This 96.7-mile drive from Norfolk, VA, to Bellwood, VA, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 1 minute to complete. The route primarily utilizes major highways, including I-64 and the Hampton Roads Beltway, making it a straightforward journey through Virginia's Southeast region. With an estimated fuel cost of $15, this highway-focused trip is efficient for those looking to get from point A to point B without extensive sightseeing. No overnight stops are recommended, allowing for maximum flexibility in your schedule. You can expect a smooth, direct transit on this well-traveled corridor.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
48.3 miles from Norfolk, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 3m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 1m. Total distance: 96.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a drive that is predominantly highway-focused, with 73% of the journey on major interstates. You'll experience a significant 61.1-mile stretch on I-64, offering a consistent pace. The route is designed for efficient travel, so while it may not offer winding scenic byways, it provides a reliable and direct path. The character of the road remains largely consistent, emphasizing speed and directness rather than varied terrain or town transitions. This is a route where maintaining highway speeds will be the norm for most of your travel time.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 61.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Hampton Roads Beltway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 81.3 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 15 significant decision points across 96.7 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 81.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 81.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
81.3 mi into trip|~1h 39m 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
8
81.8 mi into trip|~1h 40m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 295 South, US 60: Rocky Mount NC
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 295 South, US 60: Rocky Mount NC
7
82.2 mi into trip|~1h 41m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 South: Rocky Mount NC
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 295 South: Rocky Mount NC
8
86.2 mi into trip|~1h 47m in
Take the exit toward VA 895 Toll West: Richmond, Richmond International Airport
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 25
Toward VA 895 Toll West: Richmond, Richmond Int...
7
94.6 mi into trip|~1h 57m in
Take the exit toward US 1 South, US 301 South: Route 1, Petersburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 1 South, US 301 South: Route 1, Peter...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Norfolk, VA and Bellwood, VA, road signs point toward Rocky Mount and Richmond International Airport.
Rocky Mount
81.3 mi in|~1h 39m
Richmond International Airport
86.2 mi in|~1h 47m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
61.1 mi
1h 7m
Hampton Roads Beltway
11.4 mi
15m
Pocahontas Parkway
7.9 mi
9m
Tidewater Drive
4.6 mi
10m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
2.1 mi
2m
Route 1
1.9 mi
3m
East City Hall Avenue
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 61.1 mi, about 1h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Norfolk, VA and Bellwood, VA.
1
Start on East City Hall Avenue
0.4 mi·42 sec·East City Hall Avenue
2
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·28 sec
Toward VA 337: Tidewater Drive
3
Merge onto VA 337
4.6 mi·10 min·Tidewater Drive
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left
0.2 mi·28 sec
5
Merge onto I 64
5.6 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
7
Continue on I 64; US 60
5.9 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
61 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.5 mi·32 sec
Exit 200Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NCUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·59 sec
Toward I 295 South, US 60: Rocky Mount NCUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·46 sec
Toward I 295 South: Rocky Mount NCUse the right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·59 sec
Toward US 60: Seven Pines, Bottoms Bridge
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·45 sec
Toward US 60 East, I 295 South: Bottoms Bridge
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 295 South
15
Merge onto I 295
2.1 mi·2 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·52 sec
Exit 25Toward VA 895 Toll West: Richmond, Richmond International AirportUse the slight right lane.
17
Continue on VA 895
7.9 mi·9 min·Pocahontas Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward US 1 South, US 301 South: Route 1, PetersburgUse the right lane.
19
Turn straight onto US 1; US 301
1.7 mi·2 min·Route 1
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on US 1; US 301
0.2 mi·21 sec·Route 1
Use the left lane.
21
Arrive at destination
US 1; US 301
Trip Plan
Given the short 2-hour duration, this trip is best undertaken in a single go, offering flexibility for when you depart. Leaving mid-morning can help you avoid the peak rush hour traffic often found in the Norfolk area. With an estimated fuel cost of $15, plan to fill up before you leave or at a convenient point along the route. The longest stretch without a major exit is over 61 miles, so ensure you have everything you need before embarking on that segment. Since there are no recommended stops, pack snacks and drinks to maintain comfort during your journey.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 48.3 miles from Norfolk, VA, or about 1h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.1 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 21 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.3 miles or 1h 3m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bellwood, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, VA
This is one driving day of about 96.7 miles and 2h 1m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Norfolk, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 64 for about 61.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 48.3 mi from Norfolk, VA
· 1h 3m into the drive
The midpoint is around 48.3 miles from Norfolk, 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 61.1 miles.
Arriving in Bellwood, VA
The final approach into Bellwood, 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 Bellwood, 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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
$15
near mile 36.7
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...
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...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 96.7
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
29
0
$10.15
$4.64
Efficient EV
24.2
0
$8.46
$3.87
EV Truck/SUV
38.7
0
$13.54
$6.19
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (68% 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 16, 2026
Origin
Norfolk, VA
Afternoon
in Norfolk on Friday
Local time
12:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bellwood, VA
Afternoon
in Bellwood on Friday
Local time
12:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
87°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
8 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
2h 1m 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 Norfolk, VA to Bellwood, VA covers 96.7 miles and takes about 2h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, Hampton Roads Beltway, Pocahontas Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 48.3 miles from Norfolk, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $15.12 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 96.7 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 81.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 81.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Norfolk, VA and Bellwood, VA, road signs point toward Rocky Mount and Richmond International Airport.
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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
