This 94-mile drive from Bensley, VA to Norfolk, VA is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in under two hours. With an estimated fuel cost of $15, it's an economical option for a day trip. The primary roads guiding you are I-64, the Pocahontas Parkway, and the Hampton Roads Beltway, making it a largely highway-focused experience. Since it's a relatively short journey with no specified stops, you'll have plenty of flexibility in your timing. This route stays within the Southeast region and within the state of Virginia, offering a consistent travel experience.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
47 miles from Bensley, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 57m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 57m. Total distance: 94 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for about 80% of this 94-mile journey. You'll be navigating major arteries like I-64, the Pocahontas Parkway, and the Hampton Roads Beltway for the majority of the trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 66.8 miles on I-64, meaning you can settle in for a good portion of the drive. This route is characterized by its efficiency and speed, rather than winding scenic byways, allowing for a direct and timely arrival.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 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 Pocahontas Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.8 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 94 miles you will encounter 17 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 8.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
8.8 mi into trip|~11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 295 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 295 North: Washington
8
11.7 mi into trip|~15m in
Take the exit toward I 64, US 60: Norfolk, Richmond, Richmond International Airport
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 28
Toward I 64, US 60: Norfolk, Richmond, Richmond...
7
12.8 mi into trip|~18m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 64 East: Norfolk
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk
8
88.4 mi into trip|~1h 45m 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
88.6 mi into trip|~1h 46m 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...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bensley, VA and Norfolk, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Richmond International Airport and Seven Pines.
Richmond
11.7 mi in|~15m
Richmond International Airport
11.7 mi in|~15m
Seven Pines
12 mi in|~16m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
66.8 mi
1h 15m
Pocahontas Parkway
8.1 mi
9m
Hampton Roads Beltway
4.5 mi
6m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Granby Street
3.1 mi
7m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
2.1 mi
2m
Monticello Avenue
1.2 mi
2m
Saint Pauls Boulevard
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 66.8 mi, about 1h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bensley, VA and Norfolk, VA.
1
Start on this road
237 ft·17 sec·this road
2
Turn right
306 ft·24 sec
3
Turn right
444 ft·34 sec
4
Turn right onto US 1; US 301
0.3 mi·29 sec·Route 1
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward VA 150 South: Richmond International
6
Continue on VA 150
8.1 mi·9 min·Pocahontas Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·55 sec
Toward I 295 North: WashingtonUse the slight left lane.
8
Continue on this road
0.4 mi·45 sec·this road
9
Merge onto I 295
2.1 mi·2 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 28Toward I 64, US 60: Norfolk, Richmond, Richmond International AirportUse the slight right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 64, US 60 West: Norfolk, Richmond, Seven Pines
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·50 sec
Toward I 64: Richmond, Norfolk
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 64 East: NorfolkUse the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
16
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
17
Continue on I 64; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 276Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby StreetUse the slight right lane.
19
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.
20
Turn straight onto US 460
3.1 mi·7 min·Granby Street
Use the left lane.
21
Continue on US 460
446 ft·9 sec·Church Street
22
Turn right onto US 460
1.2 mi·2 min·Monticello Avenue
Use the right lane.
23
Continue on US 460
0.7 mi·1 min·Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
24
Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue
158 ft·9 sec·East City Hall Avenue
Use the left lane.
25
Arrive at destination
East City Hall Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 1 hour and 57-minute duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. You can depart Bensley at your convenience, perhaps aiming to avoid the busiest commuter times on the Hampton Roads Beltway. With no mandatory stops factored in, your 66.8-mile stretch on I-64 offers a long segment to drive without needing to plan for breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially if you plan any detours, as the estimated $15 cost is based on the direct route. This trip's simplicity means you have the freedom to adjust your schedule on the fly.
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 47 miles from Bensley, VA, or about 57m 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 21 miles or 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 47 miles or 57m 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 31m
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 Bensley, VA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bensley, VA
This is one driving day of about 94 miles and 1h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Bensley, 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.
The midpoint is around 47 miles from Bensley, 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 66.8 miles.
Arriving in Norfolk, VA
The final approach into Norfolk, VA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Colonial National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
$15
near mile 58.3
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.70 one way
$29.40 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg33 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$16.07
$32.15
premium
$4.70
$17.40
$34.79
diesel
$5.61
$20.75
$41.51
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 32.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
28.2
0
$9.87
$4.51
Efficient EV
23.5
0
$8.23
$3.76
EV Truck/SUV
37.6
0
$13.16
$6.02
Gas CO2
33 kg
EV CO2
11 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.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Bensley, VA
Late night
in Bensley on Friday
Local time
5:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Norfolk, VA
Late night
in Norfolk on Friday
Local time
5:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°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
3 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
1h 57m 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 Bensley, VA to Norfolk, VA covers 94 miles and takes about 1h 57m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, Pocahontas Parkway, 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 47 miles from Bensley, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $14.70 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 94 miles you will encounter 17 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Bensley, VA and Norfolk, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Richmond International Airport and Seven Pines.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
