Origin
Atkins, VA
Morning in Atkins on Wednesday
Local time
7:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Atkins, VA to Chesapeake, VA
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
6h 59m
Distance
369.9 mi
595 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$58
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
6h 48m
★
6 AM
6h 59m
8 AM
7h 22m
10 AM
7h 7m
12 PM
7h 5m
3 PM
7h 8m
5 PM
7h 21m
8 PM
6h 52m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Atkins, VA
Christopher Welsch Leveroni
Chesapeake, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Atkins, VA to Chesapeake, VA covers 369.9 miles and takes about 6h 59m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 81, I 64, Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 166 miles on I 81. At current regular gas prices, budget about $57.84 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
185 miles from Atkins, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 24m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This is a 6h 59m highway drive covering 369.9 miles, with most of the trip on I 81 and I 64. The longest continuous stretch is about 166 miles on I 81.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 28 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 166 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 30 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 19 significant decision points across 369.9 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 30 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 170 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 260 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
30 mi into trip
|
~34m 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
7
170 mi into trip
|
~3h 8m 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 straight lane.
Toward I 64 East: Richmond
8
260 mi into trip
|
~4h 46m 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
8
284.1 mi into trip
|
~5h 13m 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
362.5 mi into trip
|
~6h 44m 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 Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Atkins, VA and Chesapeake, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Norfolk
260 mi in
|
~4h 46m
Virginia Beach
284.1 mi in
|
~5h 13m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 166 mi | 3h 2m |
| I 64 | 157.1 mi | 2h 53m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 22.9 mi | 25m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 6.8 mi | 8m |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| Lee Highway | 3.3 mi | 4m |
| Chesapeake Boulevard | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| Ballentine Boulevard | 1.1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 166 mi, about 3h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Atkins, VA and Chesapeake, VA.
1
Start on SR 686
221 ft
·
15 sec
·
Atkins Tank Road
2
Turn left onto US 11
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Lee Highway
3
Turn left onto SR 683
426 ft
·
9 sec
·
Windsor Road
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
5
Merge onto I 81
26 mi
·
28 min
·
I 81
Use the straight lane.
6
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.
7
Continue on I 64; I 81
0.3 mi
·
17 sec
·
I 64; I 81
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
90 mi
·
1 hr 38 min
·
I 64
Toward I 64 East: Richmond
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit
1.2 mi
·
1 min
Exit 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
Use the slight right lane.
10
Continue on I 295
23 mi
·
25 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Exit 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 64
67 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft
·
5 sec
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
14
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
15
Continue on I 64; US 60
6.7 mi
·
8 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 278
Toward VA 194 South: Chesapeake Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight onto VA 194
2.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Chesapeake Boulevard
Use the left lane.
18
Turn straight
135 ft
·
7 sec
19
Turn left onto VA 247
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Ballentine Boulevard
20
Turn right onto VA 166
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Princess Anne Road
21
Turn left onto VA 166
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Park Avenue
22
Turn left onto US 460; VA 166; VA 168
0.3 mi
·
57 sec
·
East Brambleton Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
23
Continue on US 460; VA 166; VA 168
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Campostella Road
24
Turn right onto US 460; VA 166
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Wilson Road
Use the right lane.
25
Continue on US 460; VA 166
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
22nd Street
26
Continue on US 460; VA 166
0.3 mi
·
29 sec
·
Poindexter Street
Use the straight lane.
27
Turn right onto D Street
412 ft
·
18 sec
·
D Street
28
Arrive at destination
D Street
Trip Plan
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 185 miles from Atkins, VA, or about 3h 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 166 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 81 miles or 1h 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 185 miles or 3h 24m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 43m
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 Atkins, 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 Atkins, VA
This is one driving day of about 369.9 miles and 6h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 81 miles from Atkins, 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 81 for about 166 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 185 mi from Atkins, VA · 3h 24m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
185 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 81 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 185 miles from Atkins, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 166 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
$57.84 one way
$115.69 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
129 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $63.25 | $126.49 |
| premium | $4.70 | $68.46 | $136.92 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $81.67 | $163.34 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$58
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 129.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 111 | 1 | $38.84 | $17.76 |
| Efficient EV | 92.5 | 1 | $32.37 | $14.80 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 148 | 1 | $51.79 | $23.67 |
Gas CO2
129 kg
EV CO2
43 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.
Destination
Chesapeake, VA
Morning in Chesapeake on Wednesday
Local time
7:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Mostly Clear
SW 7 to 10 mph
4% chance
Live forecast
76°F
Oakland, MD
185 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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
6h 59m 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 Atkins, VA to Chesapeake, VA covers 369.9 miles and takes about 6h 59m 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 185 miles from Atkins, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $57.84 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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 369.9 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 30 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 170 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 260 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Atkins, VA and Chesapeake, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
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