This 126.6-mile drive from Virginia Beach to Woodlake, VA, is a straightforward 2-hour and 42-minute trip, easily manageable as a single-day excursion. The route predominantly uses major highways, with 68% of the journey on interstates and beltways, making it a largely efficient drive. Budget around $20 for fuel, and plan for just one recommended stop along the way. This journey stays within the Southeast region, offering a consistent travel experience through Virginia. It's a practical option if you're looking for a direct and uncomplicated route between these two points.
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
63.3 miles from Virginia Beach, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
61.1 mi
1h 7m
Hampton Roads Beltway
17.7 mi
24m
Hull Street Road
10.8 mi
18m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
10.6 mi
14m
Pocahontas Parkway
7.9 mi
9m
Chippenham Parkway
5.5 mi
5m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
2.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 61.1 mi, about 1h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Virginia Beach, VA and Woodlake, 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 left at fork
0.5 mi·59 sec
Toward I 295 South, US 60: Rocky Mount NCUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·46 sec
Toward I 295 South: Rocky Mount NCUse the right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·59 sec
Toward US 60: Seven Pines, Bottoms Bridge
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward US 60 East, I 295 South: Bottoms Bridge
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 295 South
18
Merge onto I 295
2.1 mi·2 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
19
Take the exit
0.5 mi·52 sec
Exit 25Toward VA 895 Toll West: Richmond, Richmond International AirportUse the slight right lane.
20
Continue on VA 895
7.9 mi·9 min·Pocahontas Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on VA 150
5.5 mi·5 min·Chippenham Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.1 mi·16 sec
Toward US 360 West: Hull Street Road, AmeliaUse the right lane.
23
Continue on US 360
11 mi·18 min·Hull Street Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
24
Turn right onto SR 3600
0.7 mi·1 min·Woodlake Village Parkway
25
Turn left onto SR 3600
0.8 mi·1 min·Woodlake Village Parkway
26
Turn right
344 ft·25 sec
27
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour and 42-minute drive, leaving in the morning is a good bet to avoid potential traffic, especially on the Hampton Roads Beltway. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $20, you have flexibility in pacing. The longest stretch on I-64 is over 60 miles, so ensure you have enough fuel before embarking on that segment. Given the relatively short distance, you can easily complete this trip without an overnight stay. A practical tip: check traffic conditions on the Hampton Roads Beltway before you depart, as it can experience significant congestion.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 63.3 miles from Virginia Beach, VA, or about 1h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.1 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 28 miles or 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 63.3 miles or 1h 21m 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Woodlake, 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 126.6 miles and 2h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 28 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 61.1 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 11.4 and 100.2 — 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
95.8 mi into trip|~1h 57m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 295 South, US 60: Rocky Mount NC
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 295 South, US 60: Rocky Mount NC
8
100.2 mi into trip|~2h 4m in
Take the exit toward VA 895 Toll West: Richmond, Richmond International Airport
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 25
Toward VA 895 Toll West: Richmond, Richmond Int...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.80 one way
$39.59 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg44 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$21.65
$43.29
premium
$4.70
$23.43
$46.86
diesel
$5.61
$27.95
$55.90
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 44.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
38
0
$13.29
$6.08
Efficient EV
31.7
0
$11.08
$5.06
EV Truck/SUV
50.6
0
$17.72
$8.10
Gas CO2
44 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Virginia Beach, VA
Morning
in Virginia Beach on Sunday
Local time
6:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Woodlake, VA
Morning
in Woodlake on Sunday
Local time
6:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
71°F
Williamsburg, VA
63 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
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
2h 42m 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...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
$15
near mile 52.4
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...
17 mi from route
~44 min detour
Free
near mile 109.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 126.6-mile trip, with 68% of the drive on major roadways like I-64 and the Hampton Roads Beltway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 61.1 miles on I-64, so be prepared for sustained periods of higher speeds. While primarily interstate, the route transitions to Hull Street Road, which may offer a change of pace as you get closer to Woodlake. This drive is characterized by its efficiency and focus on covering distance rather than scenic detours.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.1 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Hampton Roads Beltway. 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 18 significant decision points across 126.6 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: 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.
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 Woodlake, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Military Highway, Hampton, Rocky Mount, Richmond International Airport and Amelia.
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
Richmond International Airport
100.2 mi in|~2h 4m
Amelia
114.1 mi in|~2h 20m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 42m. Total distance: 126.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (68%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 61.1 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Woodlake, 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: 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.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Woodlake, VA before heading back.
