Trip from Colonial Heights, VA to Portsmouth Heights, VA

Drive Time

1h 52m

Distance

81.3 mi

131 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min

4 AM

1h 45m ★

6 AM

1h 53m

8 AM

2h 9m

10 AM

1h 59m

12 PM

1h 57m

3 PM

1h 59m

5 PM

2h 9m

8 PM

1h 48m

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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Colonial Heights, VA

Pavan Sai .D

Portsmouth Heights, VA

Daniel Miller

Trip Overview

If you are looking to travel from Colonial Heights to Portsmouth Heights, this 81.3-mile journey serves as a straightforward day trip within Southeast Virginia. Expect to spend approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes behind the wheel as you navigate a path defined by local roads rather than major interstates. With a fuel budget of about $13, it is an affordable excursion that does not require an overnight stay. Since the route avoids highways entirely, you will have a consistent, steady pace throughout the drive. This itinerary is ideal for travelers who prefer backroads over the high-speed intensity of major thoroughfares.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

40.6 miles from Colonial Heights, VA

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

Drive Character

Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive that favors rural exploration over interstate efficiency. Because this route maintains a 0% highway share, your focus will remain on James River Drive, Colonial Trail West, and Old Stage Highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 14.6-mile segment on James River Drive, which provides a brief reprieve from the frequent turns characterizing the rest of the trip. Behind the wheel, you should anticipate a hands-on driving experience that requires your constant attention. The road's personality is defined by these local connections, offering a departure from the monotonous rhythm of typical highway travel.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

James River Drive is the longest continuous segment at about 14.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East Ellerslie Avenue.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 81.3 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: near the start (East Ellerslie Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.9 miles (Conduit Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 61.6 miles (US 258 / Brewers Neck Boulevard): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

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

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | East Ellerslie Avenue

At end of road, turn right onto East Ellerslie Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

0.9 mi into trip | ~1m in | Conduit Road

Turn right onto Conduit Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

61.6 mi into trip | ~1h 20m in | US 258 / Brewers Neck Boulevard

Keep slight left at fork onto US 258 / Brewers Neck Boulevard

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

73.1 mi into trip | ~1h 38m in | US 17 / Bridge Road

Keep slight left at fork onto US 17 / Bridge Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

77.1 mi into trip | ~1h 43m in

Take the exit toward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, Portsmouth

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

Use the right lane. Exit 11B Toward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, Ports...

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Colonial Heights, VA to Portsmouth Heights, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Portsmouth along the way.

Portsmouth

77.1 mi in | ~1h 43m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
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
Bridge Road	6.8 mi	11m
Temple Avenue	3.7 mi	6m
Portsmouth Boulevard	3.5 mi	6m
Hampton Roads Beltway	3.1 mi	3m

Longest stretch: James River Drive — 14.6 mi, about 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Colonial Heights, VA and Portsmouth Heights, VA.

Start on this road

257 ft · 20 sec · this road

At end of road, turn right onto East Ellerslie Avenue

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Ellerslie Avenue

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto Conduit Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · Conduit Road

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto VA 144

3.7 mi · 6 min · Temple Avenue

Use the none lane.

Merge onto VA 36

0.3 mi · 28 sec · East Washington Street

Use the left lane.

Continue on VA 36

2.0 mi · 2 min · Oaklawn Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Continue on VA 36

2.2 mi · 2 min · Winston Churchill Drive

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto VA 10; VA 156 BUS

1.3 mi · 2 min · East 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 / none lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto US 258

2.8 mi · 3 min · Brewers Neck Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 19 sec

Merge onto US 17

2.3 mi · 3 min · Carrollton Boulevard

Continue on US 17

6.2 mi · 10 min · Bridge Road

Use the left / none lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto US 17

0.6 mi · 1 min · Bridge Road

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Merge onto I 664

3.1 mi · 3 min · Hampton Roads Beltway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec

Exit 11B Toward VA 337 East: Portsmouth Boulevard, Portsmouth Use the right lane.

Turn straight onto VA 337

3.5 mi · 6 min · Portsmouth Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto Byers Avenue

0.3 mi · 1 min · Byers Avenue

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto Vick Street

464 ft · 20 sec · Vick Street

Arrive at destination

Vick Street

Trip Plan

Since this trip is a manageable sub-two-hour drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily complete the entire 81.3-mile distance in one go, so there is no urgent need to plan for intermediate stops unless you prefer to stretch your legs. Keep in mind that because you are navigating local roads, your travel time can be sensitive to local traffic patterns. Ensure your tank is ready for the journey, as the $13 fuel estimate assumes a steady flow without excessive idling. My top tip for this specific route is to stay alert for turn changes, as the reliance on local highways like Old Stage Highway means you will be navigating intersections more frequently than on a standard interstate trek.

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.

The halfway point lands around 40.6 miles from Colonial Heights, VA, or about 54m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 14.6 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 49m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 40.6 miles or 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 1h 31m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Colonial Heights, 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 Heights, VA

This is one driving day of about 81.3 miles and 1h 52m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Colonial Heights, VA.

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

You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.

The longest stretch is on James River Drive for about 14.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 40.6 mi from Colonial Heights, VA · 54m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

41 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

Princess Anne, 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 40.6 miles from Colonial Heights, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Portsmouth Heights, VA

The final approach into Portsmouth Heights, 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 Portsmouth Heights, VA.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$13.01 one way

$26.02 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 28 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$14.18	$28.35
premium	$4.78	$15.29	$30.59
diesel	$5.64	$18.06	$36.12

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 28.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 64% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	24.4	$8.54	$3.90
Efficient EV	20.3	$7.11	$3.25
EV Truck/SUV	32.5	$11.38	$5.20

Gas CO2

28 kg

EV CO2

10 kg (64% 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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Colonial Heights, VA

Evening in Colonial Heights on Sunday

Local time

5:20 PM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Portsmouth Heights, VA

Evening in Portsmouth Heights on Sunday

Local time

5:20 PM

EDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

86°F

Middletown, MD

41 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

2 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

1h 52m 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 Heights, VA to Portsmouth Heights, VA covers 81.3 miles and takes about 1h 52m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are James River Drive, Colonial Trail West, Old Stage Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 40.6 miles from Colonial Heights, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.01 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

On the drive from Colonial Heights, VA to Portsmouth Heights, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Portsmouth along the way.

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Return Trip

Portsmouth Heights, VA to Colonial Heights, VA

Plan the drive back the other way.

80.3 mi 1h 53m

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Trip from Colonial Heights, VA to Portsmouth Heights, 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 Portsmouth Heights, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Colonial Heights, VA

Portsmouth Heights, VA

Same local time

2 degrees cooler at arrival

1h 52m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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