Woodstock, VA to Norfolk, VA is 235.2 miles and takes about 4h 50m via US 17 and I-64, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This highway-focused drive covers ground primarily within Virginia, moving from the Shenandoah Valley region to the coastal Southeast. With a 76% highway share, expect a fairly direct journey, making it a solid choice for a single-day trip. If you're looking for a straightforward drive to the coast without extensive detours, this route fits the bill.
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
117.6 miles from Woodstock, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 29m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 17
75 mi
1h 33m
I 64
66.8 mi
1h 15m
I 66
28.1 mi
30m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
James Madison Highway
11.6 mi
16m
I 81
8.6 mi
9m
Eastern Bypass
4.9 mi
6m
Old Valley Pike
4.8 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
US 17
— 75 mi, about 1h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Woodstock, VA and Norfolk, VA.
1
Start on West Court Street
116 ft·12 sec·West Court Street
2
Turn left onto US 11
1.0 mi·3 min·North Main Street
3
Continue on US 11
4.4 mi·6 min·Old Valley Pike
4
Continue on US 11
0.8 mi·1 min·Main Street
5
Continue on US 11
0.5 mi·56 sec·Old Valley Pike
6
Turn left onto SR 651
0.8 mi·1 min·Mount Olive Road
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·32 sec
Use the right lane.
8
Merge onto I 81
8.6 mi·9 min·I 81
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
10
Continue on I 66
28 mi·30 min·I 66
11
Take the exit onto US 17
0.3 mi·32 sec·US 17
Toward US 17: Warrenton, Fredericksburg
12
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 17
13
Merge onto US 17
2.4 mi·3 min·Winchester Road
14
Continue on US 17
6.5 mi·8 min·James Madison Highway
15
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
4.9 mi·6 min·Eastern Bypass
Toward US 17 South: FredericksburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29
5.1 mi·7 min·James Madison Highway
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
27 mi·39 min·US 17
Toward US 17 South
18
Take the exit onto US 17
48 mi·53 min·US 17
Toward I 95 South, US 17 South: RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
20
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
24
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
25
Continue on I 64; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 276Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby StreetUse the slight right lane.
27
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.
28
Turn straight onto US 460
3.1 mi·7 min·Granby Street
Use the left lane.
29
Continue on US 460
446 ft·9 sec·Church Street
30
Turn right onto US 460
1.2 mi·2 min·Monticello Avenue
Use the right lane.
31
Continue on US 460
0.7 mi·1 min·Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
32
Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue
158 ft·9 sec·East City Hall Avenue
Use the left lane.
33
Arrive at destination
East City Hall Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 50m estimated drive time, starting in the morning allows ample time to reach Norfolk before evening. Plan for one main stop to break up the 235.2 miles; the longest stretch without a major change in road type is 75 miles on US 17, so consider a break around that point. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering longer interstate segments. The $37 fuel cost is an estimate, so check current prices as you 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 117.6 miles from Woodstock, VA, or about 2h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75 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 52 miles or 1h 4m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.6 miles or 2h 29m 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 55m
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 Woodstock, 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 Woodstock, VA
This is one driving day of about 235.2 miles and 4h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Woodstock, 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 US 17 for about 75 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 53.9 and 229.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
53.9 mi into trip|~1h 7m in|US 17 / Eastern Bypass
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17 / Eastern Bypass toward US 17 South: Fredericksburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 17 South: Fredericksburg
8
138.7 mi into trip|~2h 53m 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
153.5 mi into trip|~3h 9m 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
229.6 mi into trip|~4h 38m 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
229.8 mi into trip|~4h 38m 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
$36.78 one way
$73.56 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$40.22
$80.43
premium
$4.70
$43.53
$87.06
diesel
$5.61
$51.93
$103.86
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$37
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$62–$87
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.6
0
$24.70
$11.29
Efficient EV
58.8
0
$20.58
$9.41
EV Truck/SUV
94.1
1
$32.93
$15.05
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Woodstock, VA
Morning
in Woodstock on Sunday
Local time
10:20 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Norfolk, VA
Morning
in Norfolk on Sunday
Local time
10:20 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
13 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
4h 50m 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.
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires today. Native Americans first shaped the land, followed by colonists and settlers. The fertile valley became an important...
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...
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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 218.9
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 154.1
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over...
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!
28 mi from route
~69 min detour
Free
near mile 40.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is largely a highway-focused drive, with 76% of the journey on interstates. You'll experience stretches of faster travel, particularly on I-66 and I-64. The longest uninterrupted stretch is about 75 miles along US 17, offering a more continuous driving experience before you reach the interstate sections. While not a winding scenic byway, the route provides a consistent pace for covering distance efficiently.
76% 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: 75 mi on US 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 17 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 53.9 miles in near US 17 / Eastern Bypass.
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 21 significant decision points across 235.2 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 53.9 miles (US 17 / Eastern Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 138.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 153.5 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 Woodstock, VA and Norfolk, VA, road signs point toward Washington, Fredericksburg, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
Washington
16.2 mi in|~23m
Fredericksburg
44.7 mi in|~54m|via US 17
Va Beach
138.7 mi in|~2h 53m
Virginia Beach
153.5 mi in|~3h 9m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 50m. Total distance: 235.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 75 miles on US 17. 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 53.9 miles (US 17 / Eastern Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 138.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 153.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Colonial National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Norfolk, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
