Stuarts Draft to Chesapeake is 198.3 miles and takes about 3h 52m via I 64, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive stays within Virginia, connecting the Southeast region from end to end. Expect a straightforward trip where the majority of your time will be spent on major interstates, making it a practical choice for a quick journey. Given its manageable length, this route is ideal for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
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
99.2 miles from Stuarts Draft, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 51m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
149.1 mi
2h 44m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.9 mi
25m
Hampton Roads Beltway
6.8 mi
8m
Stuarts Draft Highway
5 mi
7m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Chesapeake Boulevard
2.1 mi
3m
Ballentine Boulevard
1.1 mi
1m
East Princess Anne Road
0.9 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 149.1 mi, about 2h 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Stuarts Draft, VA and Chesapeake, VA.
1
Start on SR 1502
136 ft·7 sec·Cambridge Drive
2
Turn right onto SR 608
0.3 mi·41 sec·Draft Avenue
3
Turn right onto US 340
5.0 mi·7 min·Stuarts Draft Highway
4
Continue on US 340
0.3 mi·32 sec·Rosser Avenue
5
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·59 sec
6
Merge onto I 64
82 mi·1 hr 29 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 177Toward I 295 North: Washington, NorfolkUse the slight right lane.
8
Continue on I 295
23 mi·25 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
12
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
13
Continue on I 64; US 60
6.7 mi·8 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 278Toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
15
Turn straight onto VA 194
2.1 mi·3 min·Chesapeake Boulevard
Use the left lane.
16
Turn straight
135 ft·7 sec
17
Turn left onto VA 247
1.1 mi·1 min·Ballentine Boulevard
18
Turn right onto VA 166
0.9 mi·1 min·East Princess Anne Road
19
Turn left onto VA 166
0.6 mi·1 min·Park Avenue
20
Turn left onto US 460; VA 166; VA 168
0.3 mi·57 sec·East Brambleton Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on US 460; VA 166; VA 168
0.7 mi·1 min·Campostella Road
22
Turn right onto US 460; VA 166
0.7 mi·1 min·Wilson Road
Use the right lane.
23
Continue on US 460; VA 166
0.3 mi·27 sec·22nd Street
24
Continue on US 460; VA 166
0.3 mi·29 sec·Poindexter Street
Use the straight lane.
25
Turn right onto D Street
412 ft·18 sec·D Street
26
Arrive at destination
D Street
Trip Plan
With a drive time under 4 hours, this trip is easily accomplished in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Aim to leave Stuarts Draft in the morning to maximize daylight and avoid potential evening traffic as you approach Chesapeake. You'll only need one significant stop, so plan it strategically along I 64 to break up the longest stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $31 estimated cost suggests efficient travel, but it's always wise to top up before the 149.1-mile segment on I 64 to ensure a smooth journey.
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 99.2 miles from Stuarts Draft, VA, or about 1h 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 149.1 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 44 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 99.2 miles or 1h 51m 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 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chesapeake, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Stuarts Draft, 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 Stuarts Draft, VA
This is one driving day of about 198.3 miles and 3h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Stuarts Draft, 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 149.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 190.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|SR 608 / Draft Avenue
Turn right onto SR 608 / Draft Avenue
Navigation decision point
5
6.1 mi into trip|~9m in|I 64
Merge onto I 64
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
88.4 mi into trip|~1h 39m 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
112.5 mi into trip|~2h 6m 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
7
190.9 mi into trip|~3h 37m in
Take the exit toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 278
Toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.01 one way
$62.02 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg69 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$33.91
$67.81
premium
$4.70
$36.70
$73.40
diesel
$5.61
$43.78
$87.56
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 69.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
59.5
0
$20.82
$9.52
Efficient EV
49.6
0
$17.35
$7.93
EV Truck/SUV
79.3
0
$27.76
$12.69
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 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.
Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Stuarts Draft, VA
Morning
in Stuarts Draft on Tuesday
Local time
6:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Chesapeake, VA
Morning
in Chesapeake on Tuesday
Local time
6:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Mostly Sunny
NW 7 mph12% chanceLive forecast
51°F
Ashland, VA
99 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
35 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 52m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
$15
near mile 157.3
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 177.8
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 116.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 75% of the journey utilizing major roadways like I 64 and the Hampton Roads Beltway. You'll experience long stretches of uninterrupted travel, including a significant 149.1-mile segment on I 64. The character of the drive is geared towards efficiency, meaning you'll spend most of your time on high-speed roads designed for covering distance. While it's not a scenic tour, it offers a consistent and predictable driving experience for the most part.
75% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 149.1 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near SR 608 / Draft Avenue.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 198.3 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: near the start (SR 608 / Draft Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 6.1 miles (I 64): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 88.4 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.
Between Stuarts Draft, VA and Chesapeake, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Chesapeake is a town of 245,000 people (2019) in the Hampton Roads region of Eastern Virginia. Chesapeake is a diverse city in which a few urban areas are located; it also has many square miles of protected farmland, forests, and wetlands, including a substantial portion of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 52m. Total distance: 198.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 52m 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 149.1 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 Chesapeake, 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: near the start (SR 608 / Draft Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 6.1 miles (I 64): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 88.4 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 Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 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 Chesapeake, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
