Origin
Buchanan, VA
Afternoon in Buchanan on Sunday
Local time
3:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Buchanan, VA to Virginia Beach, VA
Drive Time
5h 2m
Distance
266.4 mi
429 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$43
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 49m
★
6 AM
5h 3m
8 AM
5h 30m
10 AM
5h 12m
12 PM
5h 10m
3 PM
5h 14m
5 PM
5h 28m
8 PM
4h 55m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Buchanan, VA
Photography Maghradze PH
Trip Overview
The drive from Buchanan, VA to Virginia Beach, VA covers 266.4 miles and takes about 5h 2m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 64, US 11, Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 157.1 miles on I 64. At current regular gas prices, budget about $42.63 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
133.2 miles from Buchanan, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 25m into the drive .
Drive Character
This is a 5h 2m highway drive covering 266.4 miles, with most of the trip on I 64 and US 11. The longest continuous stretch is about 157.1 miles on I 64.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 157.1 miles.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,700 ft
0 ft
Total Climb
1,497 ft
Total Descent
2,352 ft
Highest Point
1,700 ft
~33.3 mi in
Elevation Range
1,700 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and US 11. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 55.2 miles in near I 64.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 266.4 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 55.2 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 169.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
55.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 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
145.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 38m 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
169.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 5m 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
8
253 mi into trip
|
~4h 43m 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...
7
253.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 43m 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 Buchanan, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Norfolk
145.3 mi in
|
~2h 38m
Portsmouth
253 mi in
|
~4h 43m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 157.1 mi | 2h 53m |
| US 11 | 53.5 mi | 57m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 22.9 mi | 25m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 12 mi | 15m |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway | 11.8 mi | 16m |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| Main Street | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| 21st Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 157.1 mi, about 2h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buchanan, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
1
Start on this road
110 ft
·
10 sec
·
this road
2
Turn right onto US 11
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
3
Continue on US 11
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
Lee Highway
4
Take the ramp onto US 11
54 mi
·
57 min
·
US 11
5
Continue on I 64; I 81
0.3 mi
·
17 sec
·
I 64; I 81
6
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.
7
Take the exit
1.2 mi
·
1 min
Exit 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
Use the slight right lane.
8
Continue on I 295
23 mi
·
25 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Exit 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 64
67 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft
·
5 sec
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
12
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
13
Continue on I 64; US 60
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
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.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
16
Merge onto I 264
12 mi
·
16 min
·
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
17
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
19
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft
·
12 sec
·
25th Street
20
Arrive at destination
25th Street
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 133.2 miles from Buchanan, VA, or about 2h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.1 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 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.2 miles or 2h 25m 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 1m
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 Buchanan, 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 Buchanan, VA
This is one driving day of about 266.4 miles and 5h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Buchanan, 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 157.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 133.2 mi from Buchanan, VA · 2h 25m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
133 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 133.2 miles from Buchanan, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 157.1 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.
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
$42.63 one way
$85.27 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
93 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $46.45 | $92.90 |
| premium | $4.78 | $50.11 | $100.23 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $59.18 | $118.37 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 79.9 | 0 | $27.97 | $12.79 |
| Efficient EV | 66.6 | 0 | $23.31 | $10.66 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 106.6 | 1 | $37.30 | $17.05 |
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.
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Afternoon in Virginia Beach on Sunday
Local time
3:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
86°F
Middletown, MD
133 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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 2m 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 Buchanan, VA to Virginia Beach, VA covers 266.4 miles and takes about 5h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, US 11, 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 133.2 miles from Buchanan, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $42.63 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 11 significant decision points across 266.4 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 55.2 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 145.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 169.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Buchanan, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 0 ft to 1,700 ft elevation with about 1,497 ft of total climbing.
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