Origin
Virginia Beach, VA
Late night in Virginia Beach on Tuesday
Local time
5:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Virginia Beach, VA to Charlottesville, VA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 29m
Distance
177.3 mi
285 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 18m
★
6 AM
3h 30m
8 AM
3h 55m
10 AM
3h 39m
12 PM
3h 36m
3 PM
3h 40m
5 PM
3h 53m
8 PM
3h 23m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Virginia Beach, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Charlottesville, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Traveling from Virginia Beach to Charlottesville covers 177.4 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 43 minutes. This journey moves you from the Southeast coast toward the interior of Virginia, making it an ideal day trip. You can expect a fuel budget of roughly $28 for the one-way trek. Because the drive is under three hours, you won't need an overnight stay unless you have a packed itinerary at your destination. It is a straightforward route that transitions from coastal city streets to the heart of the state.
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
88.7 miles from Virginia Beach, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 116.4 mi | 2h 7m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 22.6 mi | 24m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 17.7 mi | 24m |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway | 10.6 mi | 14m |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| Monticello Avenue | 1 mi | 2m |
| 22nd Street | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| VA 20 | 0.4 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 116.4 mi, about 2h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Virginia Beach, VA and Charlottesville, 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 15-14-13
Toward I 64 West, US 13: Newtown Road, Richmond, Military Highway
Use 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 14B
Toward I 64 West: Norfolk International Airport, Hampton, Richmond
Use 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
61 mi
·
1 hr 7 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 295 North: Washington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 295
23 mi
·
24 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 53A
Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
16
Merge onto I 64
55 mi
·
59 min
·
I 64
Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
Use the slight right lane.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
Toward VA 20: Charlottesville, Scottsville
18
Turn right onto VA 20
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Monticello Avenue
Use the right lane.
19
Turn slight right onto VA 20
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
VA 20
20
Turn left onto US 250 BUS
458 ft
·
25 sec
·
East Market Street
21
Turn left onto 7th Street Northeast
286 ft
·
15 sec
·
7th Street Northeast
Use the left lane.
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 2 hours and 43 minutes on the road, plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and break up the turns. Leaving early in the day is your best bet to manage traffic flow, especially as you navigate the initial local streets in Virginia Beach. Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your departure based on your personal schedule. Keep your fuel budget of $28 in mind when planning your total travel costs for the day. Make sure to double-check your navigation before hitting 22nd Street to ensure you stay on track through the early, turn-heavy sections of the drive.
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 88.7 miles from Virginia Beach, VA, or about 1h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 116.4 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 39 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 88.7 miles or 1h 49m 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 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Charlottesville, 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 177.3 miles and 3h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 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 116.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
89 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 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 88.7 miles from Virginia Beach, 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 116.4 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 165 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 95.8 — 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...
8
95.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 56m in
Take the exit toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
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 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
7
95.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 57m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 295 North: Washington
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.73 one way
$55.45 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
62 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $30.32 | $60.63 |
| premium | $4.70 | $32.81 | $65.63 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $39.15 | $78.29 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 62 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 53.2 | 0 | $18.62 | $8.51 |
| Efficient EV | 44.3 | 0 | $15.51 | $7.09 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 70.9 | 0 | $24.82 | $11.35 |
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Charlottesville, VA
Late night in Charlottesville on Tuesday
Local time
5:03 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
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
5 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 29m 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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
$15
near mile 55
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 30.6
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
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 97.8
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 turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as this route features zero percent highway travel. You will navigate through local roads like Pacific Avenue and 22nd Street before transitioning onto the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway. Because the route relies heavily on local roads, you should prepare for a more hands-on driving experience that requires constant attention. The personality of this trip is defined by its winding, technical nature rather than high-speed open lanes. Keep your focus sharp as you transition away from the coastal infrastructure.
72% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 116.4 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 US 60 / Pacific Avenue.
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 16 significant decision points across 177.3 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 (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.
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 Virginia Beach, VA and Charlottesville, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Military Highway, Hampton and Rocky Mount.
Richmond
11.4 mi in
|
~15m
Military Highway
11.4 mi in
|
~15m
Hampton
12.7 mi in
|
~18m
Rocky Mount
95.4 mi in
|
~1h 56m
About the Cities
Starting in Virginia Beach, VA
Full guide →Virginia Beach is a resort city in southeast Virginia on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Arriving in Charlottesville, VA
Full guide →Charlottesville, in central Virginia, is a lovely university town of about 40,000 with lots to offer. Charlottesville is a town steeped in history and culture. Charlottesville is a major cultural center for central Virginia, and features more fine dining, shopping, and entertainment than one might expect for a town of its size. Ensconced in beautiful Albemarle County, Charlottesville is also surrounded by vineyards and horse country.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 29m. Total distance: 177.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 116.4 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 Charlottesville, 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 (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 — 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 3.5 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 Charlottesville, 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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