Virginia Beach to Madison Heights is 217.8 miles and takes about 4h 37m via I 64 and Anderson Highway, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, covering ground entirely within Virginia. You'll experience a mix of interstate cruising and surface road driving as you head west. With a recommended single day of travel, this route is well-suited for a straightforward drive.
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
108.9 miles from Virginia Beach, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 15m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
69.1 mi
1h 16m
Anderson Highway
36.7 mi
48m
Hampton Roads Beltway
17.7 mi
24m
Richmond Highway
15.4 mi
18m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
10.6 mi
14m
Old Courthouse Road
10 mi
11m
Midlothian Turnpike
9.9 mi
16m
Mount Rush Highway
8.6 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 69.1 mi, about 1h 16m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 95 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,655 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,169
Quietest
2 AM
~178 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
14.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 105 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 Madison Heights, 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
7.8 mi·9 min·West James Anderson Highway
36
Turn slight left onto VA 24
8.6 mi·9 min·Mount Rush Highway
37
Continue on VA 24
10 mi·11 min·Old Courthouse Road
38
Take the exit onto VA 24
0.2 mi·29 sec·VA 24
Toward US 460 West, VA 24 West
39
Merge onto US 460; VA 24
15 mi·18 min·Richmond Highway
40
Take the exit
0.6 mi·57 sec
Toward US 29 North: Amherst, CharlottesvilleUse the slight right lane.
41
Continue on US 29
1.3 mi·1 min·Monacan Parkway
42
Take the exit
0.4 mi·35 sec
Toward VA 210 West: Madison Heights
43
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·18 sec
44
Merge onto VA 210
2.4 mi·3 min·Old Town Connector
45
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
46
Merge onto US 29 BUS
0.2 mi·19 sec·Amherst Highway
47
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Toward VA 163
48
Turn right onto VA 163
134 ft·5 sec·South Amherst Highway
49
Turn right onto Phelps Road
134 ft·5 sec·Phelps Road
50
Arrive at destination
Phelps Road
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 37m estimated drive time, leaving Virginia Beach in the morning is ideal to ensure you reach Madison Heights with ample daylight. The route includes one recommended stop, which is perfectly manageable for a single-day trip. Budget around $33 for fuel, and consider topping off your tank before departing Virginia Beach as the highway portion is less than half the total mileage. Keep an eye out for the transition from I 64 to Anderson Highway, as this is where the driving experience will change significantly.
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 108.9 miles from Virginia Beach, VA, or about 2h 15m 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 48 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 108.9 miles or 2h 15m 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 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Madison Heights, 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 217.8 miles and 4h 37m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 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 35
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
$34.60 one way
$69.20 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg76 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$37.73
$75.46
premium
$4.78
$40.99
$81.98
diesel
$6.18
$52.98
$105.97
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
$35
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.3
0
$22.87
$10.45
Efficient EV
54.5
0
$19.06
$8.71
EV Truck/SUV
87.1
1
$30.49
$13.94
Gas CO2
76 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Oct 18, 2026
Origin
Virginia Beach, VA
Morning
in Virginia Beach on Monday
Local time
9:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Mostly Sunny
NE 26 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 18 at 5:48AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Coastal Flood Watch
Coastal Flood Watch issued October 18 at 5:36AM EDT until October 21 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Madison Heights, VA
Morning
in Madison Heights on Monday
Local time
9:16 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Sunny
NE 7 to 12 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 18 at 5:48AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Coastal Flood Watch
Coastal Flood Watch issued October 18 at 5:36AM EDT until October 21 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
65°F
Woodlake, VA
109 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
3 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
4h 37m 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.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 195.2
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...
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...
23 mi from route
~58 min detour
Free
near mile 112.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Forty-six percent of this 217.8-mile drive is on highways, with the longest continuous stretch on I 64 covering 69.1 miles. You'll transition from interstate travel to surface roads, specifically Anderson Highway, after the highway portion concludes. Expect a significant amount of time on non-highway roads, which often means more local traffic and variable speed limits.
46% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
50 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 35 significant decision points across 217.8 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
858 ft9 ft
Total Climb
965 ft
Total Descent
209 ft
Highest Point
858 ft
~186.7 mi in
Elevation Range
849 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 Madison Heights, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Military Highway, Hampton and Midlothian.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 37m. Total distance: 217.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 37m 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 Madison Heights, 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 — Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Colonial National Historical Park 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 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Madison Heights, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
