This 179.3-mile journey from Woodlawn, VA, to Norfolk, VA, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 3 hours and 34 minutes. The route is primarily highway-focused, with 79% of it on major interstates, making it a straightforward drive. Expect to spend around $28 on fuel for this trip, which stays within the Southeast region of Virginia. Given the relatively short duration and highway nature, it's perfectly suited as a day trip without the need for an overnight stay. This drive offers a practical way to get 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
89.7 miles from Woodlawn, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 45m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
75.4 mi
1h 24m
I 64
66.8 mi
1h 15m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
Richmond Highway
6.6 mi
11m
Hampton Roads Beltway
4.5 mi
6m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Granby Street
3.1 mi
7m
Monticello Avenue
1.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 75.4 mi, about 1h 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Woodlawn, VA and Norfolk, 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 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse 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 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
11
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
12
Continue on I 64; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 276Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby StreetUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek RoadUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Turn straight onto US 460
3.1 mi·7 min·Granby Street
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on US 460
446 ft·9 sec·Church Street
17
Turn right onto US 460
1.2 mi·2 min·Monticello Avenue
Use the right lane.
18
Continue on US 460
0.7 mi·1 min·Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
19
Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue
158 ft·9 sec·East City Hall Avenue
Use the left lane.
20
Arrive at destination
East City Hall Avenue
Trip Plan
With a total duration of just over 3.5 hours, this trip from Woodlawn to Norfolk is best tackled as a single-day excursion. Aim for an early morning departure to take advantage of lighter traffic, especially as you approach Norfolk. Plan for one stop to stretch your legs and refuel, as the longest stretch without a major change in road is 75.4 miles. The fuel cost is estimated at $28, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you begin. This route's highway-centric nature means you can maintain a steady pace, making flexibility with your stop timing a key advantage.
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 89.7 miles from Woodlawn, VA, or about 1h 45m 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 39 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 89.7 miles or 1h 45m 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 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Norfolk, 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 179.3 miles and 3h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 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.
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 34.2 and 174 — 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
8
173.8 mi into trip|~3h 22m in
Take the exit toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby Street
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 276
Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby Street
9
174 mi into trip|~3h 23m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Cr...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.04 one way
$56.08 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg63 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$30.66
$61.31
premium
$4.70
$33.18
$66.37
diesel
$5.61
$39.59
$79.17
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 62.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
53.8
0
$18.83
$8.61
Efficient EV
44.8
0
$15.69
$7.17
EV Truck/SUV
71.7
0
$25.10
$11.48
Gas CO2
63 kg
EV CO2
21 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
Woodlawn, VA
Late night
in Woodlawn on Sunday
Local time
5:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Norfolk, VA
Late night
in Norfolk on Sunday
Local time
5:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
14 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 34m 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
$15
near mile 142.2
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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 98.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with a substantial 79% of the 179.3 miles utilizing major interstates like I-95 and I-64. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 75.4 miles on I-95, offering a consistent, fast-paced experience for a significant portion of the trip. While primarily interstate, the route involves some transitions between these major highways, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. The overall feel is one of direct travel, prioritizing efficient movement over winding scenic byways.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 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?
9/10
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 Effort9/10
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 13 significant decision points across 179.3 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 Norfolk, VA, road signs point toward Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
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 34m. Total distance: 179.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). 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.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 Norfolk, 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 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
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 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Norfolk, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
