Trip from Portsmouth, VA to Reston, VA

Data updated 5 hours ago

Drive Time

4h 2m

Distance

205.2 mi

330 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$32

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

3h 49m ★

6 AM

4h 2m

8 AM

4h 28m

10 AM

4h 12m

12 PM

4h 9m

3 PM

4h 13m

5 PM

4h 27m

8 PM

3h 55m

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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independent city in Virginia, United States

Portsmouth, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Reston, VA

Eric Joseph

Trip Overview

This 205.2-mile drive from Portsmouth, VA, to Reston, VA, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in a single day, with an estimated travel time of 4 hours and 2 minutes. The route predominantly utilizes major highways, making it a direct connection within the Southeast region. With a projected fuel cost of around $32, this trip is budget-friendly for a day excursion. The highway-focused profile suggests a consistent pace, ideal for those looking to reach their destination efficiently. You'll spend most of your time on the interstate, so pack some good audiobooks or podcasts. This drive is best suited for a single-day trip, minimizing the need for overnight stops.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

102.6 miles from Portsmouth, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h into the drive .

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Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused experience for this 205.2-mile trip, with 74% of the drive on interstates like I-95 and I-64. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 82.3 miles on I-95, offering a chance to settle into a steady rhythm. While the primary roads are major highways, the inclusion of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway suggests some variation in your path. This route is designed for forward momentum, minimizing complex navigation and maximizing efficient travel. You'll likely find yourself on stretches of road that are familiar in their interstate design.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 40 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 82.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.5 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 35 significant decision points across 205.2 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 8.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 21.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 184 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 35 key points

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

8.5 mi into trip | ~12m in

Keep slight right at fork toward VA 135 North: College Drive

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward VA 135 North: College Drive

21.4 mi into trip | ~29m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 64 West: Williamsburg, Richmond

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

Use the slight left lane. Exit 1A Toward I 64 West: Williamsburg, Richmond

184 mi into trip | ~3h 32m in | I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner

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

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Exit 170A; 170B Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Ty...

198.4 mi into trip | ~3h 50m in

Take the exit toward VA 7: Tysons Corner, Leesburg, Leesburg Pike

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 16 Toward VA 7: Tysons Corner, Leesburg, Leesburg...

198.7 mi into trip | ~3h 51m in

Keep slight right at fork toward VA 7 West: Leesburg Pike, Leesburg

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward VA 7 West: Leesburg Pike, Leesburg

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Portsmouth, VA and Reston, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Rocky Mount and Tysons Corner.

Richmond

21.4 mi in | ~29m

Rocky Mount

84.7 mi in | ~1h 39m

Tysons Corner

184 mi in | ~3h 32m | via I 395

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 95	82.3 mi	1h 33m
I 64	62.5 mi	1h 9m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway	11.9 mi	12m
Capital Beltway	10.5 mi	12m
Hampton Roads Beltway	7 mi	8m
Western Freeway	6 mi	8m
Leesburg Pike	4.6 mi	6m
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel	4.3 mi	5m

Longest stretch: I 95 — 82.3 mi, about 1h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth, VA and Reston, 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 right 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

Continue on VA 164

6.0 mi · 8 min · Western Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 14 sec

Toward VA 135: College Drive Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 10 sec

Toward VA 135 North: College Drive Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto VA 135

1.1 mi · 1 min · College Drive

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 57 sec

Toward I 664 North: Newport News, Hampton

Merge onto I 664

0.8 mi · 1 min · Hampton Roads Beltway

Continue on I 664

4.3 mi · 5 min · Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel

Continue on I 664

6.2 mi · 7 min · Hampton Roads Beltway

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 53 sec

Exit 1A Toward I 64 West: Williamsburg, Richmond Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 64

1.4 mi · 1 min · I 64

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64

61 mi · 1 hr 7 min · I 64

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 32 sec

Exit 200 Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

1.3 mi · 2 min

Toward I 295 North: Washington Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 295

12 mi · 12 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway

Take the exit

2.4 mi · 2 min

Exit 43A Toward I 95 North: Washington Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 95

46 mi · 49 min · I 95

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17

1.6 mi · 1 min · I 95; US 17

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min

Merge onto I 95

35 mi · 41 min · I 95

Use the slight left lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 395

0.6 mi · 52 sec · Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway

Exit 170A; 170B Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Take the exit

1.4 mi · 1 min

Exit 170B Toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 495

1.0 mi · 1 min · Capital Beltway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 495

9.5 mi · 11 min · Capital Beltway

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec

Exit 45 Toward VA 267 Toll West: Reston, Herndon, Dulles Airport Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto VA 267

1.1 mi · 1 min · Dulles Toll Road

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 22 sec

Merge onto VA 267

263 ft · 4 sec · Dulles Toll Road

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec

Exit 16 Toward VA 7: Tysons Corner, Leesburg, Leesburg Pike Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 17 sec

Toward VA 7 West: Leesburg Pike, Leesburg Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Merge onto VA 7

4.6 mi · 6 min · Leesburg Pike

Turn left onto SR 606

1.6 mi · 3 min · Baron Cameron Avenue

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto Village Road

367 ft · 15 sec · Village Road

Use the left lane.

At end of road, turn right onto SR 4726

516 ft · 23 sec · North Shore Drive

Turn left onto Washington Plaza North

228 ft · 16 sec · Washington Plaza North

Arrive at destination

Washington Plaza North

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour duration, this drive is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip. Aim to depart early in the morning to take advantage of lighter traffic, especially as you approach the Reston area. You'll only need one stop for fuel and rest, making it easy to plan. The longest stretch without a significant change in roads is 82.3 miles, so be sure to take advantage of any exits before that point if you need a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $32, and it's always wise to have a buffer, particularly when covering 205.2 miles.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 102.6 miles from Portsmouth, VA, or about 2h into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.3 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 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 102.6 miles or 2h in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 13m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Reston, 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 205.2 miles and 4h 2m.

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.

Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 82.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 102.6 mi from Portsmouth, VA · 2h into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

103 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 102.6 miles from Portsmouth, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82.3 miles.

Arriving in Reston, VA

The final approach into Reston, 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 Reston, VA.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

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...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $15 near mile 42.5

View on nps.gov

Fort Monroe National Monument

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...

4 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 21.2

View on nps.gov

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!

16 mi from route ~40 min detour Free near mile 205.2

View on nps.gov

Petersburg National Battlefield

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...

26 mi from route ~64 min detour Free near mile 84.9

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$32.09 one way

$64.18 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 72 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$35.09	$70.17
premium	$4.70	$37.98	$75.96
diesel	$5.61	$45.31	$90.61

Estimated Tolls: $0.23

Dulles Toll Road (1.1 mi) $0.23

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

$32

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$57–$82

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 71.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	61.6	0	$21.55	$9.85
Efficient EV	51.3	0	$17.96	$8.21
EV Truck/SUV	82.1	1	$28.73	$13.13

Gas CO2

72 kg

EV CO2

24 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 data refreshed 1 day ago

Origin

Portsmouth, VA

Late night in Portsmouth on Wednesday

Local time

12:30 AM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Reston, VA

Late night in Reston on Wednesday

Local time

12:30 AM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

86°F

Middletown, MD

103 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

16 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

4h 2m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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 Reston, VA covers 205.2 miles and takes about 4h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 95, I 64, Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 102.6 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 $32.09 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Between Portsmouth, VA and Reston, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Rocky Mount and Tysons Corner.

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Return Trip

Reston, VA to Portsmouth, VA

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206.1 mi 4h 5m

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Trip from Portsmouth, VA to Reston, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Reston, VA

National Parks Near This Route

Colonial National Historical Park

Fort Monroe National Monument

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Petersburg National Battlefield

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Portsmouth, VA

Reston, VA

Same local time

16 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 2m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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