Trip from Abingdon, VA to Chesapeake, VA

Drive Time

7h 36m

Distance

405.3 mi

652 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$65

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min

4 AM

7h 27m ★

6 AM

7h 36m

8 AM

7h 56m

10 AM

7h 43m

12 PM

7h 41m

3 PM

7h 44m

5 PM

7h 55m

8 PM

7h 31m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Abingdon, VA

Mark Stebnicki

Chesapeake, VA

Willians Huerta

Trip Overview

Crossing the entirety of Virginia from Abingdon to Chesapeake covers 405.3 miles and typically takes about 7 hours and 36 minutes of driving time. Because this journey stays within the Southeast region, you will experience a consistent transition from the mountainous western landscape toward the coastal plains. While it is technically possible to complete this trip in a single day, be prepared for a long stint behind the wheel. Budgeting approximately $65 for fuel is a smart way to prepare for your transit. Since 89% of the route consists of highway travel, you can expect a very straightforward, high-speed pace that favors efficiency over scenic detours.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

202.6 miles from Abingdon, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 42m into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip is a highway-focused drive that relies heavily on I-81, I-64, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. You will spend the bulk of your time on the interstate, including a significant 196.9-mile stretch on I-81 that serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of your journey. The personality of this drive is functional and fast, designed for getting you from the mountains to the coast with minimal deviation. As you transition between these major arteries, the road maintains a consistent, high-speed character that is ideal for making good time. Expect a steady, interstate-heavy experience that prioritizes direct transit across the state.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 196.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 65.3 miles in near I 81; US 11.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 405.3 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 65.3 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 205.3 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 295.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

65.3 mi into trip | ~1h 11m in | I 81; US 11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11 toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight lane. Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke

205.3 mi into trip | ~3h 45m in | I 64

Keep slight right at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 East: Richmond

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward I 64 East: Richmond

295.3 mi into trip | ~5h 23m 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

319.4 mi into trip | ~5h 50m 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

397.9 mi into trip | ~7h 22m in

Take the exit toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake Boulevard

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 278 Toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake Boulevard

Towns Along This Route

Between Abingdon, VA and Chesapeake, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Norfolk

295.3 mi in | ~5h 23m

Virginia Beach

319.4 mi in | ~5h 50m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 81	196.9 mi	3h 35m
I 64	157.1 mi	2h 53m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway	22.9 mi	25m
I 77	7.1 mi	7m
Hampton Roads Beltway	6.8 mi	8m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel	3.5 mi	4m
Chesapeake Boulevard	2.1 mi	3m
Ballentine Boulevard	1.1 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 81 — 196.9 mi, about 3h 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Abingdon, VA and Chesapeake, VA.

Start on VA 75

0.8 mi · 1 min · Cummings Street

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Merge onto I 81; US 58

57 mi · 1 hr 1 min · I 81; US 58

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 77; I 81; US 11; US 52

7.1 mi · 7 min · I 77; I 81; US 11; US 52

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11

140 mi · 2 hr 33 min · I 81; US 11

Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke Use the straight lane.

Continue on I 64; I 81

0.3 mi · 17 sec · I 64; I 81

Keep slight right at fork onto I 64

90 mi · 1 hr 38 min · I 64

Toward I 64 East: Richmond Use the none lane.

Take the exit

1.2 mi · 1 min

Exit 177 Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk Use the slight right lane.

Continue on I 295

23 mi · 25 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

1.3 mi · 2 min

Exit 28A Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 64

67 mi · 1 hr 15 min · I 64

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60

342 ft · 5 sec · Hampton Roads Beltway

Continue on I 64; US 60

3.5 mi · 4 min · Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel

Continue on I 64; US 60

6.7 mi · 8 min · Hampton Roads Beltway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec

Exit 278 Toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake Boulevard Use the slight right lane.

Turn straight onto VA 194

2.1 mi · 3 min · Chesapeake Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Turn straight

135 ft · 7 sec

Turn left onto VA 247

1.1 mi · 1 min · Ballentine Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto VA 166

0.9 mi · 1 min · East Princess Anne Road

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto VA 166

0.6 mi · 1 min · Park Avenue

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto US 460; VA 166; VA 168

0.3 mi · 57 sec · East Brambleton Avenue

Use the left / straight / right lanes.

Continue on US 460; VA 166; VA 168

0.7 mi · 1 min · Campostella Road

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto US 460; VA 166

0.7 mi · 1 min · Wilson Road

Use the right lane.

Continue on US 460; VA 166

0.3 mi · 27 sec · 22nd Street

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 460; VA 166

0.3 mi · 29 sec · Poindexter Street

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto D Street

412 ft · 18 sec · D Street

Arrive at destination

D Street

Trip Plan

Planning for this 405.3-mile haul requires a disciplined approach to your schedule to ensure you stay alert. Since the drive is quite lengthy, aim to build in at least two planned stops to break up the monotony of the interstate. Departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and navigate potential traffic bottlenecks more effectively. Given that fuel costs will hover around $65, keep an eye on your gauge while traversing the longest 196.9-mile section on I-81, as consistent highway speeds can deplete your tank faster than expected. Using the provided highway network effectively allows for a predictable arrival time, so keep your pace steady and your rest intervals frequent.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 202.6 miles from Abingdon, VA, or about 3h 42m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 196.9 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 89 miles or 1h 37m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 202.6 miles or 3h 42m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 20m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Abingdon, 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.

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Abingdon, VA

This is one driving day of about 405.3 miles and 7h 36m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 89 miles from Abingdon, VA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 196.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 202.6 mi from Abingdon, VA · 3h 42m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oakland, MD

203 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

Winston-Salem, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 89 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Oakland, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 202.6 miles from Abingdon, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 196.9 miles.

Arriving in Chesapeake, VA

The final approach into Chesapeake, VA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Chesapeake, VA.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$64.86 one way

$129.73 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 142 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$70.67	$141.34
premium	$4.78	$76.24	$152.48
diesel	$5.64	$90.04	$180.09

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$65

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$90–$115

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 141.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	121.6	1	$42.56	$19.45
Efficient EV	101.3	1	$35.46	$16.21
EV Truck/SUV	162.1	2	$56.74	$25.94

Gas CO2

142 kg

EV CO2

47 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Abingdon, VA

Evening in Abingdon on Sunday

Local time

6:23 PM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Chesapeake, VA

Evening in Chesapeake on Sunday

Local time

6:23 PM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

76°F

Oakland, MD

203 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

8 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

7h 36m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Abingdon, VA to Chesapeake, VA covers 405.3 miles and takes about 7h 36m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 81, I 64, Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 202.6 miles from Abingdon, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $64.86 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Abingdon, VA and Chesapeake, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Return Trip

Chesapeake, VA to Abingdon, VA

Plan the drive back the other way.

403.6 mi 7h 36m

Explore more options from Abingdon, VA or browse trips ending in Chesapeake, VA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.

Explore maps for Abingdon, VA or Chesapeake, VA on MapSof.net.

Trip from Abingdon, VA to Chesapeake, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Chesapeake, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Abingdon, VA

Chesapeake, VA

Same local time

8 degrees warmer at arrival

7h 36m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Chesapeake, VA

More from Abingdon, VA

More trips to Chesapeake, VA