Portsmouth, VA to Rosslyn, VA is 196.3 miles and takes about 3h 50m via I 95, I 64, and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, specifically within Virginia, making it a straightforward drive. Given its highway-focused profile and manageable duration, it's a good option for a single-day journey. You'll spend most of your time on major interstates, so expect consistent travel speeds.
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
98.1 miles from Portsmouth, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 55m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 50m. Total distance: 196.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (77%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 77% of the journey taking place on major interstates. You'll experience a significant stretch of 82.3 miles on I 95 without interruption, offering a chance to maintain a steady pace. The primary roads include I 95, I 64, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, indicating a consistent interstate experience. Expect efficient travel, though the scenery will largely consist of typical highway environments.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 37 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.
Driving Effort10/10
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 31 significant decision points across 196.3 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 84.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 31 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
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
9
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
8
84.7 mi into trip|~1h 39m in
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
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
9
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...
8
193 mi into trip|~3h 43m in
Take the exit toward VA 27: Washington Boulevard, Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery, Rosslyn
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 8B
Toward VA 27: Washington Boulevard, Pentagon, A...
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 Rosslyn, 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
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
9 mi
10m
Hampton Roads Beltway
7 mi
8m
Western Freeway
6 mi
8m
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
4.3 mi
5m
London Boulevard
1.1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 82.3 mi, about 1h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Portsmouth, VA and Rosslyn, VA.
1
Start on High Street
0.5 mi·56 sec·High Street
2
Turn right onto VA 141
0.1 mi·11 sec·Effingham Street
3
Turn left onto VA 141
1.1 mi·1 min·London Boulevard
Use the right lane.
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward US 58, VA 164: Western Freeway, Midtown TunnelUse the slight right lane.
5
Merge onto US 58; VA 164
0.3 mi·34 sec·Martin Luther King Freeway
6
Continue on VA 164
6.0 mi·8 min·Western Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Toward VA 135: College DriveUse the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·10 sec
Toward VA 135 North: College DriveUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
9
Turn straight onto VA 135
1.1 mi·1 min·College Drive
Use the left lane.
10
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·57 sec
Toward I 664 North: Newport News, Hampton
11
Merge onto I 664
0.8 mi·1 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
12
Continue on I 664
4.3 mi·5 min·Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
13
Continue on I 664
6.2 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·53 sec
Exit 1AToward I 64 West: Williamsburg, RichmondUse the slight left lane.
15
Merge onto I 64
1.4 mi·1 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
61 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.5 mi·32 sec
Exit 200Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NCUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi·2 min
Toward I 295 North: WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 295
12 mi·12 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
20
Take the exit
2.4 mi·2 min
Exit 43AToward I 95 North: WashingtonUse the slight left lane.
21
Merge onto I 95
46 mi·49 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi·1 min·I 95; US 17
23
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
24
Merge onto I 95
35 mi·41 min·I 95
Use the slight left lane.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 395
0.6 mi·52 sec·Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 170A; 170BToward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons CornerUse the straight / slight left lanes.
26
Continue on I 395
8.3 mi·10 min·Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 170AToward I 395 North: WashingtonUse the straight lane.
27
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 8BToward VA 27: Washington Boulevard, Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery, RosslynUse the slight right lane.
28
Merge onto VA 27
0.9 mi·1 min·Washington Boulevard
29
Take the exit
0.1 mi·32 sec
Toward Rosslyn, Pentagon, North ParkingUse the straight / right lanes.
30
At end of road, turn right onto Pentagon Access Road
414 ft·13 sec·Pentagon Access Road
31
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·17 sec·this road
Toward VA 110 North
32
Merge onto VA 110
1.1 mi·1 min·Richmond Highway
Use the straight / left lanes.
33
Turn straight onto Wilson Boulevard
0.3 mi·43 sec·Wilson Boulevard
Toward Wilson Boulevard, Rosslyn
34
Turn right onto North Lynn Street
0.1 mi·27 sec·North Lynn Street
Use the right lane.
35
Turn left onto 19th Street North
472 ft·16 sec·19th Street North
Use the straight / left lanes.
36
Continue on North Nash Street
34 ft·0 sec·North Nash Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
37
Arrive at destination
North Nash Street
Trip Plan
With a drive time of under 4 hours, this trip is easily accomplished in a single day. Aiming for an early morning departure can help you avoid any potential traffic, especially as you approach the Northern Virginia area. Given the longest stretch is 82.3 miles, you'll likely only need one planned stop for fuel or a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $31, and it's always wise to top off before entering more densely populated areas where fuel prices can be higher.
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 98.1 miles from Portsmouth, VA, or about 1h 55m 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 43 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 98.1 miles or 1h 55m 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 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Rosslyn, 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 196.3 miles and 3h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 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 98.1 mi from Portsmouth, VA
· 1h 55m into the drive
The midpoint is around 98.1 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 Rosslyn, VA
The final approach into Rosslyn, 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 Rosslyn, 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
~2 min detour
$15
near mile 40.6
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...
5 mi from route
~12 min detour
Free
near mile 20.3
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...
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!
30 mi from route
~75 min detour
Free
near mile 196.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.70 one way
$61.39 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg69 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$33.56
$67.13
premium
$4.70
$36.33
$72.66
diesel
$5.61
$43.34
$86.68
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
58.9
0
$20.61
$9.42
Efficient EV
49.1
0
$17.18
$7.85
EV Truck/SUV
78.5
0
$27.48
$12.56
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 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 15, 2026
Origin
Portsmouth, VA
Late night
in Portsmouth on Saturday
Local time
1:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Rosslyn, VA
Late night
in Rosslyn on Saturday
Local time
1:39 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
8 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
3h 50m 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 Rosslyn, VA covers 196.3 miles and takes about 3h 50m 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 98.1 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 $30.70 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 31 significant decision points across 196.3 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 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 84.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Portsmouth, VA and Rosslyn, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Rocky Mount and Tysons Corner.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield. There are 4 parks within detour distance of this route.
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.
