This 191.1-mile drive from Forest, VA, to Newport News, VA, can comfortably be completed in about 4 hours, making it an ideal one-day trip. You'll primarily navigate I-64, with segments on Anderson Highway and US 501 contributing to the journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $30, this route is budget-friendly for a single-day adventure. The drive is predominantly highway-focused, offering a straightforward transit between the Southeast regions of Virginia. Plan for a single stop to break up the drive and stretch your legs.
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
95.6 miles from Forest, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 4m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h. Total distance: 191.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for 66% of this 191.1-mile trip. The majority of your time will be spent on I-64, which includes the longest uninterrupted stretch of 67.3 miles. While I-64 provides efficient travel, the inclusion of Anderson Highway and US 501 will introduce some variety, offering a change of pace from the interstate. This blend means you’ll experience periods of faster highway driving interspersed with more local road conditions as you progress towards your destination.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 34 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 67.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Anderson Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.1 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 24 significant decision points across 191.1 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 7.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.9 miles (US 501): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 121.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
7.1 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward US 501 South, VA 128 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 501 South, VA 128 East
8
7.9 mi into trip|~14m in|US 501
Keep slight left at fork onto US 501 toward US 29 North, US 460 East, US 501 South: Charlottesville, Appomattox, South Boston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 29 North, US 460 East, US 501 South:...
8
121.2 mi into trip|~2h 40m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville,...
8
122.2 mi into trip|~2h 41m in
Take the exit toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th Street
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 75
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th...
9
122.4 mi into trip|~2h 41m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Forest, VA and Newport News, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Virginia Beach.
Appomattox
28.4 mi in|~41m|via VA 24
Charlottesville
121.2 mi in|~2h 40m
Norfolk
121.2 mi in|~2h 40m
Richmond International Airport
121.2 mi in|~2h 40m
Virginia Beach
122.2 mi in|~2h 41m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
67.3 mi
1h 15m
Anderson Highway
36.7 mi
48m
US 501
20.6 mi
27m
VA 24
18.9 mi
21m
Powhite Parkway
11.5 mi
15m
East James Anderson Highway
8.1 mi
9m
West James Anderson Highway
7.7 mi
9m
Old Hundred Road
5.1 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 67.3 mi, about 1h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Forest, VA and Newport News, VA.
1
Start on this road
94 ft·13 sec·this road
2
Turn left
105 ft·8 sec
3
At end of road, turn right onto US 221
2.8 mi·4 min·Forest Road
4
Turn right onto Graves Mill Road
1.5 mi·3 min·Graves Mill Road
Use the straight lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·29 sec
Use the right lane.
6
Merge onto US 501
2.5 mi·3 min·Lynchburg Expressway
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·42 sec
Toward US 501 South, VA 128 EastUse the right lane.
8
Merge onto US 501; VA 128
0.5 mi·1 min·Candlers Mountain Road
9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 501
21 mi·27 min·US 501
Toward US 29 North, US 460 East, US 501 South: Charlottesville, Appomattox, South BostonUse the straight lane.
10
Take the exit onto VA 24
0.2 mi·21 sec·VA 24
Toward VA 24 East, VA 131 South: To Route 60, Appomattox
11
Turn slight left onto VA 24
19 mi·21 min·VA 24
12
Continue on US 60
7.7 mi·9 min·West James Anderson Highway
13
Continue on US 60
8.1 mi·9 min·East James Anderson Highway
14
Continue on US 60
37 mi·48 min·Anderson Highway
15
Continue on US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·Midlothian Turnpike
16
Turn right onto SR 652
2.5 mi·3 min·Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
17
Enter roundabout onto SR 652
147 ft·5 sec·Old Hundred Road
18
Continue on SR 652
2.5 mi·4 min·Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on VA 76
9.7 mi·12 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
1.8 mi·2 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 146
0.9 mi·1 min·VA 146
Use the slight right lane.
22
Merge onto VA 195
2.9 mi·3 min·Downtown Expressway
Use the straight lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International AirportUse the slight left lane.
24
Merge onto I 95
0.7 mi·54 sec·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 75Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th StreetUse the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
28
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 258AToward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
29
Turn straight onto US 17
0.1 mi·10 sec·J Clyde Morris Boulevard
30
Turn right onto Diligence Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·Diligence Drive
31
At end of road, turn right onto Thimble Shoals Boulevard
0.1 mi·19 sec·Thimble Shoals Boulevard
32
Turn left
413 ft·33 sec
33
At end of road, turn right
82 ft·6 sec
34
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour duration, starting your journey from Forest, VA, in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for a leisurely pace. The longest stretch without a planned stop is over 67 miles, so ensure you have adequate fuel before embarking on this segment. While the $30 fuel cost is manageable, it’s always wise to top off your tank before leaving Forest. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short drive time, you have the flexibility to choose a convenient point to rest or grab a quick bite without significant deviation from your route on I-64.
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 95.6 miles from Forest, VA, or about 2h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.3 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 42 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 95.6 miles or 2h 4m 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 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Newport News, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Forest, 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 Forest, VA
This is one driving day of about 191.1 miles and 4h.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Forest, 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 64 for about 67.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 95.6 mi from Forest, VA
· 2h 4m into the drive
The midpoint is around 95.6 miles from Forest, 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 67.3 miles.
Arriving in Newport News, VA
The final approach into Newport News, 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 Newport News, 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 178
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Question...
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 191.1
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...
21 mi from route
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 105.5
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.88 one way
$59.77 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg67 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$32.68
$65.35
premium
$4.70
$35.37
$70.74
diesel
$5.61
$42.19
$84.38
Estimated Tolls: $0.12
Midlothian Turnpike
(0.9 mi)$0.07
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(0.7 mi)$0.05
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
$30
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
57.3
0
$20.07
$9.17
Efficient EV
47.8
0
$16.72
$7.64
EV Truck/SUV
76.4
0
$26.75
$12.23
Gas CO2
67 kg
EV CO2
22 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 16, 2026
Origin
Forest, VA
Evening
in Forest on Friday
Local time
8:07 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Newport News, VA
Evening
in Newport News on Friday
Local time
8:07 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 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 Forest, VA to Newport News, VA covers 191.1 miles and takes about 4h without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, Anderson Highway, US 501. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 95.6 miles from Forest, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.88 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 191.1 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 7.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.9 miles (US 501): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 121.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Forest, VA and Newport News, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Virginia Beach.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Colonial National Historical Park, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument. There are 5 parks within detour distance of this route.
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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
