This 142.1-mile journey from Colonial Beach, VA, to Virginia Beach, VA, is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in about 3 hours and 26 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $22, it's an economical option for a single-day trip. The route primarily utilizes US 17 and the Hampton Roads Beltway, making it a practical choice for those seeking efficiency. Given its manageable distance and duration, this drive is well-suited as a day trip, allowing you to explore your destination without needing an overnight stay. Both your starting and ending points are within the Southeast region, so you won't encounter significant regional landscape changes.
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
71 miles from Colonial Beach, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 48m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 26m. Total distance: 142.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
Expect a drive that is predominantly highway, with 63% of the route being on faster roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 67.2 miles on US 17, which forms the backbone of this trip. While the highway focus provides efficiency, be prepared for varied road conditions as you transition between main arteries and local connections like Newland Road. The journey generally maintains a steady pace, prioritizing direct travel over scenic detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 17 is the longest continuous segment at about 67.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 17 and Newland Road. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 102.9 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 16 significant decision points across 142.1 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 102.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.3 miles (I 64): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 128.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
102.9 mi into trip|~2h 32m in
Take the exit toward US 64 East: Hampton, Norfolk
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 64 East: Hampton, Norfolk
5
103.3 mi into trip|~2h 33m in|I 64
Merge onto I 64
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
128.7 mi into trip|~3h 6m in
Take the exit toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth
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 284A
Toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downto...
7
128.9 mi into trip|~3h 6m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 264 East: Va Beach
6
141.7 mi into trip|~3h 25m in|Arctic Avenue
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Colonial Beach, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Norfolk
102.9 mi in|~2h 32m
Portsmouth
128.7 mi in|~3h 6m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 17
67.2 mi
1h 33m
Newland Road
13.8 mi
24m
Hampton Roads Beltway
12 mi
15m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
11.8 mi
16m
I 64
10 mi
12m
James Monroe Highway
5.4 mi
7m
Kings Highway
5.2 mi
7m
Richmond Road
4.1 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
US 17
— 67.2 mi, about 1h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Colonial Beach, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
1
Start on Washington Avenue
32 ft·7 sec·Washington Avenue
2
Turn left onto VA 205Y
0.6 mi·1 min·Colonial Avenue
3
Turn left onto VA 205
0.3 mi·29 sec·McKinney Boulevard
4
Continue on VA 205
5.4 mi·7 min·James Monroe Highway
5
Turn left onto VA 3
5.2 mi·7 min·Kings Highway
6
Turn right onto SR 624
3.9 mi·6 min·Flat Iron Road
7
Continue on SR 624
14 mi·24 min·Newland Road
8
Turn right onto US 360
4.1 mi·5 min·Richmond Road
9
Turn left onto South Water Lane
0.4 mi·56 sec·South Water Lane
10
Turn right onto Wright Street
0.2 mi·32 sec·Wright Street
11
At end of road, turn left onto US 17; US 360
1.9 mi·3 min·Tappahannock Boulevard
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 17
67 mi·1 hr 33 min·US 17
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward US 64 East: Hampton, Norfolk
14
Merge onto I 64
10.0 mi·12 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
16
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
17
Continue on I 64; US 60
12 mi·15 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 284AToward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, PortsmouthUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va BeachUse the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Merge onto I 264
12 mi·16 min·Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
21
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi·54 sec·21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi·46 sec·Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
23
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft·12 sec·25th Street
24
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 3-hour, 26-minute drive, consider an early morning departure to bypass potential traffic, especially as you approach the Hampton Roads area. With only one main road and a straightforward path, you have flexibility in planning your stops. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 67.2 miles on US 17, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly before embarking on that segment. Given the relatively short distance, you can easily complete this trip in one day without feeling rushed.
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 71 miles from Colonial Beach, VA, or about 1h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.2 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 31 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71 miles or 1h 48m 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 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Virginia Beach, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Colonial Beach, 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 Colonial Beach, VA
This is one driving day of about 142.1 miles and 3h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 31 miles from Colonial Beach, 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 US 17 for about 67.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 71 mi from Colonial Beach, VA
· 1h 48m into the drive
The midpoint is around 71 miles from Colonial Beach, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before US 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67.2 miles.
Arriving in Virginia Beach, VA
The final approach into Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, VA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Nearby Places
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Perked Up Coffee Cafe'
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Near the end, right off the route
0.5 mi from route
~1 min detour
$1 to $10
mile 142.1
Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm
+17574220032
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
4.2
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Yorktown, Virginia
0.8 mi
C4 Coffee Cafe @ Princess Anne
4.2
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Virginia Beach, Virginia
1.8 mi
Top Coffee Stop
Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters and Petite Cafe
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Yorktown, Virginia
Around the midpoint, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
$10 to $20
mile 91.3
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$22.22 one way
$44.44 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg50 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$24.30
$48.59
premium
$4.70
$26.30
$52.60
diesel
$5.61
$31.37
$62.75
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
42.6
0
$14.92
$6.82
Efficient EV
35.5
0
$12.43
$5.68
EV Truck/SUV
56.8
0
$19.89
$9.09
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Colonial Beach, VA
Late night
in Colonial Beach on Friday
Local time
3:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Late night
in Virginia Beach on Friday
Local time
3:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°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
3h 26m 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 Colonial Beach, VA to Virginia Beach, VA covers 142.1 miles and takes about 3h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 17, Newland Road, Hampton Roads Beltway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 71 miles from Colonial Beach, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.22 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 142.1 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 102.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 103.3 miles (I 64): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 128.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Colonial Beach, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Data sources
The figures on this page are computed from open government and mapping datasets, not crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
Full methodology, refresh cadence, and limitations are documented on the
methodology page.
