Origin
Newport News, VA
Morning in Newport News on Wednesday
Local time
6:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Newport News, VA to Richlands, VA
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
7h 25m
Distance
393.4 mi
633 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$62
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 15m
★
6 AM
7h 25m
8 AM
7h 46m
10 AM
7h 33m
12 PM
7h 31m
3 PM
7h 34m
5 PM
7h 45m
8 PM
7h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Newport News, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Richlands, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
The drive from Newport News, VA to Richlands, VA covers 393.4 miles and takes about 7h 25m 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 81, I 77 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 176.9 miles on I 64. At current regular gas prices, budget about $61.52 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
196.7 miles from Newport News, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 38m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This is a 7h 25m highway drive covering 393.4 miles, with most of the trip on I 64 and I 81. The longest continuous stretch is about 176.9 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 29 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 176.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.4 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 393.4 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 1.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
1.4 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Take the exit toward I 64 West: Williamsburg, Richmond
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 64 West: Williamsburg, Richmond
8
58.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 6m in
Take the exit toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
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 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
7
58.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 6m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 295 North: Washington
6
82.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 34m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 53A
Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
8
321.9 mi into trip
|
~5h 56m in
|
I 77
Keep slight right at fork onto I 77 toward I 77 North: Bluefield, Charleston W. Va.
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 77 North: Bluefield, Charleston W. Va.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Newport News, VA and Richlands, VA, road signs point toward Rocky Mount and Charleston W. Va..
Rocky Mount
58.2 mi in
|
~1h 6m
Charleston W. Va.
321.9 mi in
|
~5h 56m
|
via I 77
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 176.9 mi | 3h 13m |
| I 81 | 117.1 mi | 2h 9m |
| I 77 | 28.4 mi | 31m |
| Governor G C Peery Highway | 27.2 mi | 34m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 22.6 mi | 24m |
| Big Laurel Highway | 9.9 mi | 11m |
| John Nash Boulevard | 2.5 mi | 2m |
| Governor George C Peery Highway | 2.4 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 176.9 mi, about 3h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Newport News, VA and Richlands, VA.
1
Start on this road
82 ft
·
12 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
413 ft
·
31 sec
3
At end of road, turn right onto Thimble Shoals Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
20 sec
·
Thimble Shoals Boulevard
4
Turn left onto Diligence Drive
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Diligence Drive
5
Turn left onto US 17
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
J Clyde Morris Boulevard
Use the left lane.
6
Continue on US 17
168 ft
·
10 sec
·
J Clyde Morris Boulevard
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 64 West: Williamsburg, Richmond
8
Merge onto I 64
57 mi
·
1 hr 2 min
·
I 64
Use the right lane.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 295 North: Washington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 295
23 mi
·
24 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 53A
Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
13
Merge onto I 64
120 mi
·
2 hr 10 min
·
I 64
Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
Use the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
117 mi
·
2 hr 9 min
·
I 81
Use the straight lane.
15
Continue on I 77; I 81; US 52
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
I 77; I 81; US 52
Use the straight lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 77
27 mi
·
30 min
·
I 77
Toward I 77 North: Bluefield, Charleston W. Va.
Use the slight right lane.
17
Take the exit onto US 52
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
US 52
Exit 1
Toward US 52 North: Bluefield
18
Turn right onto US 52
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
John Nash Boulevard
19
Take the exit onto US 52
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
US 52
Toward US 460 West: Bluefield
20
Merge onto US 52; US 460; US 52 Truck
9.9 mi
·
11 min
·
Big Laurel Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
21
Continue on US 19; US 460
27 mi
·
34 min
·
Governor G C Peery Highway
22
Take the exit onto US 460
386 ft
·
10 sec
·
US 460
23
Merge onto US 460
2.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Governor George C Peery Highway
24
Take the exit
156 ft
·
4 sec
Toward US 460 BUS: Cedar Bluff, Richlands
25
Turn right onto SR F608
0.1 mi
·
12 sec
·
SR F608
26
At end of road, turn right onto US 460 BUS
0.5 mi
·
51 sec
·
Cedar Valley Drive
27
Continue on US 460 BUS
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
West Front Street
28
Turn left onto Virginia Avenue
88 ft
·
2 sec
·
Virginia Avenue
29
Arrive at destination
Virginia Avenue
Trip Plan
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 196.7 miles from Newport News, VA, or about 3h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 176.9 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 87 miles or 1h 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 196.7 miles or 3h 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 6h 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richlands, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Newport News, 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 Newport News, VA
This is one driving day of about 393.4 miles and 7h 25m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 87 miles from Newport News, 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 64 for about 176.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 196.7 mi from Newport News, VA · 3h 38m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
197 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 87 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 196.7 miles from Newport News, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 176.9 miles.
Arriving in Richlands, VA
The final approach into Richlands, 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 Richlands, 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
$61.52 one way
$123.04 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
138 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $67.27 | $134.53 |
| premium | $4.70 | $72.81 | $145.62 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $86.86 | $173.72 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$62
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$87–$112
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 137.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $41 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 118 | 1 | $41.31 | $18.88 |
| Efficient EV | 98.4 | 1 | $34.42 | $15.74 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 157.4 | 1 | $55.08 | $25.18 |
Gas CO2
138 kg
EV CO2
46 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
Richlands, VA
Morning in Richlands on Wednesday
Local time
6:18 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
76°F
Oakland, MD
197 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
1 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 25m 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 Newport News, VA to Richlands, VA covers 393.4 miles and takes about 7h 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, I 81, I 77. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 196.7 miles from Newport News, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $61.52 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 23 significant decision points across 393.4 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 1.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 58.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Newport News, VA and Richlands, VA, road signs point toward Rocky Mount and Charleston W. Va..
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