Trip from Buckhall, VA to Portsmouth, VA

Data updated 5 hours ago

Drive Time

3h 39m

Distance

185.1 mi

298 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min

4 AM

3h 27m ★

6 AM

3h 40m

8 AM

4h 5m

10 AM

3h 49m

12 PM

3h 46m

3 PM

3h 50m

5 PM

4h 4m

8 PM

3h 32m

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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Buckhall, VA

Eric Joseph

independent city in Virginia, United States

Portsmouth, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 185.1-mile drive from Buckhall, VA to Portsmouth, VA is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take about 3 hours and 39 minutes. You'll primarily be on major interstates, including I-95 and I-64, making it a straightforward journey. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $29, which is quite reasonable for the distance covered. Given its highway-focused profile, this route is well-suited for a single day of travel without the need for an overnight stop. The general feel of this drive is efficient and direct, connecting two points within the Southeast region of Virginia.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

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

Midpoint

92.5 miles from Buckhall, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .

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Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused experience for 81% of this 185.1-mile journey. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I-95, including a longest stretch of 69.7 miles without needing to exit. The inclusion of I-64 and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway means you'll be navigating primarily high-speed, multi-lane roads. This route is designed for covering distance efficiently, rather than for leisurely sightseeing, so be prepared for a consistent driving pace for most of the 3 hours and 39 minutes.

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 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 69.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.2 miles in near VA 294 / Prince William Parkway.

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 185.1 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 0.2 miles (VA 294 / Prince William Parkway): Lane positioning matters here; at 83.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 22 key points

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

0.2 mi into trip | ~0m in | VA 294 / Prince William Parkway

Turn right onto VA 294 / Prince William Parkway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / uturn lanes.

83.5 mi into trip | ~1h 39m in

Take the exit toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach

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

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 84A Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va B...

98.3 mi into trip | ~1h 56m 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

162.3 mi into trip | ~3h 8m in

Take the exit toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, Chesapeake

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 264 Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suff...

174.3 mi into trip | ~3h 23m in

Take the exit toward VA 135 South: College Drive, Churchland

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

Use the right lane. Exit 8B Toward VA 135 South: College Drive, Churchland

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Buckhall, VA and Portsmouth, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Chesapeake and Churchland.

Norfolk

83.5 mi in | ~1h 39m

Va Beach

83.5 mi in | ~1h 39m

Virginia Beach

98.3 mi in | ~1h 56m

Suffolk

162.3 mi in | ~3h 8m

Chesapeake

162.3 mi in | ~3h 8m

Churchland

174.3 mi in | ~3h 23m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 95	69.7 mi	1h 17m
I 64	62.7 mi	1h 9m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway	13 mi	14m
Prince William Parkway	10.2 mi	15m
Hampton Roads Beltway	7.2 mi	9m
Western Freeway	5.8 mi	7m
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel	4.3 mi	5m
College Drive	1.4 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 95 — 69.7 mi, about 1h 17m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Buckhall, VA and Portsmouth, VA.

Start on SR 662

0.2 mi · 44 sec · Moore Drive

Turn right onto VA 294

7.3 mi · 10 min · Prince William Parkway

Use the left / uturn lanes.

Take the exit onto VA 294

0.1 mi · 14 sec · VA 294

Use the right lane.

Merge onto VA 294

2.9 mi · 5 min · Prince William Parkway

Turn right onto SR 2000

0.9 mi · 1 min · Smoketown Road

Use the right lane.

Turn right onto SR 2068

0.8 mi · 1 min · Gideon Drive

Turn left onto SR 784

0.3 mi · 38 sec · Dale Boulevard

Take the ramp

0.8 mi · 1 min

Toward I 95 South: Richmond Use the right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 26 sec

Toward I 95 South

Merge onto I 95

21 mi · 24 min · I 95

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

49 mi · 53 min · I 95

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

1.9 mi · 2 min

Exit 84A Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach Use the slight left / straight lanes.

Merge onto I 295

13 mi · 14 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

1.3 mi · 2 min

Exit 28A Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 64

63 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 64

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 36 sec

Exit 264 Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, Chesapeake Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 664

6.1 mi · 7 min · Hampton Roads Beltway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 664

4.3 mi · 5 min · Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel

Continue on I 664

1.1 mi · 1 min · Hampton Roads Beltway

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec

Exit 8B Toward VA 135 South: College Drive, Churchland Use the right lane.

Continue on VA 135

1.4 mi · 2 min · College Drive

Use the straight lane.

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 33 sec

Toward VA 164 East: Downtown Portsmouth

Merge onto VA 164

5.8 mi · 7 min · Western Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto US 58; VA 164

0.7 mi · 46 sec · Martin Luther King Freeway

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec

Toward VA 141 South: Downtown Portsmouth Use the right lane.

Turn straight onto US 58

1.2 mi · 2 min · London Boulevard

Turn right onto VA 141

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Effingham Street

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto High Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · High Street

Use the left lane.

Continue on High Street

201 ft · 20 sec · High Street

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

High Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 185.1-mile drive, consider departing early in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially around major interstate junctions. With a duration of just under 4 hours, this trip is easily completed in a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Plan for one stop, perhaps around the halfway mark, to stretch your legs and refuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest uninterrupted stretch is nearly 70 miles on I-95, and your estimated fuel cost is $29.

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 92.5 miles from Buckhall, VA, or about 1h 49m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.7 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 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 92.5 miles or 1h 49m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 56m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portsmouth, VA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Buckhall, 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 Buckhall, VA

This is one driving day of about 185.1 miles and 3h 39m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Buckhall, 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 95 for about 69.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 92.5 mi from Buckhall, VA · 1h 49m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

93 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 92.5 miles from Buckhall, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69.7 miles.

Arriving in Portsmouth, VA

The final approach into Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth, 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

$28.95 one way

$57.89 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 65 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$31.65	$63.30
premium	$4.70	$34.26	$68.52
diesel	$5.61	$40.87	$81.74

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 64.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	55.5	$19.44	$8.88
Efficient EV	46.3	$16.20	$7.40
EV Truck/SUV	74	$25.91	$11.85

Gas CO2

65 kg

EV CO2

22 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 2 days ago

Origin

Buckhall, VA

Morning in Buckhall on Wednesday

Local time

7:04 AM

EDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Portsmouth, VA

Morning in Portsmouth on Wednesday

Local time

7:04 AM

EDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

86°F

Middletown, MD

93 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

16 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

3h 39m 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 Buckhall, VA to Portsmouth, VA covers 185.1 miles and takes about 3h 39m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 95, I 64, 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 92.5 miles from Buckhall, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.95 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Between Buckhall, VA and Portsmouth, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Chesapeake and Churchland.

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Trip from Buckhall, VA to Portsmouth, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Portsmouth, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Buckhall, VA

Portsmouth, VA

Same local time

16 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 39m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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