Forest, VA to Virginia Beach, VA is 229 miles and takes about 4h 50m via I 64 and US 501, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. It's a straightforward, highway-focused drive that makes for a solid one-day journey. You'll spend a good portion of your time on major interstates, so expect a relatively quick transit. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to get from Central Virginia to the coast.
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
114.5 miles from Forest, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 30m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 50m. Total distance: 229 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 65% of the journey utilizing major roadways like I 64 and US 501. You'll encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch of 77.4 miles on I 64, offering a chance to settle into a steady pace. While the majority is highway, the inclusion of Anderson Highway suggests some transitions to more local or arterial roads as you approach your destination. Expect a driving experience that balances efficient travel with moments of less direct, but still manageable, roadways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 37 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 77.4 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 7.9 miles in near US 501.
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 26 significant decision points across 229 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 7.9 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; at 122.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
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
8
215.6 mi into trip|~4h 30m 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...
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 Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Portsmouth.
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
Portsmouth
215.6 mi in|~4h 30m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
77.4 mi
1h 28m
Anderson Highway
36.7 mi
48m
US 501
20.6 mi
27m
VA 24
18.9 mi
21m
Hampton Roads Beltway
12 mi
15m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
11.8 mi
16m
Powhite Parkway
11.5 mi
15m
East James Anderson Highway
8.1 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 77.4 mi, about 1h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Forest, VA and Virginia Beach, 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
77 mi·1 hr 28 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
28
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
29
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
30
Continue on I 64; US 60
12 mi·15 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
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.
32
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va BeachUse the straight / slight left lanes.
33
Merge onto I 264
12 mi·16 min·Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
34
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi·54 sec·21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
35
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi·46 sec·Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
36
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft·12 sec·25th Street
37
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 50-minute estimated drive time, leaving in the morning from Forest, VA, will allow you to reach Virginia Beach with plenty of daylight to spare. With only one stop recommended, you can strategically plan it for a mid-drive break. The fuel cost is estimated at $36, so ensure your tank is full before departing. Keep an eye on the I 64 corridor, as it can experience significant traffic, especially closer to the Hampton Roads area, which might influence your exact timing.
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 114.5 miles from Forest, VA, or about 2h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.4 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 50 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114.5 miles or 2h 30m 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 56m
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 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 229 miles and 4h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 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 77.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 114.5 mi from Forest, VA
· 2h 30m into the drive
The midpoint is around 114.5 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 77.4 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 229
Hours: 6:30 am–2 pm
+17574220032
Frisby's Restaurant
4.3
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Powhatan, Virginia
1.7 mi
Roberto Italian Restaurant
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Sandston, Virginia
2.1 mi
Top Coffee Stop
Keffiyeh Cafe
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Richmond, Virginia
Around the midpoint, short detour
2.5 mi from route
~6 min detour
$1 to $10
mile 114.5
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.81 one way
$71.62 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$39.16
$78.31
premium
$4.70
$42.38
$84.77
diesel
$5.61
$50.56
$101.12
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
$36
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.7
0
$24.04
$10.99
Efficient EV
57.3
0
$20.04
$9.16
EV Truck/SUV
91.6
1
$32.06
$14.66
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Late night
in Forest on Saturday
Local time
1:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Late night
in Virginia Beach on Saturday
Local time
1:25 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
13 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 50m 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 Virginia Beach, VA covers 229 miles and takes about 4h 50m 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 114.5 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 $35.81 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 26 significant decision points across 229 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 7.9 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; at 122.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Forest, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Portsmouth.
