Trip from Norfolk, VA to Suffolk, VA

Drive Time

31m

Distance

19.7 mi

32 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$3

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 8 min
4 AM
0h 28m ★
6 AM
0h 31m
8 AM
0h 36m
10 AM
0h 33m
12 PM
0h 32m
3 PM
0h 33m
5 PM
0h 36m
8 PM
0h 29m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Norfolk, VA, VA

Norfolk, VA

Music HQ

Downtown Suffolk, VA, VA

Suffolk, VA

Mark Stebnicki

Trip Overview

Spanning just 19.7 miles, this quick trip between Norfolk and Suffolk is a straightforward commute across Southeastern Virginia. You can easily complete the drive in about 31 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day excursion. With a modest fuel budget of approximately $3, it is an incredibly cost-effective journey that requires no overnight stays. The route utilizes a combination of I-264, Portsmouth Boulevard, and West Military Highway to move you between these two cities. Because the drive is short, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your day without worrying about travel fatigue. It is a practical, no-nonsense connection that gets you from point A to point B efficiently.

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

9.8 miles from Norfolk, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 15m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a mixed driving experience as you transition from the interstate onto local thoroughfares. About 41% of your journey takes place on highways, providing a balanced pace that shifts as you leave the urban interstate flow. Your longest uninterrupted stretch is 7.4 miles on I-264, which offers the fastest portion of the trip before you navigate toward your destination. As you move off the main interstate and onto Portsmouth Boulevard and West Military Highway, the road personality shifts to a more local, stop-and-go environment. You will feel the transition from the high-speed rhythm of the highway to the more typical cadence of regional surface roads.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 16 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 264 is the longest continuous segment at about 7.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.6 miles in.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 19.7 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 7.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 11 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

8
7.6 mi into trip | ~11m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond
8
8.7 mi into trip | ~13m in

Take the exit toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, Military Highway

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 13A-B Toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suff...
6
9 mi into trip | ~14m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.
7
15 mi into trip | ~22m in | US 13 BUS; US 58 BUS; US 460 BUS

Take the exit onto US 13 BUS; US 58 BUS; US 460 BUS toward US 13 Business South, US 58 Business West, US 460 Business West: Downtown, Suffolk

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward US 13 Business South, US 58 Business Wes...
6
19.3 mi into trip | ~30m in | VA 337 / East Washington Street

Turn right onto VA 337 / East Washington Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

Towns Along This Route

Between Norfolk, VA and Suffolk, VA, road signs point toward Richmond and Military Highway.

Richmond

7.6 mi in | ~11m

Military Highway

8.7 mi in | ~13m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 264 7.4 mi 11m
Portsmouth Boulevard 5.3 mi 7m
West Military Highway 2.4 mi 3m
East Pinner Street 1.2 mi 2m
US 13 BUS 0.7 mi 1m
Hampton Roads Beltway 0.4 mi <1m
East Washington Street 0.3 mi <1m
East Constance Road 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 264 — 7.4 mi, about 11m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Norfolk, VA and Suffolk, 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

7.4 mi · 11 min · I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337
Use the none lane.
4

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 47 sec
Toward I 664: Bowers Hill, Suffolk, Richmond Use the slight right lane.
5

Merge onto I 664

0.4 mi · 31 sec · Hampton Roads Beltway
6

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 54 sec
Exit 13A-B Toward US 13, US 58, US 460, VA 191 North: Suffolk, Military Highway Use the slight right lane.
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Use the none lane.
8

Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460

2.4 mi · 3 min · West Military Highway
Use the none lane.
9

Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460

3.1 mi · 3 min · Portsmouth Boulevard
10

Take the exit onto US 13 BUS; US 58 BUS; US 460 BUS

0.7 mi · 1 min · US 13 BUS; US 58 BUS; US 460 BUS
Toward US 13 Business South, US 58 Business West, US 460 Business West: Downtown, Suffolk Use the slight right lane.
11

Turn straight onto US 13 BUS; US 58 BUS; US 460 BUS

2.2 mi · 3 min · Portsmouth Boulevard
Use the none lane.
12

Continue on US 13 BUS; US 58 BUS; US 460 BUS

0.2 mi · 30 sec · East Constance Road
13

Turn left onto East Pinner Street

1.2 mi · 2 min · East Pinner Street
Use the left lane.
14

Turn right onto VA 337

0.3 mi · 41 sec · East Washington Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
15

Turn left onto South Saratoga Street

165 ft · 4 sec · South Saratoga Street
16

Arrive at destination

South Saratoga Street

Trip Plan

Since this is a short, 31-minute drive, you have the advantage of being able to depart whenever your schedule allows without needing to plan for extended rest stops. With no formal stops required along the way, you can focus on a direct transit between Norfolk and Suffolk. Keep in mind that traffic patterns on I-264 can fluctuate, so checking your GPS for real-time updates is a smart move before you head out. Given the modest fuel cost of $3, you won't need to stress about budgeting for gas, allowing you to allocate your resources elsewhere. Use the 7.4-mile interstate stretch to get your momentum, then be prepared to adjust your speed as you transition onto the local segments of the route.

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 9.8 miles from Norfolk, VA, or about 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 7.4 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 19.7 miles or 31m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 9.8 miles or 15m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 25m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Suffolk, 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 19.7 miles and 31m.

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 I 264 for about 7.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 9.8 mi from Norfolk, VA · 15m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

10 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

Middletown, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 19.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Middletown, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 9.8 miles from Norfolk, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Suffolk, VA

The final approach into Suffolk, 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 Suffolk, 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

$3.15 one way

$6.31 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 7 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.43 $3.44 $6.87
premium $4.78 $3.71 $7.41
diesel $5.64 $4.38 $8.75

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$3

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$28–$53

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 6.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 71% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 5.9 0 $2.07 $0.95
Efficient EV 4.9 0 $1.72 $0.79
EV Truck/SUV 7.9 0 $2.76 $1.26

Gas CO2

7 kg

EV CO2

2 kg (71% 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

Norfolk, VA

Evening in Norfolk on Sunday

Local time

5:16 PM

EDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Suffolk, VA

Evening in Suffolk on Sunday

Local time

5:16 PM

EDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

86°F

Middletown, MD

10 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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

31m 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 Suffolk, VA covers 19.7 miles and takes about 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 264, Portsmouth Boulevard, West Military Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 9.8 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 $3.15 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 11 significant decision points across 19.7 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 7.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Norfolk, VA and Suffolk, VA, road signs point toward Richmond and Military Highway.

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