Origin
Glade Spring, VA
Evening in Glade Spring on Sunday
Local time
8:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Trip from Glade Spring, VA to Virginia Beach, VA
Drive Time
7h 36m
Distance
404.8 mi
651 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$65
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 27m
★
6 AM
7h 37m
8 AM
7h 56m
10 AM
7h 44m
12 PM
7h 42m
3 PM
7h 45m
5 PM
7h 55m
8 PM
7h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Trip Overview
Crossing the state from Glade Spring to Virginia Beach spans 404.8 miles, making for a significant 7-hour and 36-minute journey across Virginia. While technically possible to complete in one long day, you should prepare for a full day behind the wheel if you choose not to break it up. The route relies heavily on major arteries like I-81, I-64, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. Budgeting approximately $65 for fuel is a smart move for this cross-state trek. Because you are traveling from the mountainous southwest toward the coastal southeast, you will witness a distinct transition in Virginia’s geography. Whether you power through in one go or prefer an overnight stop, having a clear plan will make this cross-state transit much more manageable.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
202.4 miles from Glade Spring, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 43m into the drive .
Drive Character
This is a highway-focused drive, with 89% of your total travel time spent on major interstates. You will face a significant stretch early on, with the longest segment being 191.5 miles exclusively on I-81. Expect a consistent, high-speed pace that favors efficiency over winding backroads. As you transition from the western highway corridors to the eastern portions of the state, the road character remains primarily utilitarian. Be prepared for the steady, repetitive nature of interstate travel, which keeps your progress fast but requires sustained focus.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 191.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 53.7 miles in near I 81; US 11.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 404.8 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 53.7 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 193.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 283.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
53.7 mi into trip
|
~1h in
|
I 81; US 11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11 toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
7
193.7 mi into trip
|
~3h 34m in
|
I 64
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 East: Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward I 64 East: Richmond
8
283.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 12m in
Take the exit toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
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 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
8
307.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 39m 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
391.4 mi into trip
|
~7h 17m 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 Along This Route
On the drive from Glade Spring, VA to Virginia Beach, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Norfolk along the way.
Norfolk
283.7 mi in
|
~5h 12m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 191.5 mi | 3h 29m |
| I 64 | 157.1 mi | 2h 53m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 22.9 mi | 25m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 12 mi | 15m |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway | 11.8 mi | 16m |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| Maple Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| 21st Street | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 191.5 mi, about 3h 29m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Glade Spring, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
1
Start on SR 609
56 ft
·
8 sec
·
Evergreen Street
2
Turn left onto Grace Street
199 ft
·
9 sec
·
Grace Street
3
Turn right onto Town Square Street
487 ft
·
21 sec
·
Town Square Street
4
Turn slight right onto VA 91 BUS
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
West Glade Street
5
Turn straight onto VA 91 BUS
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Maple Street
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
7
Merge onto I 81
52 mi
·
55 min
·
I 81
Use the none lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11
140 mi
·
2 hr 33 min
·
I 81; US 11
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on I 64; I 81
0.3 mi
·
17 sec
·
I 64; I 81
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
90 mi
·
1 hr 38 min
·
I 64
Toward I 64 East: Richmond
Use the none lane.
11
Take the exit
1.2 mi
·
1 min
Exit 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
Use the slight right lane.
12
Continue on I 295
23 mi
·
25 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the none lane.
13
Take the exit
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Exit 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 64
67 mi
·
1 hr 15 min
·
I 64
Use the none lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft
·
5 sec
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
16
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
17
Continue on I 64; US 60
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 284A
Toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth
Use the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
20
Merge onto I 264
12 mi
·
16 min
·
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
Use the none lane.
21
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
22
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
23
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft
·
12 sec
·
25th Street
24
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
To keep your energy high, plan for at least two intentional stops to stretch your legs during the 404.8-mile drive. Leaving early in the morning is your best strategy for avoiding the peak traffic often found near major urban hubs along the I-64 corridor. Since the route is dominated by high-speed highway segments, pay close attention to your fuel gauge during the long 191.5-mile stretch on I-81 to ensure you don't run low between service areas. If you find the 7-hour and 36-minute duration too taxing, consider splitting the trip to keep your arrival in Virginia Beach stress-free. Flexibility is your biggest advantage here, so monitor local traffic reports along the interstate before you depart to adjust your timing as needed.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 202.4 miles from Glade Spring, VA, or about 3h 43m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 191.5 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 89 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 202.4 miles or 3h 43m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 21m
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 Glade Spring, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Glade Spring, VA
This is one driving day of about 404.8 miles and 7h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 89 miles from Glade Spring, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 191.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 202.4 mi from Glade Spring, VA · 3h 43m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
202 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 89 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 202.4 miles from Glade Spring, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 191.5 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.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$64.78 one way
$129.57 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
142 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $70.59 | $141.17 |
| premium | $4.78 | $76.15 | $152.29 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $89.93 | $179.87 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$65
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$90–$115
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 141.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 121.4 | 1 | $42.50 | $19.43 |
| Efficient EV | 101.2 | 1 | $35.42 | $16.19 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 161.9 | 2 | $56.67 | $25.91 |
Gas CO2
142 kg
EV CO2
47 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Virginia Beach, VA
Evening in Virginia Beach on Sunday
Local time
8:50 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
76°F
Oakland, MD
202 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.
Road read
7h 36m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Glade Spring, VA to Virginia Beach, VA covers 404.8 miles and takes about 7h 36m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, I 64, 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 202.4 miles from Glade Spring, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $64.78 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks 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 15 significant decision points across 404.8 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 53.7 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 193.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 283.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Glade Spring, VA to Virginia Beach, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Norfolk along the way.
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