Spanning 213.6 miles across Virginia, this trip from the coast to the southern border typically takes 4 hours and 44 minutes. Because the drive is straightforward, you can easily complete it in a single day without needing an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $34 on fuel for the journey. You will transition from the Southeast coastal region toward the interior of the state, utilizing a combination of Portsmouth Boulevard, Highway 58, and the Governor Harrison Parkway. Whether you are traveling for business or a change of scenery, this route offers a practical connection between Virginia Beach and Danville.
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
106.8 miles from Virginia Beach, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 19m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Portsmouth Boulevard
62.1 mi
1h 21m
Highway 58
41.2 mi
53m
Governor Harrison Parkway
22.5 mi
30m
Philpott Road
19.7 mi
25m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
12.1 mi
16m
Pleasant Shade Drive
6.3 mi
8m
South Boston Highway
5.3 mi
7m
Courtland Road
5.2 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
Portsmouth Boulevard
— 62.1 mi, about 1h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Virginia Beach, VA and Danville, 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
12 mi·16 min·Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Toward I 64 East: Chesapeake, SuffolkUse the slight left lane.
6
Merge onto I 64
1.4 mi·1 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
7
Keep slight left at fork
2.0 mi·2 min
8
Merge onto I 64
0.3 mi·21 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
9
Keep slight left at fork
4.5 mi·4 min
10
Merge onto I 64; US 17
0.4 mi·33 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
11
Keep slight left at fork
5.7 mi·6 min
12
Merge onto I 64
1.1 mi·1 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
13
Continue on I 664
1.0 mi·1 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Exit 299BToward I 664, US 13, US 58, US 460: Suffolk, Newport News, Richmond
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·54 sec
Exit 13A-BToward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, Military HighwayUse the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
16
Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460
2.4 mi·3 min·West Military Highway
17
Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460
62 mi·1 hr 21 min·Portsmouth Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Continue on US 58
5.2 mi·7 min·Courtland Road
19
Continue on US 58
6.3 mi·8 min·Pleasant Shade Drive
20
Continue on US 58
23 mi·30 min·Governor Harrison Parkway
21
Continue on US 58
1.2 mi·2 min·Piney Pond Road
22
Continue on US 58
3.5 mi·5 min·Highway 58
23
Continue on US 58
1.1 mi·1 min·East Atlantic Street
24
Continue on US 58
3.5 mi·4 min·South Hill Bypass
25
Continue on US 1; US 58
3.2 mi·4 min·Highway 1
26
Continue on US 58
19 mi·24 min·Highway 58
27
Turn straight onto US 58
4.0 mi·5 min·Clarksville Bypass
Toward US 58 West, US 15 South, VA 49 South: South Boston, DanvilleUse the straight lane.
28
Continue on US 58; VA 49
19 mi·24 min·Highway 58
Use the left lane.
29
Continue on US 58; US 360
20 mi·25 min·Philpott Road
30
Continue on US 58; US 360
5.3 mi·7 min·South Boston Highway
31
Continue on US 58; US 360
4.2 mi·7 min·South Boston Road
32
Continue on US 360; US 58 BUS
0.6 mi·1 min·River Street
33
Turn left onto VA 293
0.6 mi·1 min·Main Street
34
Turn left onto VA 293
105 ft·2 sec·South Ridge Street
35
Arrive at destination
VA 293
Trip Plan
Planning for a single, well-timed stop will help keep you refreshed during the nearly five-hour trek. Since the total fuel cost is estimated at $34, filling up your tank before departing Virginia Beach is a smart way to manage your budget and minimize unnecessary pauses. Aim to leave during off-peak hours to avoid potential congestion on the initial stretches of your journey. Given the mix of roads, keep a close watch on your navigation as you transition between Highway 58 and the Governor Harrison Parkway. Staying flexible with your departure time remains your biggest advantage for a smooth arrival in Danville.
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 106.8 miles from Virginia Beach, VA, or about 2h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.1 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 47 miles or 1h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.8 miles or 2h 19m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Danville, 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 213.6 miles and 4h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 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 Portsmouth Boulevard for about 62.1 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 160.5 — 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.
6
0.3 mi into trip|~0m in|22nd Street
Turn right onto 22nd Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
12.9 mi into trip|~18m in
Take the exit toward I 64 East: Chesapeake, Suffolk
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 64 East: Chesapeake, Suffolk
8
29.7 mi into trip|~37m in
Take the exit toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, 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 13A-B
Toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suff...
5
160.5 mi into trip|~3h 32m in|US 58 / Clarksville Bypass
Turn straight onto US 58 / Clarksville Bypass toward US 58 West, US 15 South, VA 49 South: South Boston, Danville
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 58 West, US 15 South, VA 49 South: So...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.40 one way
$66.80 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg75 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$36.52
$73.04
premium
$4.70
$39.53
$79.07
diesel
$5.61
$47.16
$94.32
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
64.1
0
$22.43
$10.25
Efficient EV
53.4
0
$18.69
$8.54
EV Truck/SUV
85.4
1
$29.90
$13.67
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 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 18, 2026
Origin
Virginia Beach, VA
Late night
in Virginia Beach on Sunday
Local time
12:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Danville, VA
Late night
in Danville on Sunday
Local time
12:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
60°F
Lawrenceville, VA
107 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
14 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 44m 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...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
Free
near mile 14.7
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip features a mixed profile, balancing faster segments with slower local stretches. With only 37% of the drive spent on major highways, you should be prepared for varying traffic conditions. Your longest uninterrupted leg occurs early on, covering 62.1 miles along Portsmouth Boulevard. The character of the road shifts as you navigate away from the coast, moving from urban-adjacent corridors into more regional thoroughfares. It provides a steady, functional experience behind the wheel that requires consistent attention rather than mindless highway cruising.
37% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.1 mi on Portsmouth Boulevard.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 Effort9/10
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 15 significant decision points across 213.6 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 0.3 miles (22nd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 12.9 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 Virginia Beach, VA and Danville, VA, road signs point toward Suffolk, Newport News, Richmond and Military Highway.
Danville is a city of 40,000 people (2018) in the state of Virginia on the Banks of the Dan River close to the border with North Carolina. Founded in 1793 , Danville is perhaps best known for its role in the Civil War, when it was an important railroad stop for the Confederacy and became the last Confederate capital after Richmond fell to the North.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 44m. Total distance: 213.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.1 miles on Portsmouth Boulevard. 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 Danville, 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 0.3 miles (22nd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 12.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fort Monroe National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Danville, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
