Trip from Shawsville, 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

5h 53m

Distance

309 mi

497 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$48

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

5h 41m ★

6 AM

5h 54m

8 AM

6h 20m

10 AM

6h 3m

12 PM

6h 0m

3 PM

6h 4m

5 PM

6h 19m

8 PM

5h 46m

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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census designated place in Montgomery County, Virginia, United States

Shawsville, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Virginia Beach, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 309.1-mile journey from Shawsville, VA, to Virginia Beach, VA, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes. You'll navigate primarily on local roads, with no highway driving, making it a turn-heavy experience. Budget around $49 for fuel for this trip. The drive is entirely within the Southeast region, connecting two points within Virginia. Given its manageable duration and local road focus, it's well-suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.

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

154.5 miles from Shawsville, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 52m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 64	156.9 mi	2h 53m
I 81	89 mi	1h 38m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway	22.9 mi	25m
Hampton Roads Beltway	12 mi	15m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway	11.8 mi	16m
Roanoke Road	8.4 mi	11m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel	3.5 mi	4m
21st Street	0.4 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 64 — 156.9 mi, about 2h 53m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Shawsville, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.

Start on SR 637

242 ft · 10 sec · Alleghany Spring Road

Continue on SR 637

161 ft · 7 sec · Alleghany Spring Road

Turn left onto US 11; US 460

8.4 mi · 11 min · Roanoke Road

Turn left onto SR 647

0.1 mi · 17 sec · Dow Hollow Road

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Merge onto I 81

89 mi · 1 hr 38 min · I 81

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 64

90 mi · 1 hr 38 min · I 64

Toward I 64 East: Richmond Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

1.2 mi · 1 min

Exit 177 Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk Use the slight right lane.

Continue on I 295

23 mi · 25 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

1.3 mi · 2 min

Exit 28A Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 64

67 mi · 1 hr 15 min · I 64

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60

342 ft · 5 sec · Hampton Roads Beltway

Continue on I 64; US 60

3.5 mi · 4 min · Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel

Continue on I 64; US 60

12 mi · 15 min · Hampton Roads Beltway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 264 East: Va Beach Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Merge onto I 264

12 mi · 16 min · Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway

Continue on 21st Street

0.4 mi · 54 sec · 21st Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto Arctic Avenue

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Arctic Avenue

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto 25th Street

454 ft · 12 sec · 25th Street

Arrive at destination

25th Street

Trip Plan

Starting your 309.1-mile drive from Shawsville to Virginia Beach early in the day will give you ample time to reach your destination comfortably within the estimated 4 hours and 55 minutes. With no major highways, you'll want to be mindful of the increased number of turns and potential for slower local traffic. Consider planning for one stop along the way to stretch your legs and perhaps grab a bite. The $49 fuel cost is a good estimate, but it's always wise to have a little buffer. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to depart when you're most rested.

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 154.5 miles from Shawsville, VA, or about 2h 52m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.9 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 68 miles or 1h 18m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 154.5 miles or 2h 52m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 43m

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 Shawsville, 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 Shawsville, VA

This is one driving day of about 309 miles and 5h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Shawsville, 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 156.9 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Charlottesville, VA

155 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

Forest, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 68 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Charlottesville, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 154.5 miles from Shawsville, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 156.9 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Perked Up Coffee Cafe'

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 309

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+17574220032

Belle Restaurant and Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Charlottesville, Virginia

1 mi

C & O Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Charlottesville, Virginia

1.3 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Tous les Jours Bakery & Cafe - Newport News

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Newport News, Virginia

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 264.9

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17577553134

Visit website

Dubai Girls Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Glen Allen, Virginia

1.6 mi

Perked Up Coffee Cafe'

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 309

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm

+17574220032

Belle Restaurant and Bakery

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 132.4

Charlottesville, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+14343288755

Visit website

C & O Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $50 to $10 mile 132.4

Charlottesville, Virginia

Hours: 5–9 pm

+14349717044

Visit website

Juan's Mexican Cafe and Cantina

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Moderately mile 264.9

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17578775826

Visit website

FIREFLY Restaurant + Game Room

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 132.4

Charlottesville, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14342021050

Visit website

Fleurie Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $100 or ab mile 132.4

Charlottesville, Virginia

Hours: 5–9 pm

+14349717800

Visit website

Smyrna

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $50 to $10 mile 132.4

Charlottesville, Virginia

Hours: 5–9:30 pm

+14349564250

Visit website

Petit Pois Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $30 to $50 mile 132.4

Charlottesville, Virginia

Hours: 11:30 am–8 pm

+14349797647

Visit website

Tous les Jours Bakery & Cafe - Newport News

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 264.9

Newport News, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+17577553134

Visit website

Dubai Girls Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 198.7

Glen Allen, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18044001505

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 66.2

Lexington, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 286.9

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 66.2

Lexington, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19499452000

Visit website

The Draftsman, Charlottesville, University, Autograph Collection Hotel

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 132.4

Charlottesville, Virginia

+14349848000

Visit website

The Jeff Hotel

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 132.4

Charlottesville, Virginia

+14349797264

Visit website

Little Mod Hotel

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 132.4

Charlottesville, Virginia

+14344433207

Visit website

Virginia Guesthouse Hotel

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 132.4

Charlottesville, Virginia

+14344002100

Visit website

Hotel

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 132.4

Charlottesville, Virginia

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 286.9

Norfolk, Virginia

Hours: 6 am–7 pm

Visit website

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately mile 198.7

Henrico, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18042629887

Visit website

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 97.9 and 295.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

97.9 mi into trip | ~1h 51m in | I 64

Keep slight right at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 East: Richmond

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Toward I 64 East: Richmond

187.9 mi into trip | ~3h 29m 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

212 mi into trip | ~3h 56m 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

295.6 mi into trip | ~5h 34m 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...

295.8 mi into trip | ~5h 34m 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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$48.32 one way

$96.64 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 108 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$52.83	$105.67
premium	$4.70	$57.19	$114.38
diesel	$5.61	$68.22	$136.45

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$48

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$73–$98

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 108.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	92.7	1	$32.45	$14.83
Efficient EV	77.3	0	$27.04	$12.36
EV Truck/SUV	123.6	1	$43.26	$19.78

Gas CO2

108 kg

EV CO2

36 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 17, 2026

Origin

Shawsville, VA

Morning in Shawsville on Sunday

Local time

9:41 AM

EDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Virginia Beach, VA

Morning in Virginia Beach on Sunday

Local time

9:41 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

4 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

5h 53m 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...

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $15 near mile 255.7

Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues

View on nps.gov

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 ~9 min detour Free near mile 277.1

View on nps.gov

Booker T Washington National Monument

National Monument

Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...

21 mi from route ~53 min detour Free near mile 21.3

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...

25 mi from route ~64 min detour Free near mile 213.1

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 local, turn-heavy drive for the entirety of this 309.1-mile route, as indicated by the 0% highway share. The roads you'll be on include Alleghany Spring Road, Roanoke Road, and Dow Hollow Road. Without significant highway stretches, you'll experience a more intimate connection with the landscape as you navigate through various local settings. While there's no longest uninterrupted stretch specified, the emphasis on local roads suggests frequent changes in speed and direction, offering a dynamic driving experience.

83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 156.9 mi on I 64.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 97.9 miles in near I 64.

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 12 significant decision points across 309 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 97.9 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 187.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 212 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.

On the drive from Shawsville, VA to Virginia Beach, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Norfolk along the way.

Norfolk

187.9 mi in | ~3h 29m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 53m. Total distance: 309 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 156.9 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.

Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Booker T Washington National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 5.9 hours each way, a round trip means 11.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Virginia Beach, VA before the return drive.

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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Explore more options from Shawsville, VA or browse trips ending in Virginia Beach, VA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.

Trip from Shawsville, VA to Virginia Beach, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Perked Up Coffee Cafe'

Tous les Jours Bakery & Cafe - Newport News

Perked Up Coffee Cafe'

Belle Restaurant and Bakery

C & O Restaurant

Juan's Mexican Cafe and Cantina

FIREFLY Restaurant + Game Room

Fleurie Restaurant

Smyrna

Petit Pois Restaurant

Tous les Jours Bakery & Cafe - Newport News

Dubai Girls Cafe

Tesla Supercharger

EV Connect Charging Station

Electrify America Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

EvGateway Charging Station

The Draftsman, Charlottesville, University, Autograph Collection Hotel

The Jeff Hotel

Little Mod Hotel

Virginia Guesthouse Hotel

Hotel

Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk

Neptune's Park

Atlantic Fun Park

Ocean View Beach Park

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Riverview Farm Park

Owl Creek Landing

First Landing State Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Shawsville, VA

Virginia Beach, VA

Same local time

4 degrees warmer at arrival

5h 53m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Colonial National Historical Park

Fort Monroe National Monument

Booker T Washington National Monument

Petersburg National Battlefield

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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