This 166.1-mile drive from Suffolk, VA to Hollymead, VA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. You'll primarily navigate on I-64 and the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, with a portion on Benns Church Boulevard. With a fuel cost estimated at $26, this route offers a straightforward journey through the Southeast region of Virginia. Plan for one stop along the way to break up the drive. The mixed nature of this drive makes it a practical option for a quick getaway or a convenient transit between these two points.
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
83.1 miles from Suffolk, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
62.6 mi
1h 9m
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
17.3 mi
21m
Benns Church Boulevard
16.3 mi
21m
James River Drive
14.6 mi
19m
Colonial Trail West
13.3 mi
15m
Colonial Trail East
9.9 mi
11m
Godwin Boulevard
8.9 mi
10m
East Hundred Road
6.6 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 62.6 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Suffolk, VA and Hollymead, VA.
1
Start on South Saratoga Street
165 ft·10 sec·South Saratoga Street
2
Turn right onto VA 337
454 ft·16 sec·West Washington Street
3
Turn left onto US 13 BUS; VA 10; VA 32
2.2 mi·4 min·North Main Street
4
Continue on US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32
366 ft·8 sec·Pruden Boulevard
5
Turn right onto Godwin Boulevard
8.9 mi·10 min·Godwin Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on VA 10; VA 32
16 mi·21 min·Benns Church Boulevard
7
Continue on VA 10
9.9 mi·11 min·Colonial Trail East
8
Turn left onto VA 10; VA 31
1.0 mi·1 min·Rolfe Highway
9
Turn right onto VA 10
13 mi·15 min·Colonial Trail West
10
Continue on VA 10
15 mi·19 min·James River Drive
11
Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS
2.9 mi·4 min·East Randolph Road
12
Continue on VA 10
6.6 mi·9 min·East Hundred Road
Use the left lane.
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 95 North: RichmondUse the right lane.
14
Merge onto I 95
17 mi·21 min·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
63 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 64
Exit 79Toward I 64 West, I 195 South: CharlottesvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Toward US 250
17
Merge onto US 250
1.8 mi·3 min·Richmond Road
18
Continue on US 250; VA 20
0.3 mi·43 sec·Long Street
19
Continue on US 250
2.1 mi·4 min·U.S. 250 Bypass
20
Turn right onto SR 743
0.3 mi·33 sec·Hydraulic Road
21
Enter roundabout onto SR 743
94 ft·2 sec·Hydraulic Road
22
Continue on SR 743
0.2 mi·23 sec·Hydraulic Road
23
Turn right onto US 29
4.6 mi·8 min·Seminole Trail
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Turn right onto SR 1520
0.2 mi·34 sec·Hollymead Drive
25
At end of road, turn right onto SR 1520
0.3 mi·54 sec·Hollymead Drive
26
Turn left onto SR 1523
128 ft·5 sec·Goldentree Place
27
Arrive at destination
SR 1523
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 30-minute trip, consider an early morning departure to maximize your day and potentially avoid heavier traffic, especially around the Richmond area. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in choosing where to rest or refuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without exits is over 60 miles on I-64. Given the relatively short distance, you can easily complete this drive in one go, but planning your stop strategically will enhance your comfort.
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 83.1 miles from Suffolk, VA, or about 1h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.6 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 37 miles or 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83.1 miles or 1h 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hollymead, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Suffolk, 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 Suffolk, VA
This is one driving day of about 166.1 miles and 3h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Suffolk, 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 62.6 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 165.8 — 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|VA 337 / West Washington Street
Turn right onto VA 337 / West Washington Street
Navigation decision point
5
2.4 mi into trip|~5m in|Godwin Boulevard
Turn right onto Godwin Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
75.9 mi into trip|~1h 39m 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
9
93.5 mi into trip|~2h 1m in|I 64
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 West, I 195 South: Charlottesville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 79
Toward I 64 West, I 195 South: Charlottesville
6
165.8 mi into trip|~3h 29m in|SR 1520 / Hollymead Drive
At end of road, turn right onto SR 1520 / Hollymead Drive
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.97 one way
$51.95 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg58 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$28.40
$56.80
premium
$4.70
$30.74
$61.48
diesel
$5.61
$36.67
$73.35
Estimated Tolls: $1.21
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(17.3 mi)$1.21
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
$26
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
49.8
0
$17.44
$7.97
Efficient EV
41.5
0
$14.53
$6.64
EV Truck/SUV
66.4
0
$23.25
$10.63
Gas CO2
58 kg
EV CO2
19 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 21, 2026
Origin
Suffolk, VA
Morning
in Suffolk on Tuesday
Local time
10:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hollymead, VA
Morning
in Hollymead on Tuesday
Local time
10:29 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
72°F
Hopewell, VA
83 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
1 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 30m 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
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...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
$15
near mile 28.6
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 74.5
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...
17 mi from route
~43 min detour
Free
near mile 17.2
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...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
$30
near mile 166.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed drive on this route, with 49% of the journey on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 62.6 miles on I-64, offering a period of consistent cruising. While much of the drive involves higher-speed travel, you'll also experience segments on local roads like Benns Church Boulevard, providing a change of pace. This blend means you'll transition between faster highway driving and more local road conditions, keeping the driving experience varied.
49% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.6 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near VA 337 / West Washington Street.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 166.1 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (VA 337 / West Washington Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.4 miles (Godwin Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 75.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 30m. Total distance: 166.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 30m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.6 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $1.21 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.
Yes — we found about 4 rest areas or service plazas 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 Hollymead, 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 4 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (VA 337 / West Washington Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.4 miles (Godwin Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 75.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Petersburg National Battlefield and Fort Monroe National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Hollymead, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
