Origin
Norfolk, VA
Afternoon in Norfolk on Sunday
Local time
3:54 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Norfolk, VA to Colonial Heights, VA
Drive Time
1h 56m
Distance
85 mi
137 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 48m
★
6 AM
1h 57m
8 AM
2h 13m
10 AM
2h 2m
12 PM
2h 1m
3 PM
2h 3m
5 PM
2h 13m
8 PM
1h 51m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Norfolk, VA
Music HQ
Colonial Heights, VA
Pavan Sai .D
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Norfolk to Colonial Heights, expect a straightforward journey covering 85 miles. You should budget about 1 hour and 56 minutes of travel time, making this an ideal day trip that doesn't require an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $14 on fuel for the trek. Since both cities are located within the Southeast region of Virginia, the drive remains within a familiar geographic area. This route is a practical choice if you prefer a direct path between these two points without the need for multiple stops.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
42.5 miles from Norfolk, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h into the drive .
Drive Character
Prepare for a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. With only 17% of the journey spent on highways, you will spend the majority of your time navigating local roads like James River Drive, Colonial Trail West, and Benns Church Boulevard. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 14.6-mile segment on James River Drive. Because the route relies so heavily on secondary roads, you will experience a constant change of pace that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. Expect a more hands-on driving experience compared to a standard highway haul.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
James River Drive is the longest continuous segment at about 14.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.
Route Complexity
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 85 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.2 miles (I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
Take the ramp toward US 460 West, I 264 Toll West, I 464: Portsmouth
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 460 West, I 264 Toll West, I 464: Por...
5
0.2 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337
Merge onto I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
8
2.8 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the exit toward VA 164 West: Martin Luther King Jr Expressway, Norfolk
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 6
Toward VA 164 West: Martin Luther King Jr Expre...
6
75.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m in
|
VA 156 Business / Winston Churchill Drive
Turn left onto VA 156 Business / Winston Churchill Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
84.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 54m in
|
East Ellerslie Avenue
Turn left onto East Ellerslie Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| James River Drive | 14.6 mi | 19m |
| Colonial Trail West | 13.3 mi | 15m |
| Benns Church Boulevard | 12.1 mi | 15m |
| Colonial Trail East | 9.9 mi | 11m |
| Western Freeway | 7.4 mi | 9m |
| Bridge Road | 6.5 mi | 11m |
| VA 144 | 3.7 mi | 6m |
| Brewers Neck Boulevard | 2.9 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
James River Drive
— 14.6 mi, about 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Norfolk, VA and Colonial Heights, VA.
1
Start on East City Hall Avenue
122 ft
·
2 sec
·
East City Hall Avenue
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward US 460 West, I 264 Toll West, I 464: Portsmouth
3
Merge onto I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337
2.6 mi
·
4 min
·
I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337
Use the none lane.
4
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 6
Toward VA 164 West: Martin Luther King Jr Expressway, Norfolk
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on VA 164
0.5 mi
·
48 sec
·
Martin Luther King Jr Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on US 58; VA 164
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
·
Martin Luther King Freeway
Use the none lane.
7
Continue on VA 164
7.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Western Freeway
Use the none lane.
8
Continue on US 17
6.5 mi
·
11 min
·
Bridge Road
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on US 17
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Carrollton Boulevard
10
Turn left onto Brewers Neck Boulevard
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Brewers Neck Boulevard
Use the none lane.
11
Merge onto US 258; VA 10
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Benns Church Boulevard
Use the none lane.
12
Continue on VA 10
9.9 mi
·
11 min
·
Colonial Trail East
13
Turn left onto VA 10; VA 31
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Rolfe Highway
14
Turn right onto VA 10
13 mi
·
15 min
·
Colonial Trail West
15
Continue on VA 10
15 mi
·
19 min
·
James River Drive
16
Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
East Randolph Road
17
Turn left onto VA 156 Business
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Winston Churchill Drive
Use the none lane.
18
Continue on VA 36
0.4 mi
·
26 sec
·
Oaklawn Boulevard
Use the none lane.
19
Continue on VA 36
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Woodlawn Street
Use the none lane.
20
Continue on VA 36
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Oaklawn Boulevard
Use the none lane.
21
Continue on VA 36
0.2 mi
·
18 sec
·
East Washington Street
22
Turn right onto VA 144
3.7 mi
·
6 min
·
VA 144
Use the left lane.
23
Turn right onto Conduit Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Conduit Road
Use the right lane.
24
Turn left onto East Ellerslie Avenue
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
East Ellerslie Avenue
Use the none lane.
25
Turn left
257 ft
·
18 sec
26
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Because this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to leave whenever it best suits your schedule. Since there are no designated stops on this 85-mile route, it is wise to ensure your fuel tank is ready before you depart to avoid unnecessary detours. Given the turn-heavy nature of the local roads, stay alert and keep your focus on the road signage throughout the drive. Take advantage of the fact that this is a single-day journey, allowing you to reach Colonial Heights with plenty of time to spare for your planned activities. Staying mindful of the local road transitions will help ensure a smooth arrival.
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 42.5 miles from Norfolk, VA, or about 1h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 14.6 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 47m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 42.5 miles or 1h 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 36m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Colonial Heights, 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 85 miles and 1h 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Norfolk, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on James River Drive for about 14.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 42.5 mi from Norfolk, VA · 1h into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
43 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 42.5 miles from Norfolk, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Colonial Heights, VA
The final approach into Colonial Heights, 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 Colonial Heights, VA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$13.60 one way
$27.21 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
30 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $14.82 | $29.64 |
| premium | $4.78 | $15.99 | $31.98 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $18.88 | $37.77 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 29.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 25.5 | 0 | $8.92 | $4.08 |
| Efficient EV | 21.3 | 0 | $7.44 | $3.40 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 34 | 0 | $11.90 | $5.44 |
Gas CO2
30 kg
EV CO2
10 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.
Destination
Colonial Heights, VA
Afternoon in Colonial Heights on Sunday
Local time
3:54 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
86°F
Middletown, MD
43 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
2 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
1h 56m 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 Colonial Heights, VA covers 85 miles and takes about 1h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are James River Drive, Colonial Trail West, Benns Church Boulevard. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 42.5 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 $13.60 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 85 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: near the start: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.2 miles (I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 2.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Norfolk, VA to Colonial Heights, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Colonial Heights, VA
More trips to Colonial Heights, VA
Explore more options from Norfolk, VA or browse trips ending in Colonial Heights, VA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.
Explore maps for Norfolk, VA or Colonial Heights, VA on MapSof.net.