Skip to main content

Trip from Woodlawn, VA to Newport News, VA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 2m

Distance

156.9 mi

252 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 51m ★
6 AM
3h 2m
8 AM
3h 25m
10 AM
3h 10m
12 PM
3h 8m
3 PM
3h 11m
5 PM
3h 24m
8 PM
2h 55m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Woodlawn, VA, VA

Woodlawn, VA

Eric Joseph

independent city in Virginia, United States

Newport News, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Woodlawn, VA to Newport News, VA is 156.9 miles and takes about 3h 2m via I 95 and I 64, with a fuel budget near $25 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, connecting the Southeast region from start to finish. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey that's ideal for a single-day drive. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, making it a practical option for getting from point A to point B efficiently.

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

78.4 miles from Woodlawn, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 32m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 75.4 mi 1h 24m
I 64 56.7 mi 1h 2m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway 13 mi 14m
Richmond Highway 6.6 mi 11m
Diligence Drive 0.5 mi 1m
Thimble Shoals Boulevard 0.1 mi <1m
J Clyde Morris Boulevard 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 75.4 mi, about 1h 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Woodlawn, VA and Newport News, VA.

1

Start on US 1

30 ft · 2 sec · Richmond Highway
2

Continue on US 1

6.6 mi · 10 min · Richmond Highway
Use the left lane.
3

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 95 South: Richmond
4

Merge onto I 95

27 mi · 31 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

49 mi · 53 min · I 95
Use the straight lane.
6

Take the exit

1.9 mi · 2 min
Exit 84A Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach Use the slight left / straight lanes.
7

Merge onto I 295

13 mi · 14 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

1.3 mi · 2 min
Exit 28A Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 64

57 mi · 1 hr 2 min · I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 51 sec
Exit 258A Toward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris Boulevard Use the slight right lane.
11

Turn straight onto US 17

0.1 mi · 10 sec · J Clyde Morris Boulevard
12

Turn right onto Diligence Drive

0.5 mi · 1 min · Diligence Drive
13

At end of road, turn right onto Thimble Shoals Boulevard

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Thimble Shoals Boulevard
14

Turn left

413 ft · 33 sec
15

At end of road, turn right

82 ft · 6 sec
16

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

With a drive time of just over 3 hours, this route is easily manageable as a same-day trip. Consider leaving Woodlawn in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic on I 95. The total fuel cost is estimated at $25, so plan accordingly. While there's only one recommended stop, you'll want to be mindful of the longest stretch of 75.4 miles on I 95; ensure you're fueled up before hitting that segment. Given the short duration, you have the flexibility to depart at your leisure, but early departure is advisable for smoother travel.

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 78.4 miles from Woodlawn, VA, or about 1h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.4 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 35 miles or 45m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 78.4 miles or 1h 32m 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 29m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Newport News, VA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Woodlawn, 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 Woodlawn, VA

This is one driving day of about 156.9 miles and 3h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Woodlawn, 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 75.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

census designated place in Henrico County, Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

East Highland Park, VA

78 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

Dumfries, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 35 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ashland, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 78.4 miles from Woodlawn, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 75.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 34.2 and 156.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
34.2 mi into trip | ~44m in | I 95

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
8
82.8 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in

Take the exit toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 84A Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va B...
8
97.7 mi into trip | ~1h 53m 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
7
155.7 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in

Take the exit toward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris Boulevard

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 258A Toward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris Boulevard
6
156.8 mi into trip | ~3h 1m in

At end of road, turn right

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$24.54 one way

$49.07 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 55 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $26.83 $53.65
premium $4.70 $29.04 $58.08
diesel $5.61 $34.64 $69.28

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 54.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 47.1 0 $16.47 $7.53
Efficient EV 39.2 0 $13.73 $6.28
EV Truck/SUV 62.8 0 $21.97 $10.04

Gas CO2

55 kg

EV CO2

18 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 16, 2026

Origin

Woodlawn, VA

Morning in Woodlawn on Sunday

Local time

9:44 AM

EDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Newport News, VA

Morning in Newport News on Sunday

Local time

9:44 AM

EDT

Current temp

92°F

Sunny

SW 15 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 2:28PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 1:12PM 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

22 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 2m 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

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...

2 mi from route ~4 min detour $15 near mile 140.6
View on nps.gov
Fort Monroe National Monument

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...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 156.9
View on nps.gov
Petersburg National Battlefield

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 ~65 min detour Free near mile 97.4
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 84% of the route utilizing major interstates like I 95 and I 64. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 75.4 miles on I 95, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of the journey. The drive maintains a highway profile for most of its 156.9 miles, meaning you can expect relatively high speeds and limited local road navigation. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway is also part of your path, contributing to the predominantly interstate feel of this 3h 2m trip.

84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 75.4 mi on I 95.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

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 34.2 miles in near I 95.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 156.9 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 34.2 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.7 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 Woodlawn, VA and Newport News, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.

Norfolk

82.8 mi in | ~1h 37m

Va Beach

82.8 mi in | ~1h 37m

Virginia Beach

97.7 mi in | ~1h 53m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 2m. Total distance: 156.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 75.4 miles on I 95. 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 Newport News, 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 34.2 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.7 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 3.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Newport News, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Newport News, VA to Woodlawn, VA

Plan the drive back the other way.

156.9 mi 3h 1m

Explore more options from Woodlawn, VA or browse trips ending in Newport News, VA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.