Trip from Reston, VA to Norfolk, VA

Data updated 5 hours ago

Drive Time

4h 2m

Distance

201.1 mi

324 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

3h 50m ★

6 AM

4h 3m

8 AM

4h 29m

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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Reston, VA

Eric Joseph

Norfolk, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 201.1-mile drive from Reston, VA, to Norfolk, VA, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 2 minutes to complete. Primarily utilizing I-64 and I-95, with a significant portion on the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway, the route offers a predominantly highway experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $31, this journey through the Southeast region is quite economical for a single day's travel. The mixed drive profile means you'll encounter a variety of road conditions, but the relatively short duration makes it a straightforward option for getting from Northern Virginia to the Hampton Roads area without needing an overnight stop.

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

100.5 miles from Reston, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .

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Drive Character

Expect a mixed drive on this route, with 57% of your journey on highways. The majority of your time will be spent on major interstates like I-64 and I-95, including the busy Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 66.8 miles on I-64, so be prepared for sustained periods of highway driving. While not exclusively monotonous, this route is characterized by its efficient, albeit sometimes busy, interstate travel, designed to get you to your destination without many detours.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 31 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 66.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 19.6 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 201.1 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: at 19.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 104.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 119.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 25 key points

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

19.6 mi into trip | ~29m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, SR 644 East: Richmond, Franconia

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 South, SR 644 East: Richmond, Franc...

104.6 mi into trip | ~2h 5m in

Take the exit toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 84A Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va B...

119.4 mi into trip | ~2h 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

195.5 mi into trip | ~3h 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

195.7 mi into trip | ~3h 51m 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.

Between Reston, VA and Norfolk, VA, road signs point toward Franconia, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.

Franconia

19.6 mi in | ~29m

Va Beach

104.6 mi in | ~2h 5m

Virginia Beach

119.4 mi in | ~2h 21m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 64	66.8 mi	1h 15m
I 95	48.6 mi	53m
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway	35.7 mi	42m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway	13 mi	14m
Capital Beltway	10.1 mi	12m
Leesburg Pike	4.9 mi	7m
Hampton Roads Beltway	4.5 mi	6m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel	3.5 mi	4m

Longest stretch: I 64 — 66.8 mi, about 1h 15m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Reston, VA and Norfolk, VA.

Start on Washington Plaza North

228 ft · 19 sec · Washington Plaza North

Turn right onto SR 4726

516 ft · 19 sec · North Shore Drive

Turn left onto Village Road

196 ft · 11 sec · Village Road

Turn right onto SR 606

1.5 mi · 2 min · Baron Cameron Avenue

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto VA 7

4.9 mi · 7 min · Leesburg Pike

Use the left lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec

Toward VA 267 Toll East: Washington Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto VA 267

0.2 mi · 14 sec · Dulles Toll Road

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto VA 267

1.2 mi · 1 min · Dulles Toll Road

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Exit 18A Toward I 495 South: Richmond Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 18A Toward I 495 South: Richmond

Merge onto I 495

10 mi · 12 min · Capital Beltway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min

Exit 57A Toward I 95 South: Richmond Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 39 sec

Toward I 95 South, SR 644 East: Richmond, Franconia Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 33 sec

Toward I 95 South: Richmond

Merge onto I 395

36 mi · 42 min · Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

49 mi · 53 min · I 95

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

1.9 mi · 2 min

Exit 84A Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach Use the slight left / straight lanes.

Merge onto I 295

13 mi · 14 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

1.3 mi · 2 min

Exit 28A Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 64

67 mi · 1 hr 15 min · I 64

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60

342 ft · 5 sec · Hampton Roads Beltway

Continue on I 64; US 60

3.5 mi · 4 min · Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel

Continue on I 64; US 60

4.4 mi · 5 min · Hampton Roads Beltway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec

Exit 276 Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby Street Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 18 sec

Toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek Road Use the slight left / slight right lanes.

Turn straight onto US 460

3.1 mi · 7 min · Granby Street

Use the left lane.

Continue on US 460

446 ft · 9 sec · Church Street

Turn right onto US 460

1.2 mi · 2 min · Monticello Avenue

Use the right lane.

Continue on US 460

0.7 mi · 1 min · Saint Pauls Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue

158 ft · 9 sec · East City Hall Avenue

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

East City Hall Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour duration, departing Reston early in the morning is your best bet to avoid heavier traffic, especially on the I-95 corridor. With only one planned stop suggested, you have flexibility to make it a quick break or a more extended one. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without an exit is 66.8 miles on I-64. The total fuel cost is estimated at $31, so factor that into your budget. Since this is a one-day trip, you can easily adjust your timing based on real-time traffic conditions.

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 100.5 miles from Reston, VA, or about 2h 1m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.8 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 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 100.5 miles or 2h 1m 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 14m

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 Reston, 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 Reston, VA

This is one driving day of about 201.1 miles and 4h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Reston, 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 64 for about 66.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 100.5 mi from Reston, VA · 2h 1m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

101 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 100.5 miles from Reston, 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 66.8 miles.

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.

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...

1 mi from route ~4 min detour Free near mile 187.2

Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact

View on nps.gov

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...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour $15 near mile 166.4

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

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...

27 mi from route ~67 min detour Free near mile 117.9

View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.45 one way

$62.90 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 70 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$34.38	$68.77
premium	$4.70	$37.22	$74.44
diesel	$5.61	$44.40	$88.80

Estimated Tolls: $0.28

Dulles Toll Road (1.4 mi) $0.28

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

$31

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$57–$82

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 70.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	60.3	0	$21.12	$9.65
Efficient EV	50.3	0	$17.60	$8.04
EV Truck/SUV	80.4	1	$28.15	$12.87

Gas CO2

70 kg

EV CO2

24 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 5 days ago

Origin

Reston, VA

Night in Reston on Tuesday

Local time

11:25 PM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Norfolk, VA

Night in Norfolk on Tuesday

Local time

11:25 PM

EDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

86°F

Middletown, MD

101 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

17 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 Reston, VA to Norfolk, VA covers 201.1 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 64, I 95, Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 100.5 miles from Reston, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.45 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 Reston, VA and Norfolk, VA, road signs point toward Franconia, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.

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Return Trip

Norfolk, VA to Reston, VA

Plan the drive back the other way.

201.9 mi 4h 2m

Explore more options from Reston, VA or browse trips ending in Norfolk, VA.

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Trip from Reston, VA to Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, VA

National Parks Near This Route

Fort Monroe National Monument

Colonial National Historical Park

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Petersburg National Battlefield

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Reston, VA

Norfolk, VA

Same local time

17 degrees warmer at arrival

4h 2m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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