The drive from Merrifield, VA to Newport News, VA covers 166.2 miles and takes about 3h 12m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 64, I 95, Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 56.7 miles on I 64.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $25.99 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
83.1 miles from Merrifield, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 38m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 12m. Total distance: 166.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
This is a 3h 12m highway drive covering 166.2 miles, with most of the trip on I 64 and I 95. The longest continuous stretch is about 56.7 miles on I 64.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 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 56.7 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 0.8 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 17 significant decision points across 166.2 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 0.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.8 mi into trip|~2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 495 South: Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 495 South: Richmond
7
6.7 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: Richmond
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 57A
Toward I 95 South: Richmond
8
7.2 mi into trip|~11m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, SR 644 East: Richmond, Franconia
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South, SR 644 East: Richmond, Franc...
8
92.1 mi into trip|~1h 48m 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
107 mi into trip|~2h 4m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Merrifield, VA and Newport News, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
Norfolk
92.1 mi in|~1h 48m
Va Beach
92.1 mi in|~1h 48m
Virginia Beach
107 mi in|~2h 4m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
56.7 mi
1h 2m
I 95
48.6 mi
53m
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
35.7 mi
42m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
Capital Beltway
5.4 mi
7m
Gallows Road
0.6 mi
1m
Diligence Drive
0.5 mi
1m
Thimble Shoals Boulevard
0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 56.7 mi, about 1h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Merrifield, VA and Newport News, VA.
1
Start on SR 650
93 ft·4 sec·Gallows Road
2
Continue on SR 650
0.6 mi·1 min·Gallows Road
Use the left lane.
3
Keep slight left at fork onto SR 650
114 ft·2 sec·Gallows Road
4
Turn straight
0.2 mi·48 sec
Toward US 50 East: Arlington Boulevard, Richmond
5
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 495 South: RichmondUse the slight right lane.
6
Merge onto I 495
5.4 mi·7 min·Capital Beltway
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 57AToward I 95 South: RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 95 South, SR 644 East: Richmond, FranconiaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Richmond
10
Merge onto I 395
36 mi·42 min·Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
49 mi·53 min·I 95
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
13
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 64
57 mi·1 hr 2 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 258AToward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
17
Turn straight onto US 17
0.1 mi·10 sec·J Clyde Morris Boulevard
18
Turn right onto Diligence Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·Diligence Drive
19
At end of road, turn right onto Thimble Shoals Boulevard
0.1 mi·19 sec·Thimble Shoals Boulevard
20
Turn left
413 ft·33 sec
21
At end of road, turn right
82 ft·6 sec
22
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
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 83.1 miles from Merrifield, VA, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.7 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 37 miles or 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 83.1 miles or 1h 38m 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 38m
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 Merrifield, 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 Merrifield, VA
This is one driving day of about 166.2 miles and 3h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 37 miles from Merrifield, 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 56.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 83.1 mi from Merrifield, VA
· 1h 38m into the drive
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...
3 mi from route
~6 min detour
$15
near mile 149
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 166.2
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!
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
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 108.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.99 one way
$51.98 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg58 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$28.42
$56.84
premium
$4.70
$30.76
$61.52
diesel
$5.61
$36.69
$73.39
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$26
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$51–$76
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 58.2 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
49.9
0
$17.45
$7.98
Efficient EV
41.6
0
$14.54
$6.65
EV Truck/SUV
66.5
0
$23.27
$10.64
Gas CO2
58 kg
EV CO2
19 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 17, 2026
Origin
Merrifield, VA
Morning
in Merrifield on Saturday
Local time
8:45 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Newport News, VA
Morning
in Newport News on Saturday
Local time
8:45 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Mostly Clear
SW 6 to 13 mph3% chanceLive forecast
53°F
Ashland, VA
83 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
10 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 12m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Merrifield, VA to Newport News, VA covers 166.2 miles and takes about 3h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, I 95, Henry G. Shirley 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 83.1 miles from Merrifield, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.99 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 17 significant decision points across 166.2 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 0.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Merrifield, VA and Newport News, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. There are 4 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.
