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Trip from Brandermill, VA to Norfolk, VA

Data updated 25 minutes ago

Drive Time

2h 17m

Distance

100 mi

161 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 8m ★
6 AM
2h 18m
8 AM
2h 37m
10 AM
2h 24m
12 PM
2h 22m
3 PM
2h 25m
5 PM
2h 36m
8 PM
2h 12m

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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human settlement in Richmond, Virginia, United States of America

Brandermill, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Norfolk, VA, VA

Norfolk, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 100-mile drive from Brandermill, VA, to Norfolk, VA, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. You'll primarily follow James River Drive, Colonial Trail West, and World War II Veterans Memorial Highway, with only about 13% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this route is $16, making it an economical option. Given its relatively short duration and local road focus, it’s well-suited for a single-day adventure without the need for an overnight stay. This trip stays within the Southeast region, keeping the scenery consistent.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

50 miles from Brandermill, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for most of this 100-mile route. While only 13% is highway, the majority unfolds on local roads like James River Drive and Colonial Trail West. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 14.6 miles along James River Drive, so be prepared for frequent adjustments in direction and speed. This means you'll experience a more varied driving experience, rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, allowing you to engage more with the local landscape as you navigate.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 32 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
James River Drive is the longest continuous segment at about 14.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.6 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 100 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 2.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 15 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 22 key points

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

8
2.6 mi into trip | ~6m in

Keep slight right at fork toward VA 288 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward VA 288 South
7
15 mi into trip | ~20m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South: Petersburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 95 South: Petersburg
7
16.8 mi into trip | ~23m in

Take the exit toward VA 10 East: Hopewell

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Exit 61A Toward VA 10 East: Hopewell
6
89.1 mi into trip | ~2h in | VA 164 / Western Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto VA 164 / Western Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane.
7
97.9 mi into trip | ~2h 12m in | US 58

Take the exit onto US 58 toward US 58 East: Brambleton Avenue, Downtown Norfolk

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward US 58 East: Brambleton Avenue, Downtown...

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
James River Drive 14.6 mi 19m
Colonial Trail West 13.3 mi 15m
World War II Veterans Memorial Highway 12.1 mi 14m
Old Stage Highway 12 mi 15m
Colonial Trail East 9.8 mi 11m
West Hundred Road 6.8 mi 10m
Western Freeway 6.8 mi 8m
Bridge Road 6.2 mi 10m
Longest stretch: James River Drive — 14.6 mi, about 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Brandermill, VA and Norfolk, VA.

1

Start on this road

112 ft · 9 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto SR 1883

370 ft · 19 sec · Timber Ridge Road
3

Continue on East Timber Ridge Road

263 ft · 13 sec · East Timber Ridge Road
4

Turn right onto Millridge Parkway

1.3 mi · 3 min · Millridge Parkway
5

Turn right onto SR 754

0.1 mi · 20 sec · South Old Hundred Road
6

Continue on SR 754

0.9 mi · 1 min · Commonwealth Centre Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
7

Take the ramp

62 ft · 1 sec
8

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward VA 288 South Use the slight right lane.
9

Merge onto VA 288

12 mi · 14 min · World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
10

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 95 South: Petersburg Use the slight right lane.
11

Merge onto I 95

1.5 mi · 1 min · Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 61A Toward VA 10 East: Hopewell Use the right lane.
13

Continue on VA 10

6.8 mi · 10 min · West Hundred Road
Use the left / uturn lanes.
14

Continue on VA 10

2.9 mi · 4 min · West Randolph Road
15

Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS

15 mi · 19 min · James River Drive
16

Continue on VA 10

13 mi · 15 min · Colonial Trail West
17

At end of road, turn left onto VA 10; VA 31

1.0 mi · 1 min · Rolfe Highway
18

Take the exit

149 ft · 6 sec
19

Merge onto VA 10

9.8 mi · 11 min · Colonial Trail East
20

Continue on VA 10

12 mi · 15 min · Old Stage Highway
Use the left lane.
21

Keep slight left at fork onto US 258

2.8 mi · 3 min · Brewers Neck Boulevard
22

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec
23

Merge onto US 17

2.3 mi · 3 min · Carrollton Boulevard
24

Continue on US 17

6.2 mi · 10 min · Bridge Road
Use the left lane.
25

Keep slight right at fork onto VA 164

6.8 mi · 8 min · Western Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
26

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 35 sec
Toward US 58 East: Tunnel Norfolk
27

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 37 sec
Toward US 58 East: Tunnel Norfolk
28

Merge onto US 58

1.2 mi · 2 min · US 58
29

Take the exit onto US 58

1.6 mi · 3 min · US 58
Toward US 58 East: Brambleton Avenue, Downtown Norfolk Use the left lane.
30

Turn right onto US 460 ALT

0.5 mi · 1 min · Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
31

Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue

158 ft · 9 sec · East City Hall Avenue
Use the left lane.
32

Arrive at destination

East City Hall Avenue

Trip Plan

Since this is a shorter, 2-hour and 17-minute drive, you have the flexibility to depart when you please. However, leaving earlier in the morning can help you avoid potential local traffic congestion, especially as you approach Norfolk. With no designated stops in the data, plan your own breaks as needed, perhaps during the 14.6-mile stretch on James River Drive if you need to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the $16 estimate is based on average consumption; it's always wise to top off before you begin, especially since this route prioritizes local roads over major fuel stops.

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 50 miles from Brandermill, VA, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 14.6 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 45m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 50 miles or 1h 7m 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 48m

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 Brandermill, 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 Brandermill, VA

This is one driving day of about 100 miles and 2h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Brandermill, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on James River Drive for about 14.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 50 mi from Brandermill, VA · 1h 7m into the drive

Downtown Middletown, MD, MD

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

50 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 50 miles from Brandermill, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Norfolk, VA.

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

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...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour $15 near mile 62.1
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
View on nps.gov
Fort Monroe National Monument

Fort Monroe National Monument

National Monument

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...

11 mi from route ~27 min detour Free near mile 93.1
View on nps.gov
Petersburg National Battlefield

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...

12 mi from route ~30 min detour Free near mile 17.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.64 one way

$31.28 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 35 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $17.10 $34.20
premium $4.70 $18.51 $37.02
diesel $5.61 $22.08 $44.16

Estimated Tolls: $0.10

Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike (1.5 mi) $0.10

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

$16

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 35 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 30 0 $10.50 $4.80
Efficient EV 25 0 $8.75 $4.00
EV Truck/SUV 40 0 $14.00 $6.40

Gas CO2

35 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (66% 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 data refreshed 1 day ago

Origin

Brandermill, VA

Late night in Brandermill on Wednesday

Local time

2:20 AM

EDT

Current temp

87°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Norfolk, VA

Late night in Norfolk on Wednesday

Local time

2:20 AM

EDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

86°F

Middletown, MD

50 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

2 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

2h 17m 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 Brandermill, VA to Norfolk, VA covers 100 miles and takes about 2h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are James River Drive, Colonial Trail West, World War II Veterans Memorial Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 50 miles from Brandermill, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.64 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 22 significant decision points across 100 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 2.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 15 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 16.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Brandermill, VA to Norfolk, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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