Trip from Chesapeake, VA to South Riding, VA

Compiled by the Trip.ovh editorial team · Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026 · Methodology

Drive Time

4h 9m

Distance

200.5 mi

323 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

3h 56m ★

6 AM

4h 10m

8 AM

4h 36m

10 AM

4h 19m

12 PM

4h 16m

3 PM

4h 20m

5 PM

4h 34m

8 PM

4h 2m

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

Chesapeake, VA

Wikimedia Commons

census-designated place and planned community in Loudoun County, Virginia, United States

South Riding, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Chesapeake, VA to South Riding, VA covers 200.5 miles and takes about 4h 9m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 95, I 64, Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 73.7 miles on I 95. At current regular gas prices, budget about $31.35 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

100.3 miles from Chesapeake, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 3m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 9m. Total distance: 200.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 4h 9m highway drive covering 200.5 miles, with most of the trip on I 95 and I 64. The longest continuous stretch is about 73.7 miles on I 95.

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

There are about 38 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 73.7 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 1.8 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 27 significant decision points across 200.5 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 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 27 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 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

174.1 mi into trip | ~3h 26m in

Take the exit toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge

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

Use the right lane. Exit 160B Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

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

Between Chesapeake, VA and South Riding, VA, road signs point toward Rocky Mount and Lake Ridge.

Rocky Mount

83.3 mi in | ~1h 43m

Lake Ridge

174.1 mi in | ~3h 26m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 95	73.7 mi	1h 22m
I 64	61.1 mi	1h 7m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway	11.9 mi	12m
Hampton Roads Beltway	9.6 mi	12m
Ox Road	8.9 mi	13m
Fairfax County Parkway	7.8 mi	11m
Route 50	5.5 mi	9m
Granby Street	4 mi	9m

Longest stretch: I 95 — 73.7 mi, about 1h 22m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Chesapeake, VA and South Riding, 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

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 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

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 lane.

Turn left

0.2 mi · 26 sec

Toward I 64

Merge onto I 64

3.8 mi · 5 min · Hampton Roads Beltway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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 straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64

61 mi · 1 hr 7 min · I 64

Use the 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

12 mi · 12 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway

Take the exit

2.4 mi · 2 min

Exit 43A Toward I 95 North: Washington Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 95

46 mi · 49 min · I 95

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17

1.6 mi · 1 min · I 95; US 17

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min

Merge onto I 95

26 mi · 31 min · I 95

Use the slight left lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec

Exit 160B Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge Use the right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 17 sec

Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge

Continue on VA 123

1.0 mi · 2 min · Gordon Boulevard

Continue on VA 123

8.9 mi · 13 min · Ox Road

Use the left lane.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 1 min

Toward VA 286 North: Fairfax County Parkway

Merge onto VA 286

7.8 mi · 11 min · Fairfax County Parkway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 41 sec

Toward US 50 West

Merge onto US 50

5.5 mi · 9 min · Route 50

Use the left lane.

Continue on US 50

1.9 mi · 2 min · Little River Turnpike

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto SR 2201

97 ft · 4 sec · South Riding Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Continue on SR 2201

0.1 mi · 23 sec · South Riding Boulevard

Turn left onto Defender Drive

0.1 mi · 31 sec · Defender Drive

Turn right

34 ft · 2 sec

Arrive at destination

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 100.3 miles from Chesapeake, VA, or about 2h 3m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.7 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 44 miles or 1h in

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

Halfway reset

Around 100.3 miles or 2h 3m 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 15m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Riding, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Chesapeake, VA

This is one driving day of about 200.5 miles and 4h 9m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Chesapeake, 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 73.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 100.3 mi from Chesapeake, VA · 2h 3m into the drive

census designated place in Henrico County, Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

East Highland Park, VA

100 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

Gloucester Point, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ashland, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 100.3 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 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.7 miles.

Arriving in South Riding, VA

The final approach into South Riding, 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 South Riding, VA.

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...

1 mi from route ~4 min detour $15 near mile 41.5

Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues

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...

3 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 13.8

View on nps.gov

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!

16 mi from route ~40 min detour Free near mile 200.5

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...

26 mi from route ~64 min detour Free near mile 83

View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.35 one way

$62.71 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 70 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$34.28	$68.56
premium	$4.70	$37.11	$74.22
diesel	$5.61	$44.27	$88.54

Estimated Tolls: $0.13

Little River Turnpike (1.9 mi) $0.13

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

$31

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 70.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	60.2	0	$21.05	$9.62
Efficient EV	50.1	0	$17.54	$8.02
EV Truck/SUV	80.2	1	$28.07	$12.83

Gas CO2

70 kg

EV CO2

23 kg (67% 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 as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Chesapeake, VA

Late night in Chesapeake on Friday

Local time

1:55 AM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

South Riding, VA

Late night in South Riding on Friday

Local time

1:55 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

3 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

4h 9m 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 Chesapeake, VA to South Riding, VA covers 200.5 miles and takes about 4h 9m 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 100.3 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 $31.35 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.

Between Chesapeake, VA and South Riding, VA, road signs point toward Rocky Mount and Lake Ridge.

Yes. Nearby national parks include Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. There are 4 parks within detour distance of this route.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

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

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.

Trip from Chesapeake, VA to South Riding, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Who Is This Route For?

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 South Riding, VA

National Parks Near This Route

Colonial National Historical Park

Fort Monroe National Monument

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Petersburg National Battlefield

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Chesapeake, VA

South Riding, VA

Same local time

3 degrees cooler at arrival

4h 9m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

Continue From South Riding, VA

More from Chesapeake, VA

More trips to South Riding, VA