Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Virginia Beach, VA to Sterling, VA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 27m
Distance
214.6 mi
345 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 14m
★
6 AM
4h 28m
8 AM
4h 54m
10 AM
4h 37m
12 PM
4h 34m
3 PM
4h 38m
5 PM
4h 53m
8 PM
4h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Virginia Beach, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Sterling, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Virginia Beach to Sterling is 214.6 miles and takes about 4h 27m via I 95 and I 64, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Virginia, connecting two points in the Southeast region. Expect a route that is primarily highway-based, making for a straightforward and efficient trip. With a recommended one-day drive, it's a good option for a quick transit between these two locations without needing an overnight stay.
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
107.3 miles from Virginia Beach, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 10m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 66 mi | 1h 13m |
| I 64 | 61.1 mi | 1h 7m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 17.7 mi | 24m |
| Dumfries Road | 13.9 mi | 20m |
| Sully Road | 12 mi | 16m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 11.9 mi | 12m |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway | 10.6 mi | 14m |
| Centreville Road | 5.5 mi | 10m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 66 mi, about 1h 13m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 94 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,176 veh/hr typical · worst 3,909
Quietest
2 AM
~501 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Sterling, 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
12 mi
·
12 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
15
Take the exit
2.4 mi
·
2 min
Exit 43A
Toward I 95 North: Washington
Use 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
19 mi
·
21 min
·
I 95
Use the slight left lane.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Exit 152B
Toward VA 234 North: Manassas
Use the right lane.
21
Continue on VA 234
14 mi
·
20 min
·
Dumfries Road
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
23
Merge onto VA 294
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Prince William Parkway
24
Continue on Liberia Avenue
1.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Liberia Avenue
25
Turn right onto VA 28
5.5 mi
·
10 min
·
Centreville Road
Use the left lane.
26
Continue on VA 28
12 mi
·
16 min
·
Sully Road
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
Toward VA 625 East: Sterling
Use the slight right lane.
28
Turn straight onto SR 625
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
West Church Road
29
Turn left onto SR 1902
0.1 mi
·
28 sec
·
Atlantic Boulevard
Use the left / uturn lanes.
30
Turn right onto Sterling Station Way
149 ft
·
8 sec
·
Sterling Station Way
31
Turn right onto SR 610
447 ft
·
26 sec
·
Ruritan Road
32
Turn left onto SR 859
113 ft
·
5 sec
·
Ruritan Circle
33
Arrive at destination
SR 859
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 27m estimated drive time, leaving Virginia Beach in the morning is ideal to maximize daylight. Plan for one stop to break up the 214.6 miles; the Hampton Roads Beltway section is likely to have ample services. The fuel cost is estimated at $33, so ensure your tank is full before departing or plan a refill. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility in your departure time, but be aware of potential traffic as you approach the Sterling area, especially during peak commuting hours.
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 107.3 miles from Virginia Beach, VA, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66 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 3m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.3 miles or 2h 10m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sterling, 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 214.6 miles and 4h 27m.
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 I 95 for about 66 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
107 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 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 107.3 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 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 66 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Ladysmith Safety Rest Area North
0.1 mi from route
Ladysmith Safety Rest Area south
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Virginia Welcome Center
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Mr. Fuel Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.4 mi from route
Dale City Car-Only Safety Rest Area South
1 mi from route
Dale City Car-Only Safety Rest Area North
1.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.6 mi from route
Manassas Safety/Rest Area West
2.4 mi from route
Manassas Safety/Rest Area East
2.4 mi from route
Rest Area
2.5 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 245 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
$34.09 one way
$68.18 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
75 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.40 | $37.17 | $74.35 |
| premium | $4.78 | $40.39 | $80.77 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $52.21 | $104.41 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.1 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 | 64.4 | 0 | $22.53 | $10.30 |
| Efficient EV | 53.7 | 0 | $18.78 | $8.58 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 85.8 | 1 | $30.04 | $13.73 |
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.
Origin
Virginia Beach, VA
Morning in Virginia Beach on Monday
Local time
9:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Mostly Sunny
NE 26 mph
1% chance
Live 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
Sterling, VA
Morning in Sterling on Monday
Local time
9:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
59°F
Sunny
N 6 mph
0% chance
Live 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
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 27m 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.
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
~1 min detour
$15
near mile 51.8
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 29.6
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
Free
near mile 214.6
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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 96.2
View on nps.gov
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
National Historical Park
At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry. Here you can explore John Brown's Raid against slavery. Find your...
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
$20
near mile 214.6
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 65% of the route on major roads like I 95, I 64, and the Hampton Roads Beltway. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 66 miles on I 95, meaning you can cover a significant distance without many turns. Expect a relatively consistent driving experience, with the majority of the miles on high-speed, limited-access highways before transitioning to surface roads later in the trip.
65% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 66 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 early in the drive near US 60 / Pacific Avenue.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 24 significant decision points across 214.6 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
356 ft
9 ft
Total Climb
633 ft
Total Descent
347 ft
Highest Point
356 ft
~183.9 mi in
Elevation Range
347 ft
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 Sterling, 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 →“The Resort City” · Founded 1906
Virginia Beach is a resort city in southeast Virginia on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Top landmarks
- • Cavalier Hotel — historic hotel in Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.A.
- • Adam Thoroughgood House — historic house in Virginia, United States
- • Woodhouse House — architectural structure
Arriving in Sterling, VA
Full guide →Sterling is in Loudoun County, Virginia, about 26 miles (42 km) west of Washington, D.C.. The population is approximately 41,000 people (2021).
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 4h 27m. Total distance: 214.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 66 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 20 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 Sterling, 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 20 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 — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (5 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 Sterling, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Explore more options from Virginia Beach, VA or browse trips ending in Sterling, VA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.