The drive from Blacksburg, VA to South Suffolk, VA covers 266.2 miles and takes about 5h 59m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 460, I 81, West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 144.2 miles on US 460.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $41.63 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
133.1 miles from Blacksburg, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 53m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 59m. Total distance: 266.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a 5h 59m highway drive covering 266.2 miles, with most of the trip on US 460 and I 81. The longest continuous stretch is about 144.2 miles on US 460.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 37 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 460 is the longest continuous segment at about 144.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 460 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.2 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 20 significant decision points across 266.2 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 8.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.8 miles (US 460): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 206.4 miles (US 460): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
8.2 mi into trip|~14m in
Take the exit toward US 11, US 460 Business: Christiansburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 2
Toward US 11, US 460 Business: Christiansburg
7
67.8 mi into trip|~1h 31m in|US 460
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460 toward US 460 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 460 East
8
206.4 mi into trip|~4h 27m in|US 460
Take the exit onto US 460 toward I 95 South, US 460 East: Rocky Mount NC, 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 68
Toward I 95 South, US 460 East: Rocky Mount NC,...
8
207.2 mi into trip|~4h 28m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South, US 460 East: Rocky Mount
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 95 South, US 460 East: Rocky Mount
7
210.1 mi into trip|~4h 32m in
Take the exit toward SR 629: Rives Road
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 47
Toward SR 629: Rives Road
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Blacksburg, VA to South Suffolk, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Norfolk along the way.
Norfolk
199.7 mi in|~4h 18m|via US 460
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 460
144.2 mi
3h 2m
I 81
31 mi
37m
West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
14.6 mi
18m
General Mahone Highway
14.3 mi
19m
Windsor Boulevard
9.9 mi
15m
County Drive
9.5 mi
14m
General Mahone Boulevard
8.4 mi
11m
Pruden Boulevard
6.2 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
US 460
— 144.2 mi, about 3h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Blacksburg, VA and South Suffolk, VA.
1
Start on US 460 BUS
2.6 mi·7 min·North Main Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Take the ramp
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward US 460 East: RoanokeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
3
Merge onto US 460
4.8 mi·5 min·US 460
Use the straight lane.
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 2Toward US 11, US 460 Business: Christiansburg
5
Turn left onto US 11; US 460 BUS
1.1 mi·2 min·Roanoke Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
6
Take the ramp
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward I 81 North, US 460 East: Salem, RoanokeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 81
31 mi·37 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward US 11 South: CloverdaleUse the slight right lane.
9
Turn slight right onto US 11
490 ft·35 sec·Lee Highway
10
Continue on US 11
0.1 mi·13 sec·Lee Highway
11
Turn right onto US 220 Alternate
5.0 mi·6 min·Cloverdale Road
12
At end of road, turn left onto US 221; US 460
0.3 mi·35 sec·Challenger Avenue Northeast
Use the left lane.
13
Continue on US 221; US 460
5.5 mi·7 min·Blue Ridge Boulevard
14
Continue on US 221; US 460
15 mi·18 min·West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
15
Continue on US 221; US 460
0.6 mi·42 sec·Blue Ridge Avenue
16
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
89 mi·1 hr 51 min·US 460
Toward US 460 EastUse the straight lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
43 mi·55 min·US 460
18
Take the exit onto US 460
6.7 mi·8 min·US 460
Toward I 85 North, I 95 North, US 460 East: Petersburg, Norfolk
19
Take the exit onto US 460
0.8 mi·1 min·US 460
Exit 68Toward I 95 South, US 460 East: Rocky Mount NC, NorfolkUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 95 South, US 460 East: Rocky MountUse the straight / slight left lanes.
21
Merge onto I 95
2.6 mi·3 min·I 95
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·37 sec
Exit 47Toward SR 629: Rives RoadUse the slight right lane.
23
Turn left onto SR 629
2.0 mi·3 min·Rives Road
24
Turn sharp right onto US 460
9.5 mi·14 min·County Drive
25
Continue on US 460
6.1 mi·8 min·General Mahone Highway
26
Continue on US 460
1.4 mi·2 min·North County Drive
27
Continue on US 460
6.2 mi·8 min·General Mahone Highway
28
Continue on US 460
1.1 mi·2 min·North County Drive
29
Continue on US 460
2.0 mi·2 min·General Mahone Highway
30
Continue on US 460
0.1 mi·9 sec·Mahone Highway
31
Continue on US 460
8.4 mi·11 min·General Mahone Boulevard
32
Continue on US 460
9.9 mi·15 min·Windsor Boulevard
33
Continue on US 460
5.1 mi·8 min·Pruden Boulevard
34
Continue on US 460 BUS
1.1 mi·1 min·Pruden Boulevard
Use the left lane.
35
Continue on US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32
2.2 mi·4 min·North Main Street
36
Continue on US 13 BUS; VA 32
0.9 mi·1 min·Carolina Road
37
Arrive at destination
US 13 BUS; VA 32
Trip Plan
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 133.1 miles from Blacksburg, VA, or about 2h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 144.2 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 59 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.1 miles or 2h 53m 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 45m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Suffolk, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Blacksburg, 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 Blacksburg, VA
This is one driving day of about 266.2 miles and 5h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Blacksburg, 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 US 460 for about 144.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 133.1 mi from Blacksburg, VA
· 2h 53m into the drive
The midpoint is around 133.1 miles from Blacksburg, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before US 460 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 144.2 miles.
Arriving in South Suffolk, VA
The final approach into South Suffolk, 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 South Suffolk, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Petersburg National Battlefield
National Battlefield
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 201.9
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Question...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 110.1
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
17 mi from route
~43 min detour
Free
near mile 45.9
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...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 266.2
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...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
$15
near mile 238.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.63 one way
$83.26 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg93 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$45.52
$91.03
premium
$4.70
$49.27
$98.54
diesel
$5.61
$58.77
$117.55
Estimated Tolls: $1.02
West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
(14.6 mi)$1.02
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
$42
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
79.9
0
$27.95
$12.78
Efficient EV
66.6
0
$23.29
$10.65
EV Truck/SUV
106.5
1
$37.27
$17.04
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Blacksburg, VA
Afternoon
in Blacksburg on Friday
Local time
3:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
45°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
South Suffolk, VA
Afternoon
in South Suffolk on Friday
Local time
3:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
49°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
4 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 59m 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 Blacksburg, VA to South Suffolk, VA covers 266.2 miles and takes about 5h 59m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 460, I 81, West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 133.1 miles from Blacksburg, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $41.63 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 266.2 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 8.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.8 miles (US 460): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 206.4 miles (US 460): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Blacksburg, VA to South Suffolk, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Norfolk along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Petersburg National Battlefield, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Booker T Washington National Monument. There are 5 parks within detour distance of this route.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
