Trip from Buena Vista, VA to Suffolk, VA

Data updated 3 hours ago

Drive Time

4h 34m

Distance

230.7 mi

371 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 41 min

4 AM

4h 21m ★

6 AM

4h 35m

8 AM

5h 2m

10 AM

4h 44m

12 PM

4h 42m

3 PM

4h 46m

5 PM

5h 0m

8 PM

4h 27m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

independent city in Virginia, United States

Buena Vista, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Suffolk, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 230.7-mile journey from Buena Vista, Virginia, to Suffolk, Virginia, is a straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 34 minutes on the road, with a fuel cost estimated around $36. The route primarily utilizes major interstates, making it a convenient option for those seeking efficiency. Since both your origin and destination are in the Southeast region, you'll be traversing familiar territory throughout. With just one recommended stop, this trip is ideal for a quick transit or a leisurely start to your day.

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

115.4 miles from Buena Vista, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 8m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

This drive is predominantly highway-focused, with 65% of the journey taking place on interstates. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including one segment of 103.1 miles primarily on I-64. The main arteries include I-81, I-64, and the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, suggesting a typical interstate experience with efficient travel. While not characterized by winding scenic byways, the highway-centric profile ensures a predictable and largely uninterrupted driving experience.

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

There are about 26 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 103.1 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 0.1 miles in near US 501 / Sycamore Avenue.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 230.7 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 0.1 miles (US 501 / Sycamore Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 36.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 139.8 miles (I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

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

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 501 / Sycamore Avenue

Turn right onto US 501 / Sycamore Avenue

Navigation decision point

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

139.8 mi into trip | ~2h 35m in | I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

154.4 mi into trip | ~2h 54m 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

230.7 mi into trip | ~4h 34m in | South Saratoga Street

Turn left onto South Saratoga Street

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 64	103.1 mi	1h 54m
I 81	32.4 mi	34m
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike	14.6 mi	18m
James River Drive	14.6 mi	19m
Colonial Trail West	13.3 mi	15m
Old Stage Highway	12 mi	15m
Colonial Trail East	9.8 mi	11m
Godwin Boulevard	8.9 mi	10m

Longest stretch: I 64 — 103.1 mi, about 1h 54m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

103 mi · 1 hr 54 min · I 64

Toward I 64 East: Richmond Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

15 mi · 18 min · Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec

Exit 61A Toward VA 10 East: Hopewell Use the right lane.

Continue on VA 10

6.8 mi · 10 min · West Hundred Road

Use the left / uturn lanes.

Continue on VA 10

2.9 mi · 4 min · West Randolph Road

Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS

15 mi · 19 min · James River Drive

Continue on VA 10

13 mi · 15 min · Colonial Trail West

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

1.0 mi · 1 min · Rolfe Highway

Take the exit

149 ft · 6 sec

Merge onto VA 10

9.8 mi · 11 min · Colonial Trail East

Continue on VA 10

12 mi · 15 min · Old Stage Highway

Use the left lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto VA 10

4.3 mi · 5 min · Benns Church Boulevard

Continue on VA 10; VA 32

8.4 mi · 9 min · Godwin Boulevard

Continue on VA 10; VA 32

0.5 mi · 48 sec · Godwin Boulevard

Turn left onto US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32

366 ft · 6 sec · Pruden Boulevard

Continue on US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32

2.2 mi · 5 min · North Main Street

Turn right onto VA 337

454 ft · 17 sec · West Washington Street

Turn left onto South Saratoga Street

165 ft · 4 sec · South Saratoga Street

Arrive at destination

South Saratoga Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour and 34-minute duration, departing Buena Vista in the morning allows ample time to reach Suffolk without feeling rushed. The route has only one recommended stop, so plan your breaks strategically around your personal needs. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest 103.1-mile stretch on I-64, to ensure you're prepared. Since this is a manageable one-day drive, you have the flexibility to depart when it suits you best, but an early start will provide a more relaxed pace.

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 115.4 miles from Buena Vista, VA, or about 2h 8m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.1 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 28m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 115.4 miles or 2h 8m 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 40m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Suffolk, 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 230.7 miles and 4h 34m.

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 103.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 115.4 mi from Buena Vista, VA · 2h 8m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

115 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 115.4 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 103.1 miles.

Arriving in Suffolk, VA

The final approach into 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 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.

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...

11 mi from route ~27 min detour $15 near mile 198.9

Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues

View on nps.gov

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...

13 mi from route ~32 min detour Free near mile 159.1

View on nps.gov

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...

17 mi from route ~42 min detour Free near mile 214.8

View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$36.08 one way

$72.15 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 81 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$39.45	$78.89
premium	$4.70	$42.70	$85.40
diesel	$5.61	$50.94	$101.87

Estimated Tolls: $1.02

Richmond-Petersburg 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

$36

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$62–$87

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 80.7 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	69.2	0	$24.22	$11.07
Efficient EV	57.7	0	$20.19	$9.23
EV Truck/SUV	92.3	1	$32.30	$14.76

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

1:34 AM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Suffolk, VA

Late night in Suffolk on Wednesday

Local time

1:34 AM

EDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

86°F

Middletown, MD

115 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 34m 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 Suffolk, VA covers 230.7 miles and takes about 4h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 64, I 81, Richmond-Petersburg 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 115.4 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 $36.08 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.

The route from Buena Vista, VA to Suffolk, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Buena Vista, VA or browse trips ending in Suffolk, VA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.

Explore maps for Buena Vista, VA or Suffolk, VA on MapSof.net.

Trip from Buena Vista, VA to Suffolk, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Suffolk, VA

National Parks Near This Route

Colonial National Historical Park

Petersburg National Battlefield

Fort Monroe National Monument

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Buena Vista, VA

Suffolk, VA

Same local time

22 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 34m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Suffolk, VA

More from Buena Vista, VA

More trips to Suffolk, VA