Virginia Beach to Lake Ridge is 188.7 miles and takes about 3h 46m via I 95 and I 64, with a fuel budget near $29 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, connecting two points in the Southeast region. The route is predominantly highway driving, making it a straightforward option for a single-day excursion. You'll spend most of your time on interstates, so expect a relatively quick transit between these two locations.
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
94.4 miles from Virginia Beach, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 55m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
71.3 mi
1h 19m
I 64
61.1 mi
1h 7m
Hampton Roads Beltway
17.7 mi
24m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
11.9 mi
12m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
10.6 mi
14m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Old Bridge Road
1.4 mi
2m
Telegraph Road
1.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 71.3 mi, about 1h 19m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 49 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,093 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,803
Quietest
2 AM
~480 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.4×
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 Lake Ridge, 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
61 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi·32 sec
Exit 200Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NCUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi·2 min
Toward I 295 North: WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 295
12 mi·12 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
15
Take the exit
2.4 mi·2 min
Exit 43AToward I 95 North: WashingtonUse the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto I 95
46 mi·49 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi·1 min·I 95; US 17
18
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
19
Merge onto I 95
24 mi·27 min·I 95
Use the slight left lane.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 158A-BToward VA 294: Woodbridge, ManassasUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward VA 294 West: Manassas
22
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 158BToward VA 294 West: ManassasUse the right lane.
23
Continue on VA 294
0.4 mi·37 sec·Prince William Parkway
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward SR 849: Caton Hill Road
25
Turn right onto SR 1781
1.2 mi·2 min·Telegraph Road
Use the right lane.
26
Turn right onto SR 640
0.6 mi·1 min·Minnieville Road
27
Turn left onto SR 641
1.4 mi·2 min·Old Bridge Road
28
Turn right onto SR 2185
0.4 mi·55 sec·Antietam Road
29
Turn right onto Woodfern Court
451 ft·19 sec·Woodfern Court
Use the right lane.
30
Arrive at destination
Woodfern Court
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 46m drive time, leaving Virginia Beach in the morning is advisable to maximize your daylight hours. The $29 fuel estimate is based on 188.7 miles, so ensure your tank is full before you depart. With only one recommended stop and a manageable duration, you have the flexibility to take breaks as needed. Pay attention to traffic patterns as you approach the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, as congestion can significantly impact your travel time on I 95.
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 94.4 miles from Virginia Beach, VA, or about 1h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.3 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 42 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 94.4 miles or 1h 55m 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lake Ridge, 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 188.7 miles and 3h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 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 95 for about 71.3 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 11.4 and 184.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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
8
183.7 mi into trip|~3h 36m in
Take the exit toward VA 294: Woodbridge, Manassas
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 158A-B
Toward VA 294: Woodbridge, Manassas
9
184.2 mi into trip|~3h 37m in
Keep slight right at fork toward VA 294 West: Manassas
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 158B
Toward VA 294 West: Manassas
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.01 one way
$60.03 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg66 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$32.73
$65.45
premium
$4.78
$35.50
$71.01
diesel
$5.35
$39.75
$79.49
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
56.6
0
$19.81
$9.06
Efficient EV
47.2
0
$16.51
$7.55
EV Truck/SUV
75.5
0
$26.42
$12.08
Gas CO2
66 kg
EV CO2
22 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 May 10, 2026
Origin
Virginia Beach, VA
Evening
in Virginia Beach on Wednesday
Local time
5:41 PM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Sunny
SE 10 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Watch
Freeze Watch issued May 10 at 12:27PM EDT until May 12 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Destination
Lake Ridge, VA
Evening
in Lake Ridge on Wednesday
Local time
5:41 PM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 6 to 9 mph52% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Watch
Freeze Watch issued May 10 at 12:27PM EDT until May 12 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
80°F
Montrose, VA
94 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
6 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 46m 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
$15
near mile 52.1
Park Closure: Jamestown Island Loop Drive to Temporarily Close to Vehicles
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...
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
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 97.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 76% of the 188.7 miles on limited-access roads. You'll encounter the longest continuous stretch of highway at 71.3 miles on I 95. After leaving the main interstates, expect a shift to surface roads as you approach your destination. The frequent exits on the interstate sections suggest a fairly developed corridor.
76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 71.3 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 11.4 miles in.
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 23 significant decision points across 188.7 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: 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; at 95.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
269 ft-4 ft
Total Climb
426 ft
Total Descent
165 ft
Highest Point
269 ft
~188.7 mi in
Elevation Range
273 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 Lake Ridge, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Military Highway, Hampton and Rocky Mount.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 46m. Total distance: 188.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 71.3 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 18 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 Lake Ridge, 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 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: 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; at 95.4 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 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Lake Ridge, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
