This 157.9-mile drive from Fredericksburg, VA to Virginia Beach, VA is a straightforward, highway-focused trip that can easily be completed in about 3 hours and 10 minutes. It's a perfect candidate for a day trip, with an estimated fuel cost of $25. You'll primarily be on I-95, I-64, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. Given its manageable length and the relatively short duration, you won't need to break this trip into multiple days. The route stays within the Southeast region, offering a consistent driving experience.
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
79 miles from Fredericksburg, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 34m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 10m. Total distance: 157.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (75%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway experience on this route, with 75% of the drive being on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 66.8 miles on I-64. This means you'll spend most of your time on high-speed, limited-access roads. While this makes for efficient travel, be prepared for a consistent highway feel rather than varied terrain or town driving. The transition between I-95, I-64, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway is generally seamless.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 28 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 66.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 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 19 significant decision points across 157.9 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 1.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 61 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
1.6 mi into trip|~4m in
Take the exit toward US 1 South, Massaponax
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 1 South, Massaponax
8
46.1 mi into trip|~56m in
Take the exit toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 84A
Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va B...
8
61 mi into trip|~1h 12m in
Take the exit toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
8
144.6 mi into trip|~2h 50m 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
144.7 mi into trip|~2h 50m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fredericksburg, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Portsmouth.
Norfolk
46.1 mi in|~56m
Va Beach
46.1 mi in|~56m
Portsmouth
144.6 mi in|~2h 50m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
66.8 mi
1h 15m
I 95
40 mi
43m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
Hampton Roads Beltway
12 mi
15m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
11.8 mi
16m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Patriot Highway
2.6 mi
5m
Emancipation Highway
1.6 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 66.8 mi, about 1h 15m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fredericksburg, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
1
Start on US 1 BUS; US 17 BUS; VA 2
345 ft·16 sec·Princess Anne Street
2
Turn right onto George Street
0.3 mi·43 sec·George Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto Barton Street
198 ft·7 sec·Barton Street
4
Turn right onto George Street
333 ft·9 sec·George Street
5
Continue on Hanover Street
0.8 mi·2 min·Hanover Street
6
Turn right onto High Street
219 ft·11 sec·High Street
7
Turn left onto VA 3 BUS
0.1 mi·25 sec·William Street
8
Continue on VA 3
0.2 mi·32 sec·William Street
9
Take the exit
346 ft·9 sec
Toward US 1 South, Massaponax
10
Turn sharp right onto US 1
1.6 mi·2 min·Emancipation Highway
Use the left lane.
11
Continue on US 1
2.2 mi·4 min·Patriot Highway
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 1
0.4 mi·55 sec·Patriot Highway
13
Turn left
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward I 95 SouthUse the left lane.
14
Merge onto I 95
40 mi·43 min·I 95
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
16
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
20
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
21
Continue on I 64; US 60
12 mi·15 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
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.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va BeachUse the straight / slight left lanes.
24
Merge onto I 264
12 mi·16 min·Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
25
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi·54 sec·21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
26
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi·46 sec·Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
27
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft·12 sec·25th Street
28
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour, 10-minute journey, leaving Fredericksburg early in the morning can help you avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Virginia Beach area. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. The estimated fuel cost is $25, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before departing. Given the highway-focused nature, keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as services can sometimes be spaced out on longer interstate stretches. A specific tip: familiarize yourself with the transition from I-95 to I-64 to ensure a smooth merge.
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 79 miles from Fredericksburg, VA, or about 1h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.8 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 35 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 79 miles or 1h 34m 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 31m
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 Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg, VA
This is one driving day of about 157.9 miles and 3h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Fredericksburg, 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 66.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 79 mi from Fredericksburg, VA
· 1h 34m into the drive
The midpoint is around 79 miles from Fredericksburg, 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 66.8 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 157.9
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
$15
near mile 103.5
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 130.7
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...
26 mi from route
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 59.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.69 one way
$49.38 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg55 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$27.00
$54.00
premium
$4.70
$29.22
$58.45
diesel
$5.61
$34.86
$69.72
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 55.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
47.4
0
$16.58
$7.58
Efficient EV
39.5
0
$13.82
$6.32
EV Truck/SUV
63.2
0
$22.11
$10.11
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
18 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 15, 2026
Origin
Fredericksburg, VA
Late night
in Fredericksburg on Friday
Local time
3:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Late night
in Virginia Beach on Friday
Local time
3:50 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
5 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 10m 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 Fredericksburg, VA to Virginia Beach, VA covers 157.9 miles and takes about 3h 10m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, I 95, Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 79 miles from Fredericksburg, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.69 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 19 significant decision points across 157.9 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 1.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 46.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 61 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Fredericksburg, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Portsmouth.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
