Traveling from Virginia Beach to Amherst covers 206.6 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 28 minutes. Since this route is categorized as a turn-heavy local drive, it is best suited for a single-day trip rather than an overnight excursion. You should budget approximately $33 for fuel to complete the journey. The route begins in the Southeast region of Virginia and stays within the state throughout the drive. Because this trip relies on local roads rather than major interstates, it is a great option if you prefer an active driving experience over a monotonous highway slog. Planning for one designated stop will help keep you refreshed for the duration of the trip.
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
103.3 miles from Virginia Beach, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
69.1 mi
1h 16m
Anderson Highway
40.8 mi
53m
Hampton Roads Beltway
17.7 mi
24m
West James Anderson Highway
17.1 mi
22m
Richmond Highway
14.7 mi
20m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
10.6 mi
14m
Midlothian Turnpike
9.9 mi
16m
East James Anderson Highway
8.1 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 69.1 mi, about 1h 16m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 47 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,706 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,125
Quietest
2 AM
~180 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
15×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Virginia Beach, VA and Amherst, VA.
1
Start on 25th Street
121 ft·8 sec·25th Street
2
Turn right onto US 60
0.2 mi·33 sec·Pacific Avenue
Use the right lane.
3
Turn right onto 22nd Street
0.5 mi·46 sec·22nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Continue on I 264
11 mi·14 min·Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 15-14-13Toward I 64 West, US 13: Newtown Road, Richmond, Military HighwayUse the slight right lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 64 West, US 13: Richmond, Military Highway
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 14BToward I 64 West: Norfolk International Airport, Hampton, RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 64
12 mi·17 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
9
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
10
Continue on I 64; US 60
5.9 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
69 mi·1 hr 16 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Exit 193AToward VA 33 West: Nine Mile RoadUse the slight right lane.
13
Turn straight onto VA 33
1.0 mi·1 min·Nine Mile Road
14
Enter roundabout onto North 25th Street
148 ft·2 sec·North 25th Street
15
Continue on North 25th Street
0.5 mi·48 sec·North 25th Street
16
Enter roundabout onto North 25th Street
100 ft·2 sec·North 25th Street
17
Continue on North 25th Street
0.5 mi·1 min·North 25th Street
18
Turn right onto US 60
0.3 mi·29 sec·East Main Street
19
Turn left onto South 21st Street
0.1 mi·17 sec·South 21st Street
20
At end of road, turn right onto Dock Street
0.4 mi·49 sec·Dock Street
21
At end of road, turn right onto US 360; US 60 ALT
306 ft·12 sec·South 14th Street
Use the left / right lanes.
22
Turn left onto East Canal Street
0.2 mi·36 sec·East Canal Street
23
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward VA 195 Toll West
24
Merge onto VA 195
2.5 mi·3 min·Downtown Expressway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 146
1.1 mi·1 min·VA 146
Toward Powhite ParkwayUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
26
Merge onto VA 76
1.0 mi·1 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 76
1.0 mi·1 min·E-ZPass Only (Powhite Parkway)
28
Merge onto VA 76
2.5 mi·3 min·Powhite Parkway
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward US 60: Midlothian TurnpikeUse the slight right lane.
30
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·19 sec·this road
Toward US 60: Midlothian Turnpike
31
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward US 60 West: Midlothian Turnpike, MidlothianUse the slight right lane.
32
Merge onto US 60
9.9 mi·16 min·Midlothian Turnpike
Use the straight / right lanes.
33
Continue on US 60
37 mi·48 min·Anderson Highway
34
Continue on US 60
8.1 mi·9 min·East James Anderson Highway
35
Continue on US 60
17 mi·22 min·West James Anderson Highway
36
Continue on US 60
4.1 mi·5 min·Anderson Highway
37
Continue on US 60
15 mi·20 min·Richmond Highway
38
Turn sharp left onto SR T1112
432 ft·14 sec·Washington Street
39
Turn right onto 2nd Street
0.2 mi·35 sec·2nd Street
40
Turn right onto Goodwin Street
146 ft·6 sec·Goodwin Street
41
Arrive at destination
Goodwin Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 28-minute travel time, try to depart early in the day to avoid peak local traffic congestion. Since the route involves frequent turns and no highway-heavy stretches, pacing your single planned stop midway is essential to stay alert. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $33 cost estimate can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and local stop-and-go driving conditions. Because this is a shorter trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule if traffic patterns shift. A practical tip for this specific route is to familiarize yourself with the turn-heavy sections of the local roads before you head out to ensure a smoother, less stressful navigation experience.
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 103.3 miles from Virginia Beach, VA, or about 2h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.1 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 45 miles or 1h 1m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 103.3 miles or 2h 6m 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Amherst, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, VA
This is one driving day of about 206.6 miles and 4h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Virginia Beach, 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 69.1 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 27
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 115.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0 mi into trip|~0m in|US 60 / Pacific Avenue
Turn right onto US 60 / Pacific Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
11.4 mi into trip|~15m in
Take the exit toward I 64 West, US 13: Newtown Road, Richmond, Military Highway
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 15-14-13
Toward I 64 West, US 13: Newtown Road, Richmond...
9
12.7 mi into trip|~18m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 64 West: Norfolk International Airport, Hampton, Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 14B
Toward I 64 West: Norfolk International Airport...
7
103.4 mi into trip|~2h 6m in
Take the exit toward VA 33 West: Nine Mile Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 193A
Toward VA 33 West: Nine Mile Road
9
115.3 mi into trip|~2h 24m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 60 West: Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 60 West: Midlothian Turnpike, Midloth...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.86 one way
$65.72 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$35.83
$71.66
premium
$4.78
$38.87
$77.74
diesel
$5.35
$43.52
$87.03
Estimated Tolls: $0.69
Midlothian Turnpike
(9.9 mi)$0.69
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
$33
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
62
0
$21.69
$9.92
Efficient EV
51.7
0
$18.08
$8.26
EV Truck/SUV
82.6
1
$28.92
$13.22
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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 Jun 2, 2026
Origin
Virginia Beach, VA
Afternoon
in Virginia Beach on Wednesday
Local time
4:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Sunny
NE 16 to 20 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 2 at 3:31PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 2 at 3:30PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Destination
Amherst, VA
Afternoon
in Amherst on Wednesday
Local time
4:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Mostly Sunny
NE 8 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 2 at 3:31PM EDT by NWS Morristown TN
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued June 2 at 3:30PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
62°F
Woodlake, VA
103 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
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
4h 28m 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 28.5
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
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...
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Question...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 185.2
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...
22 mi from route
~56 min detour
Free
near mile 114
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a hands-on experience behind the wheel, as this 206.6-mile route features a turn-heavy profile rather than a standard highway cruise. You will navigate via Pacific Avenue, 22nd Street, and the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway, with a highway share of 0%. This layout means you will be dealing with local traffic patterns and frequent adjustments rather than long, uninterrupted stretches of interstate. The transition from the coastal environment of Virginia Beach toward the interior toward Amherst keeps the drive engaging and dynamic. Prepare for a road that requires your full attention as you navigate the various turns and local road segments that define this journey.
47% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 69.1 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 60 / Pacific Avenue.
Driving Effort10/10
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 27 significant decision points across 206.6 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 (US 60 / Pacific Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
486 ft9 ft
Total Climb
550 ft
Total Descent
162 ft
Highest Point
486 ft
~177 mi in
Elevation Range
478 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Virginia Beach, VA and Amherst, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Military Highway, Hampton and Midlothian.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 28m. Total distance: 206.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 69.1 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.69 in tolls one way, starting with Midlothian 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 5 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 Amherst, 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 5 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 60 / Pacific Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fort Monroe National Monument, Colonial National Historical Park and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Amherst, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
