The Caboose Market & Cafe
Later in the drive, short detour
Ashland, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–8 pm
+18047982933
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 54m
Distance
143.8 mi
231 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$22
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Norfolk, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Falmouth, VA
Stephen Noulton
This 143.8-mile journey from Norfolk, VA to Falmouth, VA takes approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes, making it a perfectly manageable day trip. You'll primarily be on major highways, including I-64, I-95, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. With a fuel cost estimated at $22, this is an economical option for a quick getaway within the Southeast region. The drive is straightforward and efficient, ideal if you're looking for a direct route with minimal fuss. Plan for about a 70% highway experience, so expect a consistent pace for most of the trip.
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
71.9 miles from Norfolk, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 29m into the drive .
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 54m. Total distance: 143.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 54m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Expect a highway-focused drive for this route, with about 70% of your travel time spent on interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 61.1 miles on I-64, offering a good opportunity to settle into a rhythm. While predominantly highway, you'll transition between major arteries like I-64 and I-95, with segments of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway also part of the itinerary. This means a consistent speed for much of the drive, designed for efficient travel between these two Virginia points.
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 20.2 miles in near I 64.
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 13 significant decision points across 143.8 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 20.2 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; 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.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
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
Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Washington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward US 1 North: Fredericksburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Norfolk, VA to Falmouth, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Rocky Mount along the way.
Rocky Mount
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 61.1 mi | 1h 7m |
| I 95 | 39.9 mi | 43m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 11.9 mi | 12m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 11.4 mi | 15m |
| Tidewater Drive | 4.6 mi | 10m |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| Emancipation Highway | 3.3 mi | 6m |
| Patriot Highway | 2.2 mi | 4m |
Step-by-step road directions between Norfolk, VA and Falmouth, VA.
Start on East City Hall Avenue
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto VA 337
Turn left
Merge onto I 64
Continue on I 64; US 60
Continue on I 64; US 60
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto I 295
Take the exit
Merge onto I 95
Take the exit
Turn straight onto US 1
Continue on US 1
Continue on US 1; US 17 BUS
Turn right onto Carter Street
Turn left onto VA 218
Arrive at destination
Given the relatively short duration of just under 3 hours, this trip is ideal for a single day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving early to avoid potential traffic, especially as you navigate the I-95 corridor. While the drive is efficient, plan for one stop to stretch your legs or refuel. The $22 fuel cost is an estimate, so check current prices before you depart. A specific tip for this route: be aware that I-95 can experience significant congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours or weekends, so building a small buffer into your travel time is wise.
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.
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 32 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71.9 miles or 1h 29m 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 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Falmouth, VA than in the middle of the route.
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 143.8 miles and 2h 54m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 71.9 mi from Norfolk, VA · 1h 29m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
72 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.
A short stop after about 32 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 71.9 miles from Norfolk, 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 61.1 miles.
The final approach into Falmouth, 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 Falmouth, VA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Ashland, Virginia
Later in the drive, short detour
Hours: 11 am–8 pm
+18047982933
Cafe 54 Breakfast and Lunch
Ashland, Virginia
Juan's Mexican Cafe and Cantina
Newport News, Virginia
Top Coffee Stop
Norfolk, Virginia
Near the start, short detour
Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm
+17576250461
Curitiba Art Cafe
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Tous les Jours Bakery & Cafe - Newport News
Newport News, Virginia
Later in the drive, short detour
Ashland, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–8 pm
+18047982933
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Ashland, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+18043688671
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+17578775826
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Ashland, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–8 pm
+18047983287
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Quinton, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–8 pm
+18049325037
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Mechanicsville, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+18045699707
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–10 pm
+15405825250
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Sandston, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+18042222250
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Norfolk, Virginia
Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm
+17576250461
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–7 pm
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17577553134
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Glen Allen, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+18044001505
Later in the drive, ~12 min detour
Hanover, Virginia
Hours: 8 am–2 pm
+18049139115
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Portsmouth, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Hampton, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18774943833
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
+18668167584
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Norfolk, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18774943833
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, ~9 min detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Norfolk, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Fredericksburg, VA
Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm
+15407868344
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Ruther Glen, Virginia
Near the end, right off the route
Falmouth, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+15406541015
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hours: 8 am–8 pm
+15406585019
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Portsmouth, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+17573938591
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Williamsburg, Virginia
Hours: 2–9 pm
+17576032594
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+15403711494
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+15403733362
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hours: 5 am–10 pm
+15403721086
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+15406933200
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
National Monument
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...
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...
National Battlefield
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.
Regular Gas
$22.49 one way
$44.97 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $24.59 | $49.18 |
| premium | $4.70 | $26.61 | $53.23 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $31.75 | $63.50 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$22
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 50.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 43.1 | 0 | $15.10 | $6.90 |
| Efficient EV | 36 | 0 | $12.58 | $5.75 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 57.5 | 0 | $20.13 | $9.20 |
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (66% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Norfolk on Saturday
Local time
4:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Destination
Late night in Falmouth on Saturday
Local time
4:42 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
71°F
Williamsburg, VA
72 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
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.
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.
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