Waynesboro, VA to Portsmouth Heights, VA is 190.8 miles and takes about 3h 41m via I 64, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Southeast region, specifically within Virginia, making it a straightforward journey. It's a highway-focused trip, meaning you'll likely experience consistent speeds and efficient travel. With a recommended one-day drive, this route is ideal if you're looking for a direct and relatively quick transit between these two points without extensive detours.
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
95.4 miles from Waynesboro, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 47m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
140.1 mi
2h 33m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.9 mi
25m
Hampton Roads Beltway
12.1 mi
15m
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
4.3 mi
5m
Portsmouth Boulevard
3.5 mi
6m
West Main Street
2.1 mi
4m
Three Notched Mountain Highway
1.7 mi
2m
Byers Avenue
0.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 140.1 mi, about 2h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waynesboro, VA and Portsmouth Heights, VA.
1
Start on South Wayne Avenue
42 ft·5 sec·South Wayne Avenue
2
Turn right onto US 340
2.1 mi·4 min·West Main Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
3
Continue on US 250
1.7 mi·2 min·Three Notched Mountain Highway
4
Take the ramp
0.1 mi·15 sec
Use the right lane.
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward I-64 East: Charlottesville
6
Merge onto I 64
77 mi·1 hr 24 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
7
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 177Toward I 295 North: Washington, NorfolkUse the slight right lane.
8
Continue on I 295
23 mi·25 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 64
63 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi·36 sec
Exit 264Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, ChesapeakeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 664
6.1 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 664
4.3 mi·5 min·Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
14
Continue on I 664
5.9 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Exit 11BToward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, PortsmouthUse the right lane.
16
Turn straight onto VA 337
3.5 mi·6 min·Portsmouth Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Turn left onto Byers Avenue
0.3 mi·1 min·Byers Avenue
Use the left lane.
18
Turn right onto Vick Street
464 ft·20 sec·Vick Street
19
Arrive at destination
Vick Street
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 41m estimated drive time and 190.8 miles, starting your journey in the morning is advisable to allow for any unexpected delays. The single recommended stop suggests you might not need many breaks, but with a longest stretch of 140.1 miles, consider a quick fuel or rest stop around the halfway point. The fuel cost estimate of $30 is helpful for budgeting, but always factor in potential price fluctuations. Since this is a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to leave a little later if needed, but aim to arrive at your destination with ample daylight.
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 95.4 miles from Waynesboro, VA, or about 1h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 140.1 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 42 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 95.4 miles or 1h 47m 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 56m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portsmouth Heights, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Waynesboro, 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 Waynesboro, VA
This is one driving day of about 190.8 miles and 3h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Waynesboro, 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 140.1 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 4 and 186.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
4 mi into trip|~7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I-64 East: Charlottesville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I-64 East: Charlottesville
8
81.8 mi into trip|~1h 32m in
Take the exit toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
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 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
8
105.9 mi into trip|~1h 59m in
Take the exit toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
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 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
8
169.8 mi into trip|~3h 11m in
Take the exit toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, Chesapeake
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 264
Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suff...
8
186.7 mi into trip|~3h 32m in
Take the exit toward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, Portsmouth
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 11B
Toward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, Ports...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.84 one way
$59.67 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg67 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$32.62
$65.25
premium
$4.70
$35.31
$70.63
diesel
$5.61
$42.13
$84.25
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: 66.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
57.2
0
$20.03
$9.16
Efficient EV
47.7
0
$16.70
$7.63
EV Truck/SUV
76.3
0
$26.71
$12.21
Gas CO2
67 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Waynesboro, VA
Morning
in Waynesboro on Sunday
Local time
8:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Portsmouth Heights, VA
Morning
in Portsmouth Heights on Sunday
Local time
8:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
53°F
Ashland, VA
95 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
35 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 41m 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...
1 mi from route
~3 min detour
$15
near mile 151.3
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 171.1
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
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 105.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route leans heavily towards highway driving, with 73% of the journey on major roadways like I 64 and the Hampton Roads Beltway. Expect a profile that prioritizes speed and directness over leisurely cruising. The longest uninterrupted stretch spans 140.1 miles on I 64, so you’ll have plenty of time to settle in without frequent exits. While primarily highway, the inclusion of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway suggests a section with a slightly more commemorative feel, though the overall character remains that of a functional, high-speed transit.
73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 140.1 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 190.8 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: at 4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 81.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 105.9 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 Waynesboro, VA and Portsmouth Heights, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Suffolk and Chesapeake.
Norfolk
81.8 mi in|~1h 32m
Virginia Beach
105.9 mi in|~1h 59m
Suffolk
169.8 mi in|~3h 11m
Chesapeake
169.8 mi in|~3h 11m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 41m. Total distance: 190.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 140.1 miles on I 64. 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 Portsmouth 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 81.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 105.9 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 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Portsmouth Heights, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
