Origin
Emporia, VA
Night in Emporia on Friday
Local time
10:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Emporia, VA to Chesapeake, VA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 47m
Distance
78.4 mi
126 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$12
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 40m
★
6 AM
1h 48m
8 AM
2h 4m
10 AM
1h 53m
12 PM
1h 52m
3 PM
1h 54m
5 PM
2h 3m
8 PM
1h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Emporia, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Chesapeake, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Emporia, VA to Chesapeake, VA is 78.4 miles and takes about 1h 47m via US 58 and I-264, with a fuel budget near $12 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, making it a straightforward drive between two points in Virginia. With a highway-focused profile, you'll spend most of your time on faster roads, covering 90% of the journey on highways. This route is ideal for a single-day excursion, offering a practical connection without extensive planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
39.2 miles from Emporia, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 52m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 47m. Total distance: 78.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (90%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This drive is predominantly a highway-focused experience, with 90% of the 78.4 miles utilizing high-speed roads. You'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 65.8 miles on US 58, setting a consistent pace for a significant portion of your journey. Expect a steady drive as you transition onto I-264 and Frederick Boulevard, designed for efficient travel. The character of the road is built for covering ground quickly, making it less about varied scenery and more about direct transit.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 58 is the longest continuous segment at about 65.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 58 and I 264. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.8 miles in near US 58.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 78.4 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 1.8 miles (US 58): Lane positioning matters here; at 68.3 miles (US 13; US 460): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
1.8 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
US 58
Turn right onto US 58
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
68.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 31m in
|
US 13; US 460
Keep slight left at fork onto US 13; US 460 toward I 264 East, I 64, US 13 North: Portsmouth, Norfolk, Va Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 264 East, I 64, US 13 North: Portsmout...
6
69.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 32m in
Take the exit toward I 264 East: Portsmouth, Norfolk
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 15A
Toward I 264 East: Portsmouth, Norfolk
8
73.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 38m in
Take the exit toward VA 164 West, US 17: Martin Luther King Jr Expressway, Norfolk, Frederick Boulevard
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 6; 5
Toward VA 164 West, US 17: Martin Luther King J...
9
73.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 39m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 17: Frederick Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 5
Toward US 17: Frederick Boulevard
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Emporia, VA and Chesapeake, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Va Beach.
Norfolk
67.6 mi in
|
~1h 29m
|
via US 13; US 460
Va Beach
67.6 mi in
|
~1h 29m
|
via US 13; US 460
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 58 | 65.8 mi | 1h 25m |
| I 264 | 3.7 mi | 4m |
| Frederick Boulevard | 1.2 mi | 1m |
| US 13 | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| South Norfolk Jordan Bridge | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| East Atlantic Street | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Elm Avenue | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| Poindexter Street | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
US 58
— 65.8 mi, about 1h 25m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Emporia, VA and Chesapeake, VA.
1
Start on Hicksford Avenue
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
·
Hicksford Avenue
2
Continue on Lee Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Lee Street
3
At end of road, turn right onto Southampton Street
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
Southampton Street
4
Turn right onto US 58 BUS
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East Atlantic Street
5
Turn right onto US 58
66 mi
·
1 hr 25 min
·
US 58
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit onto US 13; US 460
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US 13; US 460
Toward I 264 East, I 64, US 13 North: Portsmouth, Norfolk, Va Beach
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 13; US 460
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
US 13; US 460
Toward I 264 East, I 64, US 13 North: Portsmouth, Norfolk, Va Beach
8
Merge onto I 664; US 13; US 460
0.6 mi
·
42 sec
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
9
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 15A
Toward I 264 East: Portsmouth, Norfolk
10
Continue on I 264
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
I 264
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Exit 6; 5
Toward VA 164 West, US 17: Martin Luther King Jr Expressway, Norfolk, Frederick Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 5
Toward US 17: Frederick Boulevard
Use the slight right lane.
13
Turn right onto US 17
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Frederick Boulevard
Use the right lane.
14
At end of road, turn left onto VA 141
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
George Washington Highway
15
Turn right onto VA 337
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Elm Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
16
Continue on VA 337
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
South Norfolk Jordan Bridge
17
Turn straight onto VA 337
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Poindexter Street
Use the straight lane.
18
Turn left onto D Street
412 ft
·
18 sec
·
D Street
19
Arrive at destination
D Street
Trip Plan
Given the short 1h 47m duration, this route offers great flexibility for departure times; consider an early start to maximize your day or a midday departure to avoid peak traffic. The fuel cost is estimated at a low $12, so you likely won't need to worry about frequent refueling stops. Pay attention to the transition from US 58 to I-264 as this marks a significant change in speed and road type, requiring a slight adjustment in driving style. Since it's a single-day trip covering only 78.4 miles, you can easily complete it without needing overnight accommodations.
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 39.2 miles from Emporia, VA, or about 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65.8 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 17 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 39.2 miles or 52m 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 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chesapeake, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Emporia, VA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Emporia, VA
This is one driving day of about 78.4 miles and 1h 47m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Emporia, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on US 58 for about 65.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 39.2 mi from Emporia, VA · 52m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
39 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 39.2 miles from Emporia, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 58 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 65.8 miles.
Arriving in Chesapeake, VA
The final approach into Chesapeake, VA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$12.26 one way
$24.52 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
27 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $13.41 | $26.81 |
| premium | $4.70 | $14.51 | $29.02 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $17.31 | $34.62 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 23.5 | 0 | $8.23 | $3.76 |
| Efficient EV | 19.6 | 0 | $6.86 | $3.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 31.4 | 0 | $10.98 | $5.02 |
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 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.
Destination
Chesapeake, VA
Night in Chesapeake on Friday
Local time
10:59 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
50°F
Franklin, VA
39 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
28 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 47m 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 Emporia, VA to Chesapeake, VA covers 78.4 miles and takes about 1h 47m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 58, I 264, Frederick Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 39.2 miles from Emporia, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.26 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.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 78.4 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.8 miles (US 58): Lane positioning matters here; at 68.3 miles (US 13; US 460): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Emporia, VA and Chesapeake, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Va Beach.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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