Trip from Bedford, VA to Virginia Beach, VA

Drive Time

5h 4m

Distance

243.1 mi

391 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 51m ★

6 AM

5h 5m

8 AM

5h 32m

10 AM

5h 14m

12 PM

5h 11m

3 PM

5h 15m

5 PM

5h 30m

8 PM

4h 57m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Bedford, VA

Kristian Thomas

Trip Overview

Traveling from Bedford to Virginia Beach covers 243.1 miles across the Southeast, making for a straightforward journey that typically takes 5 hours and 4 minutes. Because the drive is manageable within a single day, you do not need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. Budgeting around $39 for fuel should keep you covered for the entire trip. You will primarily navigate via I-64, US 460 BUS, and Anderson Highway as you transition from the interior of Virginia to the coast. This route is an efficient way to cross the state, though it is best viewed as a functional transit between two distinct regions rather than a scenic tour.

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

121.6 miles from Bedford, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 36m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive, as 68% of your time behind the wheel will be spent on major roads. The journey features a mix of fast-paced interstate travel and segments on local highways that help you navigate toward the coast. You will encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 77.4 miles on I-64, which allows for consistent cruising speeds. As you move away from Bedford, the road transitions from local connectors to higher-capacity arteries. Prepare for a driving experience that prioritizes steady progress over technical curves, keeping you largely on well-maintained thoroughfares.

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

There are about 30 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 77.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and US 460 BUS. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 135.4 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 243.1 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: at 135.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 19 key points

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

135.4 mi into trip | ~2h 54m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport

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

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville,...

136.4 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in

Take the exit toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th 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 75 Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th...

136.6 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach

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

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

229.8 mi into trip | ~4h 45m 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...

229.9 mi into trip | ~4h 45m 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 Along This Route

Between Bedford, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Portsmouth.

Appomattox

42.6 mi in | ~55m | via VA 24

Charlottesville

135.4 mi in | ~2h 54m

Norfolk

135.4 mi in | ~2h 54m

Richmond International Airport

135.4 mi in | ~2h 54m

Portsmouth

229.8 mi in | ~4h 45m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 64	77.4 mi	1h 28m
US 460 BUS	41.3 mi	53m
Anderson Highway	36.7 mi	48m
VA 24	18.9 mi	21m
Hampton Roads Beltway	12 mi	15m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway	11.8 mi	16m
Powhite Parkway	11.5 mi	15m
East James Anderson Highway	8.1 mi	9m

Longest stretch: I 64 — 77.4 mi, about 1h 28m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Bedford, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.

Start on US 460 BUS; VA 43; VA 122 BUS

1.4 mi · 2 min · East Main Street

Take the ramp onto US 460 BUS

41 mi · 53 min · US 460 BUS

Toward US 460 East Use the none lane.

Take the exit onto VA 24

0.2 mi · 21 sec · VA 24

Toward VA 24 East, VA 131 South: To Route 60, Appomattox

Turn slight left onto VA 24

19 mi · 21 min · VA 24

Continue on US 60

7.7 mi · 9 min · West James Anderson Highway

Continue on US 60

8.1 mi · 9 min · East James Anderson Highway

Continue on US 60

37 mi · 48 min · Anderson Highway

Continue on US 60

0.9 mi · 1 min · Midlothian Turnpike

Turn right onto SR 652

2.5 mi · 3 min · Old Hundred Road

Use the straight lane.

Enter roundabout onto SR 652

147 ft · 5 sec · Old Hundred Road

Continue on SR 652

2.5 mi · 4 min · Old Hundred Road

Use the straight lane.

Continue on VA 76

9.7 mi · 12 min · Powhite Parkway

Use the left / straight lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76

1.8 mi · 2 min · Powhite Parkway

Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto VA 146

0.9 mi · 1 min · VA 146

Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto VA 195

2.9 mi · 3 min · Downtown Expressway

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 39 sec

Toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 95

0.7 mi · 54 sec · Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 14 sec

Exit 75 Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th Street Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 23 sec

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

Merge onto I 64

77 mi · 1 hr 28 min · I 64

Use the straight 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

12 mi · 15 min · Hampton Roads Beltway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 264 East: Va Beach Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Merge onto I 264

12 mi · 16 min · Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway

Use the none lane.

Continue on 21st Street

0.4 mi · 54 sec · 21st Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto Arctic Avenue

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Arctic Avenue

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto 25th Street

454 ft · 12 sec · 25th Street

Arrive at destination

25th Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a one-day trip, your best bet is to plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the five-hour drive and keep your energy levels steady. Leaving early in the morning can help you bypass potential congestion as you approach the busier coastal areas. With roughly $39 in fuel costs, it is wise to monitor your gauge and refuel at your preferred interval during your one planned stop. Because the route relies heavily on I-64, keep an eye on traffic reports for that 77.4-mile stretch to ensure your arrival time remains accurate. Embracing the flexibility of a single-day itinerary allows you to hit the road on your own terms without the pressure of an overnight schedule.

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 121.6 miles from Bedford, VA, or about 2h 36m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.4 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 80 miles or 1h 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 121.6 miles or 2h 36m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 8m

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 Bedford, 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 Bedford, VA

This is one driving day of about 243.1 miles and 5h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Bedford, 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 64 for about 77.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 121.6 mi from Bedford, VA · 2h 36m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

122 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

Middletown, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Middletown, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 121.6 miles from Bedford, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 77.4 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

$38.91 one way

$77.81 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 85 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$42.39	$84.78
premium	$4.78	$45.73	$91.46
diesel	$5.64	$54.01	$108.02

Estimated Tolls: $0.12

Midlothian Turnpike (0.9 mi) $0.07

Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike (0.7 mi) $0.05

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$39

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 85.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	72.9	0	$25.53	$11.67
Efficient EV	60.8	0	$21.27	$9.72
EV Truck/SUV	97.2	1	$34.03	$15.56

Gas CO2

85 kg

EV CO2

28 kg (67% 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Bedford, VA

Evening in Bedford on Sunday

Local time

8:52 PM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Virginia Beach, VA

Evening in Virginia Beach on Sunday

Local time

8:52 PM

EDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

86°F

Middletown, MD

122 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

1 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

5h 4m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Bedford, VA to Virginia Beach, VA covers 243.1 miles and takes about 5h 4m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 64, US 460 BUS, Anderson 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 121.6 miles from Bedford, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $38.91 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

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.

Between Bedford, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Portsmouth.

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Return Trip

Virginia Beach, VA to Bedford, VA

Plan the drive back the other way.

239.6 mi 5h 4m

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Trip from Bedford, VA to Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Bedford, VA

Virginia Beach, VA

Same local time

1 degrees warmer at arrival

5h 4m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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