Trip from Portsmouth, VA to Colonial Heights, VA

Drive Time

1h 52m

Distance

83 mi

134 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$13

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min

4 AM

1h 45m ★

6 AM

1h 53m

8 AM

2h 9m

10 AM

1h 59m

12 PM

1h 57m

3 PM

1h 59m

5 PM

2h 8m

8 PM

1h 48m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Portsmouth, VA

Charles Miller

Colonial Heights, VA

Pavan Sai .D

Trip Overview

If you are looking to travel from Portsmouth to Colonial Heights, expect a journey spanning 83 miles that typically takes about 1 hour and 52 minutes. This trip is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, as it does not require an overnight stay to manage the distance comfortably. You can anticipate a fuel budget of approximately $13 for the trek, making it an affordable option for a quick transit between these two Southeast Virginia locations. The route relies heavily on local paths rather than major interstates, providing a shift from the typical high-speed highway experience. Since the entire drive stays within the same region, you will find a consistent feel throughout your time on the road. It is a straightforward trip that rewards drivers who prefer navigating local corridors over heavy traffic corridors.

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

41.5 miles from Portsmouth, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 57m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Only 14% of this route consists of highway travel, meaning the vast majority of your journey is spent on secondary roads like James River Drive, Colonial Trail West, and Benns Church Boulevard. You will find that the longest uninterrupted stretch lasts for 14.6 miles, offering brief moments of steady driving before the road structure shifts again. Unlike a monotonous interstate grind, this route keeps you engaged with its varied local layout. The character of the road changes frequently as you transition between these specific thoroughfares, requiring you to remain alert for turns throughout the duration of your trip.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 25 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 13 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 miles in.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 83 miles you will encounter 13 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: at 1.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.9 miles (US 58; VA 164 / Martin Luther King Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.4 miles (US 258; VA 10 / Benns Church Boulevard): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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.

1.7 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the ramp toward US 58, VA 164: Western Freeway, Midtown Tunnel

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward US 58, VA 164: Western Freeway, Midtown...

1.9 mi into trip | ~3m in | US 58; VA 164 / Martin Luther King Freeway

Merge onto US 58; VA 164 / Martin Luther King Freeway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

21.4 mi into trip | ~32m in | US 258; VA 10 / Benns Church Boulevard

Merge onto US 258; VA 10 / Benns Church Boulevard

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

73.5 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in | VA 156 Business / Winston Churchill Drive

Turn left onto VA 156 Business / Winston Churchill Drive

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

82.1 mi into trip | ~1h 50m 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 Portsmouth, VA and Colonial Heights, VA.

Start on High Street

0.5 mi · 56 sec · High Street

Turn right onto VA 141

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Effingham Street

Turn left onto VA 141

1.1 mi · 1 min · London Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 18 sec

Toward US 58, VA 164: Western Freeway, Midtown Tunnel Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto US 58; VA 164

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Martin Luther King Freeway

Use the none lane.

Continue on VA 164

7.4 mi · 9 min · Western Freeway

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 17

6.5 mi · 11 min · Bridge Road

Use the straight lane.

Continue on US 17

2.4 mi · 3 min · Carrollton Boulevard

Turn left onto Brewers Neck Boulevard

2.9 mi · 4 min · Brewers Neck Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Merge onto US 258; VA 10

12 mi · 15 min · Benns Church Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Continue on VA 10

9.9 mi · 11 min · Colonial Trail East

Turn left onto VA 10; VA 31

1.0 mi · 1 min · Rolfe Highway

Turn right onto VA 10

13 mi · 15 min · Colonial Trail West

Continue on VA 10

15 mi · 19 min · James River Drive

Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS

1.2 mi · 2 min · East Randolph Road

Turn left onto VA 156 Business

1.8 mi · 2 min · Winston Churchill Drive

Use the none lane.

Continue on VA 36

0.4 mi · 26 sec · Oaklawn Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Continue on VA 36

1.0 mi · 1 min · Woodlawn Street

Use the none lane.

Continue on VA 36

1.0 mi · 1 min · Oaklawn Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Continue on VA 36

0.2 mi · 18 sec · East Washington Street

Turn right onto VA 144

3.7 mi · 6 min · VA 144

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto Conduit Road

0.5 mi · 1 min · Conduit Road

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto East Ellerslie Avenue

0.8 mi · 1 min · East Ellerslie Avenue

Use the none lane.

Turn left

257 ft · 18 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this 1 hour and 52 minute drive is relatively short, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily complete the 83-mile journey without any scheduled stops, though having a plan for the road ahead is always wise given the turn-heavy nature of the route. Because you are navigating local roads rather than high-speed interstates, allow for a little extra time if you are traveling during peak local traffic hours. Keep your fuel budget of $13 in mind as you prep your vehicle for the departure. My best advice for this specific route is to stay vigilant on James River Drive, as it represents the longest stretch of your trip and will likely be where you spend the most consistent time behind the wheel.

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 41.5 miles from Portsmouth, VA, or about 57m 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 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 41.5 miles or 57m 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 33m

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 Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth, VA

This is one driving day of about 83 miles and 1h 52m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Portsmouth, 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 41.5 mi from Portsmouth, VA · 57m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

42 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Middletown, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 41.5 miles from Portsmouth, 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

$13.28 one way

$26.57 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 29 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$14.47	$28.95
premium	$4.78	$15.61	$31.23
diesel	$5.64	$18.44	$36.88

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$13

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$38–$63

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 29 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	24.9	$8.71	$3.98
Efficient EV	20.8	$7.26	$3.32
EV Truck/SUV	33.2	$11.62	$5.31

Gas CO2

29 kg

EV CO2

10 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.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Portsmouth, VA

Evening in Portsmouth on Sunday

Local time

7:51 PM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Colonial Heights, VA

Evening in Colonial Heights on Sunday

Local time

7:51 PM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

86°F

Middletown, MD

42 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

1 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 52m 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 Portsmouth, VA to Colonial Heights, VA covers 83 miles and takes about 1h 52m 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 41.5 miles from Portsmouth, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $13.28 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.

The route from Portsmouth, VA to Colonial Heights, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Return Trip

Colonial Heights, VA to Portsmouth, VA

Plan the drive back the other way.

83.4 mi 1h 53m

Explore more options from Portsmouth, VA or browse trips ending in Colonial Heights, VA.

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Trip from Portsmouth, VA to Colonial Heights, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Colonial Heights, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Portsmouth, VA

Colonial Heights, VA

Same local time

1 degrees warmer at arrival

1h 52m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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