This 183.6-mile drive from Newington, VA to Portsmouth, VA is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 3 hours and 34 minutes on the road, with an estimated fuel cost of $29. The primary arteries for this trip are I-95 and I-64, which make up a significant portion of the drive. You'll be traveling within the Southeast region of the US for the entire route. Given its manageable length and clear path, this trip is well-suited as a day excursion, allowing for flexibility in your schedule.
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
91.8 miles from Newington, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 44m into the drive
.
Loading map...
Drive Character
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 64% of the journey taking place on interstates like I-95 and I-64. You'll experience a significant uninterrupted stretch of 62.7 miles on I-64, offering a consistent pace. The Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway is also a key component, indicating a focus on efficient travel. While primarily a highway-focused experience, the transition between these major roads is smooth, keeping the overall feel practical and direct, rather than overly scenic or winding.
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 62.7 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 0.5 miles in.
Route Complexity10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 183.6 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 0.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 82 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
0.5 mi into trip|~1m in
Take the exit toward SR 617, I 95 South: Backlick Road, Richmond
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward SR 617, I 95 South: Backlick Road, Richm...
8
0.6 mi into trip|~2m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South: Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 95 South: Richmond
8
82 mi into trip|~1h 34m 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
96.9 mi into trip|~1h 50m 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
160.8 mi into trip|~3h 2m in
Take the exit toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, Chesapeake
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 264
Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suff...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Newington, VA and Portsmouth, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Chesapeake and Churchland.
Norfolk
82 mi in|~1h 34m
Va Beach
82 mi in|~1h 34m
Virginia Beach
96.9 mi in|~1h 50m
Suffolk
160.8 mi in|~3h 2m
Chesapeake
160.8 mi in|~3h 2m
Churchland
172.8 mi in|~3h 17m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
62.7 mi
1h 9m
I 95
48.6 mi
53m
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
32.5 mi
38m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
Hampton Roads Beltway
7.2 mi
9m
Western Freeway
5.8 mi
7m
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
4.3 mi
5m
College Drive
1.4 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 62.7 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Newington, VA and Portsmouth, VA.
1
Start on this road
139 ft·17 sec·this road
2
Turn left
89 ft·12 sec
3
Turn left onto SR 877
0.2 mi·42 sec·Newington Road
4
Turn left onto SR 877
0.1 mi·10 sec·Loisdale Road
Use the straight / left lanes.
5
Turn right onto VA 286
0.2 mi·25 sec·Fairfax County Parkway
6
Take the exit
482 ft·16 sec
Toward SR 617, I 95 South: Backlick Road, RichmondUse the right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·38 sec
Toward I 95 South: RichmondUse the straight / right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 95
33 mi·38 min·Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
49 mi·53 min·I 95
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
11
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 64
63 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·36 sec
Exit 264Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, ChesapeakeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 664
6.1 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 664
4.3 mi·5 min·Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
17
Continue on I 664
1.1 mi·1 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 8BToward VA 135 South: College Drive, ChurchlandUse the right lane.
19
Continue on VA 135
1.4 mi·2 min·College Drive
Use the straight lane.
20
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward VA 164 East: Downtown Portsmouth
21
Merge onto VA 164
5.8 mi·7 min·Western Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto US 58; VA 164
0.7 mi·46 sec·Martin Luther King Freeway
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward VA 141 South: Downtown PortsmouthUse the right lane.
24
Turn straight onto US 58
1.2 mi·2 min·London Boulevard
25
Turn right onto VA 141
0.1 mi·11 sec·Effingham Street
Use the right lane.
26
Turn left onto High Street
0.5 mi·1 min·High Street
Use the left lane.
27
Continue on High Street
201 ft·20 sec·High Street
Use the left lane.
28
Arrive at destination
High Street
Trip Plan
With a duration of just over 3.5 hours, this trip offers plenty of flexibility. Aim to depart Newington either early in the morning to avoid potential traffic on I-95 or later in the afternoon to reach Portsmouth before evening. You'll encounter one main stop point along the way, but with only 183.6 miles, you might not need a formal break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 62.7-mile stretch on I-64, as services can be spaced out on longer highway segments.
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 91.8 miles from Newington, VA, or about 1h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.7 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 80 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91.8 miles or 1h 44m 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 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portsmouth, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Newington, 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 Newington, VA
This is one driving day of about 183.6 miles and 3h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Newington, 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 62.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 91.8 mi from Newington, VA
· 1h 44m into the drive
The midpoint is around 91.8 miles from Newington, 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 62.7 miles.
Arriving in Portsmouth, VA
The final approach into Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth, 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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
$15
near mile 139.3
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...
7 mi from route
~17 min detour
Free
near mile 164.6
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.71 one way
$57.42 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg64 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$31.39
$62.79
premium
$4.70
$33.98
$67.96
diesel
$5.61
$40.54
$81.07
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 64.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
55.1
0
$19.28
$8.81
Efficient EV
45.9
0
$16.06
$7.34
EV Truck/SUV
73.4
0
$25.70
$11.75
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
21 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 data refreshed 2 days ago
Origin
Newington, VA
Morning
in Newington on Wednesday
Local time
7:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Portsmouth, VA
Morning
in Portsmouth on Wednesday
Local time
7:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
86°F
Middletown, MD
92 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
16 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 34m 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 Newington, VA to Portsmouth, VA covers 183.6 miles and takes about 3h 34m 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 91.8 miles from Newington, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.71 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 21 significant decision points across 183.6 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 0.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 82 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Newington, VA and Portsmouth, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Chesapeake and Churchland.
