This 418.3-mile journey from Raven, VA, to Norfolk, VA, is best enjoyed over two days, covering an estimated 8 hours and 2 minutes of driving time. Primarily utilizing I-64 and I-81, with a portion on Governor G C Peery Highway, this route is heavily focused on highway travel. With a projected fuel cost of around $65, it’s a manageable trip for most budgets. While it can be done in a single day, splitting it will allow for a more relaxed experience. You'll be traveling within the Southeast region throughout this drive.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
209.2 miles from Raven, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 1m into the drive
.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for 81% of this route, offering a predominantly fast-paced experience. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 157.1 miles on I-64, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent road conditions. While the majority is interstate, the inclusion of Governor G C Peery Highway suggests some variation in the driving experience as you progress. This route offers a straightforward path with minimal detours from major arteries.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 29 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 64 is the longest continuous segment at about 157.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 82.6 miles in near I 81; US 11.
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 17 significant decision points across 418.3 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 82.6 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 312.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 336.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
82.6 mi into trip|~1h 42m in|I 81; US 11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11 toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
8
312.6 mi into trip|~5h 54m in
Take the exit toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
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 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
8
336.7 mi into trip|~6h 21m in
Take the exit toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
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 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
8
412.8 mi into trip|~7h 50m in
Take the exit toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby Street
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 276
Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby Street
9
413 mi into trip|~7h 50m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Cr...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Raven, VA to Norfolk, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Virginia Beach along the way.
Virginia Beach
336.7 mi in|~6h 21m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
157.1 mi
2h 53m
I 81
139.7 mi
2h 33m
Governor G C Peery Highway
27.3 mi
35m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.9 mi
25m
US 52
19.7 mi
22m
I 77
16 mi
17m
Trail of the Lonesome Pine
9.8 mi
11m
Hampton Roads Beltway
4.5 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 157.1 mi, about 2h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Raven, VA and Norfolk, VA.
1
Start on State Route 806
19 ft·0 sec·State Route 806
2
Continue on VA 67
1.1 mi·1 min·Raven Road
3
Turn right onto US 460; VA 67
1.3 mi·2 min·Gov George C Perry Highway
4
Take the exit onto US 460 BUS; VA 67
2.7 mi·4 min·US 460 BUS; VA 67
5
Take the ramp
250 ft·7 sec
Toward US 460 East: Claypool Hill
6
Merge onto US 460
2.4 mi·4 min·Governor George C Peery Highway
7
Turn left onto US 19; US 460
27 mi·35 min·Governor G C Peery Highway
8
Continue on US 19; US 460
9.8 mi·11 min·Trail of the Lonesome Pine
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit onto US 52 Truck
2.3 mi·2 min·US 52 Truck
10
Take the exit onto US 52
20 mi·22 min·US 52
11
Continue on I 77
16 mi·17 min·I 77
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11
140 mi·2 hr 33 min·I 81; US 11
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: RoanokeUse the straight lane.
13
Continue on I 64; I 81
0.3 mi·17 sec·I 64; I 81
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
90 mi·1 hr 38 min·I 64
Toward I 64 East: RichmondUse the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 177Toward I 295 North: Washington, NorfolkUse the slight right lane.
16
Continue on I 295
23 mi·25 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
20
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
21
Continue on I 64; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 276Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby StreetUse the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek RoadUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
24
Turn straight onto US 460
3.1 mi·7 min·Granby Street
Use the left lane.
25
Continue on US 460
446 ft·9 sec·Church Street
26
Turn right onto US 460
1.2 mi·2 min·Monticello Avenue
Use the right lane.
27
Continue on US 460
0.7 mi·1 min·Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
28
Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue
158 ft·9 sec·East City Hall Avenue
Use the left lane.
29
Arrive at destination
East City Hall Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 8-hour drive, consider departing early in the morning to maximize daylight hours. With two recommended stops, plan your breaks strategically to break up the longest stretch of 157.1 miles on I-64. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially when transitioning between highways, as service areas might be less frequent on Governor G C Peery Highway. Splitting this trip over two days is highly recommended for comfort and to avoid fatigue.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 209.2 miles from Raven, VA, or about 4h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 157.1 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 92 miles or 1h 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 209.2 miles or 4h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 209.2 miles or 4h 1m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Norfolk, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Raven, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Raven, VA
Aim for roughly 209 miles and 4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Norfolk, VA
Aim for roughly 209 miles and 4 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 92 miles from Raven, VA.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 64 for about 157.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 209.2 mi from Raven, VA
· 4h 1m into the drive
The midpoint is around 209.2 miles from Raven, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 157.1 miles.
Overnight split
Hotel stop
For a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 209 miles or 4 hours on the road.
Arriving in Norfolk, VA
The final approach into Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, VA.
On a multi-day trip, keep the last day a little lighter so you reach Norfolk, VA with some flexibility left in the schedule.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
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.
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 403.9
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...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
$15
near mile 375.1
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
22 mi from route
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 144.3
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...
28 mi from route
~70 min detour
Free
near mile 331.8
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $44 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
125.5
1
$43.92
$20.08
Efficient EV
104.6
1
$36.60
$16.73
EV Truck/SUV
167.3
2
$58.56
$26.77
Gas CO2
146 kg
EV CO2
49 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Raven, VA
Night
in Raven on Thursday
Local time
9:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Norfolk, VA
Night
in Norfolk on Thursday
Local time
9:26 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
11 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
8h 2m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Raven, VA to Norfolk, VA covers 418.3 miles and takes about 8h 2m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, I 81, Governor G C Peery Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Yes. This route is usually more comfortable as a 2-day drive. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 209 miles on day one.
The midpoint is about 209.2 miles from Raven, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $65.41 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 418.3 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 82.6 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 312.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 336.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Raven, VA to Norfolk, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Virginia Beach along the way.
