Trip from Chesapeake, VA to Abingdon, VA

Drive Time

7h 36m

Distance

403.6 mi

650 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$65

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min

4 AM

7h 26m ★

6 AM

7h 36m

8 AM

7h 56m

10 AM

7h 43m

12 PM

7h 41m

3 PM

7h 44m

5 PM

7h 55m

8 PM

7h 30m

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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Chesapeake, VA

Willians Huerta

Abingdon, VA

Mark Stebnicki

Trip Overview

Spanning 403.6 miles across Virginia, this journey from Chesapeake to Abingdon typically requires about 7 hours and 36 minutes of driving time. Because the route is almost entirely highway-focused, you can realistically complete the trip in a single long day if you manage your time well. Budget approximately $65 for fuel to cover the distance between the coastal Southeast and the mountainous western reaches of the state. While the drive is straightforward, staying alert during the long hours behind the wheel is essential. Whether you choose to power through in one sitting or break it up, this interstate transit offers a direct path across the Commonwealth.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

201.8 miles from Chesapeake, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 54m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highly efficient transit, as 89% of your journey stays on major highways like I-64, I-81, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. You will spend the vast majority of your time on the interstate, including a significant 181.4-mile stretch on I-64 that serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of the trip. The road maintains a consistent, high-speed personality, moving you quickly away from the coast and into the interior. While the ride is smooth and predictable, the transition from eastern Virginia to the geography of the west keeps the experience moving steadily forward without the need for technical, local road navigation.

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

There are about 27 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 181.4 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 1.8 miles in.

Route Complexity 9/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 403.6 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 1.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.5 miles (US 460 ALT): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.7 miles (US 460 ALT): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 19 key points

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

1.8 mi into trip | ~2m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 264 East: Waterside Drive, Saint Paul Boulevard, Downtown, Norfolk

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 6B Toward I 264 East: Waterside Drive, Saint Paul...

2.5 mi into trip | ~3m in | US 460 ALT

Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT toward Waterside Drive, St Paul's Boulevard

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 9 Toward Waterside Drive, St Paul's Boulevard

2.7 mi into trip | ~4m in | US 460 ALT

Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT toward Saint Paul's Boulevard

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes. Toward Saint Paul's Boulevard

83.3 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in

Take the exit toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC

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 200 Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC

83.8 mi into trip | ~1h 44m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 North: Washington

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 295 North: Washington

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Chesapeake, VA to Abingdon, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Rocky Mount along the way.

Rocky Mount

83.3 mi in | ~1h 43m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 64	181.4 mi	3h 18m
I 81	172.9 mi	3h 9m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway	22.6 mi	24m
Hampton Roads Beltway	9.6 mi	12m
Granby Street	4 mi	9m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel	3.5 mi	4m
I 77	1.3 mi	1m
Monticello Avenue	1.2 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 64 — 181.4 mi, about 3h 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Chesapeake, VA and Abingdon, VA.

Start on D Street

412 ft · 20 sec · D Street

At end of road, turn right onto US 460; VA 166

0.3 mi · 29 sec · Poindexter Street

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 18 sec

Toward I 464 North

Merge onto I 464

1.2 mi · 1 min · I 464

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min

Exit 6B Toward I 264 East: Waterside Drive, Saint Paul Boulevard, Downtown, Norfolk Use the slight left lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT

0.2 mi · 26 sec · US 460 ALT

Exit 9 Toward Waterside Drive, St Paul's Boulevard Use the slight left lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT

0.3 mi · 53 sec · US 460 ALT

Toward Saint Paul's Boulevard Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto US 460 ALT

0.6 mi · 1 min · Saint Pauls Boulevard

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on US 460

1.2 mi · 2 min · Monticello Avenue

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto US 460

486 ft · 13 sec · Church Street

Continue on US 460

4.0 mi · 9 min · Granby Street

Use the left / none lanes.

Turn left

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Toward I 64

Merge onto I 64

3.8 mi · 5 min · Hampton Roads Beltway

Use the none lane.

Continue on I 64; US 60

3.5 mi · 4 min · Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel

Continue on I 64; US 60

5.9 mi · 7 min · Hampton Roads Beltway

Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64

61 mi · 1 hr 7 min · I 64

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 32 sec

Exit 200 Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

1.3 mi · 2 min

Toward I 295 North: Washington Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 295

23 mi · 24 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway

Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 55 sec

Exit 53A Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville

Merge onto I 64

120 mi · 2 hr 10 min · I 64

Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville Use the none lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

117 mi · 2 hr 9 min · I 81

Use the straight lane.

Continue on I 77; I 81; US 52

1.3 mi · 1 min · I 77; I 81; US 52

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 52

56 mi · 59 min · I 81; US 52

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit onto US 58 ALT

0.2 mi · 25 sec · US 58 ALT

Toward US 58 Alternate, VA 75: Abingdon, South Holston Dam

Turn right onto US 58 ALT; VA 75

0.7 mi · 1 min · Cummings Street

Use the none lane.

Arrive at destination

VA 75

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 403.6-mile trek, plan for at least two well-timed stops to stretch your legs and refuel. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue, especially since you have nearly eight hours of road time ahead of you. Keep your $65 fuel budget in mind, and consider topping off your tank before hitting the longest 181.4-mile segment on I-64 to avoid unnecessary detours. Because this route relies heavily on major corridors, stay updated on traffic reports for I-81, as congestion can fluctuate unexpectedly. Having a flexible schedule allows you to pace your two recommended stops comfortably without feeling pressured by the clock.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 201.8 miles from Chesapeake, VA, or about 3h 54m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 181.4 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 89 miles or 1h 51m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 201.8 miles or 3h 54m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 30m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Chesapeake, 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.

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Chesapeake, VA

This is one driving day of about 403.6 miles and 7h 36m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 89 miles from Chesapeake, VA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on I 64 for about 181.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 201.8 mi from Chesapeake, VA · 3h 54m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oakland, MD

202 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 89 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Oakland, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 201.8 miles from Chesapeake, 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 181.4 miles.

Arriving in Abingdon, VA

The final approach into Abingdon, 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 Abingdon, 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

$64.59 one way

$129.18 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 141 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$70.38	$140.75
premium	$4.78	$75.92	$151.84
diesel	$5.64	$89.67	$179.33

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$65

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$90–$115

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 141.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $42 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	121.1	1	$42.38	$19.37
Efficient EV	100.9	1	$35.32	$16.14
EV Truck/SUV	161.4	2	$56.50	$25.83

Gas CO2

141 kg

EV CO2

47 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 3 days ago

Origin

Chesapeake, VA

Evening in Chesapeake on Sunday

Local time

6:23 PM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Abingdon, VA

Evening in Abingdon on Sunday

Local time

6:23 PM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

76°F

Oakland, MD

202 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

8 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

7h 36m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Chesapeake, VA to Abingdon, VA covers 403.6 miles and takes about 7h 36m 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 201.8 miles from Chesapeake, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $64.59 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 2 meaningful breaks 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 Chesapeake, VA to Abingdon, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Rocky Mount along the way.

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Return Trip

Abingdon, VA to Chesapeake, VA

Plan the drive back the other way.

405.3 mi 7h 36m

Explore more options from Chesapeake, VA or browse trips ending in Abingdon, VA.

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Trip from Chesapeake, VA to Abingdon, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Abingdon, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Chesapeake, VA

Abingdon, VA

Same local time

8 degrees cooler at arrival

7h 36m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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