Trip from Buena Vista, VA to Norfolk, VA

Data updated 0 seconds ago

Drive Time

4h 26m

Distance

232.5 mi

374 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 13m ★

6 AM

4h 26m

8 AM

4h 53m

10 AM

4h 36m

12 PM

4h 33m

3 PM

4h 37m

5 PM

4h 52m

8 PM

4h 18m

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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independent city in Virginia, United States

Buena Vista, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Norfolk, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This trip from Buena Vista, VA, to Norfolk, VA, covers 232.5 miles and will take about 4 hours and 26 minutes of driving time. It's a straightforward journey primarily on major highways, making it an ideal one-day road trip. You'll spend most of your time on I-64 and I-81, with a portion on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. With an estimated fuel cost of $36, this route is budget-friendly. The drive is focused on efficient travel between two points in the Southeast region, offering a practical way to get from the mountains to the coast without significant detours.

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

116.3 miles from Buena Vista, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 7m into the drive .

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Drive Character

This is largely a highway-focused drive, with 81% of the route utilizing interstates. Expect a consistent pace for most of the journey, particularly during the longest stretch of 156.9 miles on I-64. The character of the drive is defined by its efficiency, designed for covering distance quickly. While primarily interstate, the inclusion of I-81 and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway suggests a well-maintained, high-speed road environment suitable for long-distance travel.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 23 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 156.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 36.7 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 14 significant decision points across 232.5 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 36.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 126.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 150.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

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

36.7 mi into trip | ~40m 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

126.8 mi into trip | ~2h 18m 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

150.9 mi into trip | ~2h 45m 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

227 mi into trip | ~4h 14m 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

227.2 mi into trip | ~4h 14m 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.

On the drive from Buena Vista, VA to Norfolk, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Virginia Beach along the way.

Virginia Beach

150.9 mi in | ~2h 45m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 64	156.9 mi	2h 53m
I 81	32.4 mi	34m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway	22.9 mi	25m
Hampton Roads Beltway	4.5 mi	6m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel	3.5 mi	4m
Granby Street	3.1 mi	7m
East Midland Trail	2.7 mi	3m
Monticello Avenue	1.2 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 64 — 156.9 mi, about 2h 53m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on East 21st Street

444 ft · 23 sec · East 21st Street

Turn right onto US 501

483 ft · 6 sec · Sycamore Avenue

Turn straight onto US 501

0.5 mi · 42 sec · Beech Avenue

Turn left onto US 60

0.6 mi · 42 sec · West 29th Street

Continue on US 60

2.7 mi · 3 min · East Midland Trail

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 43 sec

Merge onto I 81

32 mi · 34 min · I 81

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.

Take the exit

1.2 mi · 1 min

Exit 177 Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk Use the slight right lane.

Continue on I 295

23 mi · 25 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

67 mi · 1 hr 15 min · I 64

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60

342 ft · 5 sec · Hampton Roads Beltway

Continue on I 64; US 60

3.5 mi · 4 min · Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel

Continue on I 64; US 60

4.4 mi · 5 min · Hampton Roads Beltway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec

Exit 276 Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby Street Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 18 sec

Toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek Road Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto US 460

3.1 mi · 7 min · Granby Street

Use the left lane.

Continue on US 460

446 ft · 9 sec · Church Street

Turn right onto US 460

1.2 mi · 2 min · Monticello Avenue

Use the right lane.

Continue on US 460

0.7 mi · 1 min · Saint Pauls Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue

158 ft · 9 sec · East City Hall Avenue

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

East City Hall Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour 26-minute duration, this route is perfectly suited for a single day of travel. You can depart Buena Vista at your leisure, but an early start will allow for a relaxed pace and avoid any potential late-day traffic as you approach Norfolk. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $36, you won't need extensive planning for fueling. Keep an eye on the mileage, as the 156.9-mile stretch on I-64 is a significant portion of the drive, so ensure you're comfortable before embarking on it.

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 116.3 miles from Buena Vista, VA, or about 2h 7m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.9 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 116.3 miles or 2h 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 3h 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 Buena Vista, 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 Buena Vista, VA

This is one driving day of about 232.5 miles and 4h 26m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Buena Vista, 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 156.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 116.3 mi from Buena Vista, VA · 2h 7m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

116 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

La Plata, 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 116.3 miles from Buena Vista, 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 156.9 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.

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

$36.36 one way

$72.72 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 81 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$39.75	$79.51
premium	$4.70	$43.03	$86.06
diesel	$5.61	$51.33	$102.67

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 81.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	69.8	0	$24.41	$11.16
Efficient EV	58.1	0	$20.34	$9.30
EV Truck/SUV	93	1	$32.55	$14.88

Gas CO2

81 kg

EV CO2

27 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 data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

Buena Vista, VA

Late night in Buena Vista on Wednesday

Local time

2:52 AM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Norfolk, VA

Late night in Norfolk on Wednesday

Local time

2:52 AM

EDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

86°F

Middletown, MD

116 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

22 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

4h 26m 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 Buena Vista, VA to Norfolk, VA covers 232.5 miles and takes about 4h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 64, I 81, 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 116.3 miles from Buena Vista, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $36.36 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.

On the drive from Buena Vista, VA to Norfolk, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Virginia Beach along the way.

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Trip from Buena Vista, VA to Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Buena Vista, VA

Norfolk, VA

Same local time

22 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 26m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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