
·
8 min
·
Spotswood Trail
9
Continue on US 33; VA 231
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
North Main Street
10
Enter roundabout onto US 15; US 33
72 ft
·
0 sec
·
US 15; US 33
11
Continue on US 15; US 33
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 15; US 33
12
Turn slight right onto US 15; US 33
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
Martinsburg Avenue
13
Continue on US 15; US 33
11 mi
·
15 min
·
James Madison Highway
14
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
15
Merge onto I 64
40 mi
·
43 min
·
I 64
Use the straight lane.
16
Take the exit
1.2 mi
·
1 min
Exit 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
Use the slight right lane.
17
Continue on I 295
23 mi
·
25 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Exit 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 64
67 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft
·
5 sec
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
21
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
22
Continue on I 64; US 60
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 284A
Toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth
Use the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
25
Merge onto I 264
12 mi
·
16 min
·
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
26
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
28
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft
·
12 sec
·
25th Street
29
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 225.7-mile trek, try to time your departure to avoid peak traffic hours, especially as you approach the busy Virginia Beach area. Since the drive is under five hours, you have the flexibility to power through, but scheduling your one recommended stop midway will help maintain focus during the long interstate sections. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before entering the longest 106.8-mile stretch on I-64 to ensure you don't have to hunt for a station during the most congested parts of the drive. Planning your single stop in advance will keep your arrival time predictable and stress-free.
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 112.9 miles from Salem, VA, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.8 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 50 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.9 miles or 2h 25m 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 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Virginia Beach, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Salem, 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 Salem, VA
This is one driving day of about 225.7 miles and 4h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Salem, 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 106.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
113 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 50 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 112.9 miles from Salem, 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 106.8 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 145 decision points cluster between mile 104.6 and 225.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
104.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m in
Take the exit toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
8
128.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 42m in
Take the exit toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
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 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
8
212.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 20m in
Take the exit toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 284A
Toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downto...
7
212.5 mi into trip
|
~4h 21m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 264 East: Va Beach
6
225.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 39m in
|
Arctic Avenue
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.29 one way
$70.59 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
79 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $38.59 | $77.18 |
| premium | $4.70 | $41.77 | $83.54 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $49.83 | $99.66 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 67.7 | 0 | $23.70 | $10.83 |
| Efficient EV | 56.4 | 0 | $19.75 | $9.03 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 90.3 | 1 | $31.60 | $14.44 |
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Morning in Virginia Beach on Sunday
Local time
10:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Mostly Sunny
N 8 mph
12% chance
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
44 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
4h 40m 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
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
$15
near mile 171.2
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
Free
near mile 194.6
View on nps.gov
Shenandoah National Park
National Park
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
$30
near mile 15.6
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
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 132.3
View on nps.gov
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires today. Native Americans first shaped the land, followed by colonists and settlers. The fertile valley became an important...
28 mi from route
~71 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip features a highway-focused profile, with 61% of your journey spent on high-speed roads. You will rely primarily on I-64, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, and the Spotswood Trail to navigate your way east. Be prepared for a substantial 106.8-mile stretch on I-64, which acts as the longest uninterrupted portion of your drive. The road transitions from the inland landscape of Salem toward the coastal environment of Virginia Beach, shifting from regional highways to major interstate corridors. Expect a steady, consistent pace that favors efficiency over technical or winding backroads.
61% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106.8 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Spotswood Trail. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 104.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 14 significant decision points across 225.7 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 104.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 128.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 212.3 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 Salem, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Norfolk
104.6 mi in
|
~2h 16m
Portsmouth
212.3 mi in
|
~4h 20m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 40m. Total distance: 225.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 106.8 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Virginia Beach, 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 104.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 128.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 212.3 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 Shenandoah National Park (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Virginia Beach, 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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