This 104.1-mile drive from Norfolk, VA, to Woodlake, VA, is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take around 2 hours and 22 minutes. You'll primarily navigate along James River Drive, Colonial Trail West, and World War II Veterans Memorial Highway. With a fuel cost estimated at $16, this route offers a straightforward journey through Virginia's Southeast region. The profile suggests a turn-heavy local drive, so expect a more engaging experience than a simple highway cruise. Given its duration and character, it's perfectly suited for a single-day excursion without the need for an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
52.1 miles from Norfolk, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 11m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 22m. Total distance: 104.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This route presents a turn-heavy local drive, meaning you'll experience a dynamic road that shifts frequently rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. Only 13% of the journey is on highways, so be prepared for a more connected-to-the-local-landscape feel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 14.6 miles along James River Drive, offering a brief period of consistent travel before the road begins its more intricate course. This character suggests a drive where you'll be actively navigating through communities and varied terrain.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 27 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. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 104.1 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: near the start: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 13 key points
These 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...
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
83.8 mi into trip|~1h 53m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Richmond
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 95 North: Richmond
7
85.3 mi into trip|~1h 55m in
Take the exit toward VA 288 North: Chesterfield
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 62
Toward VA 288 North: Chesterfield
7
99 mi into trip|~2h 11m in
Take the exit toward US 360 West: Hull Street Road, Amelia
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 360 West: Hull Street Road, Amelia
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
James River Drive
14.6 mi
19m
Colonial Trail West
13.3 mi
15m
World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
Benns Church Boulevard
12.1 mi
15m
Colonial Trail East
9.9 mi
11m
Western Freeway
7.4 mi
9m
East Hundred Road
6.6 mi
9m
Bridge Road
6.5 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
James River Drive
— 14.6 mi, about 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Norfolk, VA and Woodlake, 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
4
Take the exit
0.4 mi·37 sec
Exit 6Toward VA 164 West: Martin Luther King Jr Expressway, NorfolkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on VA 164
0.5 mi·48 sec·Martin Luther King Jr Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on US 58; VA 164
0.6 mi·55 sec·Martin Luther King Freeway
7
Continue on VA 164
7.4 mi·9 min·Western Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
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
11
Merge onto US 258; VA 10
12 mi·15 min·Benns Church Boulevard
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
2.9 mi·4 min·East Randolph Road
17
Continue on VA 10
6.6 mi·9 min·East Hundred Road
Use the left lane.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward I 95 North: RichmondUse the right lane.
19
Merge onto I 95
1.1 mi·1 min·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
20
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 62Toward VA 288 North: ChesterfieldUse the slight right lane.
21
Continue on VA 288
13 mi·14 min·World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·43 sec
Toward US 360 West: Hull Street Road, AmeliaUse the right lane.
23
Merge onto US 360
3.3 mi·5 min·Hull Street Road
Use the straight lane.
24
Turn right onto SR 3600
0.7 mi·1 min·Woodlake Village Parkway
25
Turn left onto SR 3600
0.8 mi·1 min·Woodlake Village Parkway
26
Turn right
344 ft·25 sec
27
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour and 22-minute drive, flexibility is your advantage. Since it's a single-day trip with a modest 104.1 miles, you can depart at your leisure. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $16, and plan for potential stops if needed, though none are explicitly listed. The 'turn-heavy local drive' profile suggests being attentive to navigation, especially as you transition between James River Drive, Colonial Trail West, and World War II Veterans Memorial Highway. A good tip is to have your GPS or map readily accessible to smoothly manage the frequent road changes.
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 52.1 miles from Norfolk, VA, or about 1h 11m 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 23 miles or 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 52.1 miles or 1h 11m 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 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Woodlake, 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 104.1 miles and 2h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Norfolk, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
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 52.1 mi from Norfolk, VA
· 1h 11m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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...
11 mi from route
~26 min detour
$15
near mile 39.5
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 7.2
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...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 82.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$16.28 one way
$32.56 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg36 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$17.80
$35.60
premium
$4.70
$19.27
$38.53
diesel
$5.61
$22.98
$45.97
Estimated Tolls: $0.08
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(1.1 mi)$0.08
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$16
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 36.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
31.2
0
$10.93
$5.00
Efficient EV
26
0
$9.11
$4.16
EV Truck/SUV
41.6
0
$14.57
$6.66
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 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.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Norfolk, VA
Night
in Norfolk on Friday
Local time
10:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Woodlake, VA
Night
in Woodlake on Friday
Local time
10:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
55°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
52°F
Waverly, VA
52 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
24 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 22m 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 Woodlake, VA covers 104.1 miles and takes about 2h 22m 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, World War II Veterans Memorial Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 52.1 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 $16.28 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 13 significant decision points across 104.1 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: near the start: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 83.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Norfolk, VA to Woodlake, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield.
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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
