Origin
Ashland, VA
Afternoon in Ashland on Thursday
Local time
2:40 PM
EDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ashland, VA to Virginia Beach, VA
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 24m
Distance
119.1 mi
192 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 14m
★
6 AM
2h 24m
8 AM
2h 44m
10 AM
2h 31m
12 PM
2h 29m
3 PM
2h 32m
5 PM
2h 43m
8 PM
2h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ashland, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Virginia Beach, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 119-mile drive from Ashland to Virginia Beach is a straightforward, highway-focused trip that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 24 minutes. It's an ideal candidate for a day trip, with an estimated fuel cost of $19. You'll primarily be on I-64 and the Hampton Roads Beltway, making for a largely uninterrupted journey within Virginia. The route is designed for efficiency, getting you to your destination without much fuss. This drive connects two points within the Southeast region, offering a direct path from one part of the state to another.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
59.6 miles from Ashland, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 9m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 24m. Total distance: 119.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-dominant experience, with 71% of this drive utilizing major roadways like I-64 and the Hampton Roads Beltway. The personality of the road is geared towards steady progress, with the longest continuous stretch covering 66.8 miles on I-64. While not particularly varied, this focus on high-speed travel means you'll cover ground quickly. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway also contributes to the fast-paced nature of this route, ensuring a consistent driving environment throughout.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 64 is the longest continuous segment at about 66.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 early in the drive near VA 54 / England Street.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 119.1 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: near the start (VA 54 / England Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
VA 54 / England Street
Turn sharp left onto VA 54 / England Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
7.3 mi into trip
|
~10m 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
22.1 mi into trip
|
~26m 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
105.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 4m in
Take the exit toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth
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 284A
Toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downto...
7
105.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 4m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Ashland, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Portsmouth.
Norfolk
7.3 mi in
|
~10m
Va Beach
7.3 mi in
|
~10m
Portsmouth
105.7 mi in
|
~2h 4m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 66.8 mi | 1h 15m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 13 mi | 14m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 12 mi | 15m |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway | 11.8 mi | 16m |
| I 95 | 6 mi | 6m |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| England Street | 1 mi | 2m |
| 21st Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 66.8 mi, about 1h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ashland, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
1
Start on this road
68 ft
·
12 sec
·
this road
2
Turn sharp left onto VA 54
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
England Street
Use the straight lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward I 95 South: Richmond
Use the slight right lane.
4
Merge onto I 95
6.0 mi
·
6 min
·
I 95
Use the straight lane.
5
Take the exit
1.9 mi
·
2 min
Exit 84A
Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
6
Merge onto I 295
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Exit 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 64
67 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft
·
5 sec
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
10
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
11
Continue on I 64; US 60
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 284A
Toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth
Use the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
14
Merge onto I 264
12 mi
·
16 min
·
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
15
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
17
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft
·
12 sec
·
25th Street
18
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
Given the short 2 hour 24 minute duration, this route is perfect for a spontaneous day trip. You can leave Ashland anytime and arrive in Virginia Beach with plenty of daylight to spare. With no mandatory stops indicated, your flexibility is key; stop for fuel or a break whenever you feel the need. Keep an eye on traffic as you approach the Hampton Roads area, especially on the Hampton Roads Beltway, as congestion can occur. The $19 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always check current prices before you go.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 59.6 miles from Ashland, VA, or about 1h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.8 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 26 miles or 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59.6 miles or 1h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 54m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Virginia Beach, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Ashland, 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 Ashland, VA
This is one driving day of about 119.1 miles and 2h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Ashland, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 64 for about 66.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 59.6 mi from Ashland, VA · 1h 9m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
60 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 59.6 miles from Ashland, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 66.8 miles.
Arriving in Virginia Beach, VA
The final approach into Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, VA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.62 one way
$37.25 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
42 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $20.36 | $40.73 |
| premium | $4.70 | $22.04 | $44.09 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $26.30 | $52.59 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 35.7 | 0 | $12.51 | $5.72 |
| Efficient EV | 29.8 | 0 | $10.42 | $4.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 47.6 | 0 | $16.67 | $7.62 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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.
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Afternoon in Virginia Beach on Thursday
Local time
2:40 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°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
2h 24m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Ashland, VA to Virginia Beach, VA covers 119.1 miles and takes about 2h 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, Hampton Roads Beltway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 59.6 miles from Ashland, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.62 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 119.1 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.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (VA 54 / England Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Ashland, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Portsmouth.
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