This 206.1-mile drive from Reston, VA to Portsmouth, VA, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking about 4 hours and 5 minutes. The route primarily utilizes I-95 and I-64, with a significant portion on the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway. With an estimated fuel cost of $32, it's an economical journey. This drive offers a mixed driving experience as you travel within the Southeast region. It’s a straightforward trip, perfect for a direct journey 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
103.1 miles from Reston, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 3m into the drive
.
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway experience, with 57% of the drive on interstates. You'll encounter the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway early on, setting the tone for much of the trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 62.7 miles on I-64, providing a good opportunity to settle in. The profile is described as a mixed drive, suggesting that while the majority is interstate, there might be some variations in the road character as you progress toward Portsmouth.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 35 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 62.7 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 Complexity10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 28 significant decision points across 206.1 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 28 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
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...
8
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...
8
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
8
183.4 mi into trip|~3h 34m in
Take the exit toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, Chesapeake
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 264
Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suff...
8
195.4 mi into trip|~3h 49m in
Take the exit toward VA 135 South: College Drive, Churchland
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 8B
Toward VA 135 South: College Drive, Churchland
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 Portsmouth, VA, road signs point toward Franconia, Norfolk, Va Beach, Virginia Beach, Suffolk and Chesapeake - among others.
Franconia
19.6 mi in|~29m
Norfolk
104.6 mi in|~2h 5m
Va Beach
104.6 mi in|~2h 5m
Virginia Beach
119.4 mi in|~2h 21m
Suffolk
183.4 mi in|~3h 34m
Chesapeake
183.4 mi in|~3h 34m
Churchland
195.4 mi in|~3h 49m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
62.7 mi
1h 9m
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
Hampton Roads Beltway
7.2 mi
9m
Western Freeway
5.8 mi
7m
Leesburg Pike
4.9 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 62.7 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Reston, VA and Portsmouth, VA.
1
Start on Washington Plaza North
228 ft·19 sec·Washington Plaza North
2
Turn right onto SR 4726
516 ft·19 sec·North Shore Drive
3
Turn left onto Village Road
196 ft·11 sec·Village Road
4
Turn right onto SR 606
1.5 mi·2 min·Baron Cameron Avenue
Use the left lane.
5
Turn right onto VA 7
4.9 mi·7 min·Leesburg Pike
Use the left lane.
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward VA 267 Toll East: WashingtonUse the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto VA 267
0.2 mi·14 sec·Dulles Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 267
1.2 mi·1 min·Dulles Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 18AToward I 495 South: RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 18AToward I 495 South: Richmond
11
Merge onto I 495
10 mi·12 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 57AToward I 95 South: RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 95 South, SR 644 East: Richmond, FranconiaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Richmond
15
Merge onto I 395
36 mi·42 min·Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
49 mi·53 min·I 95
Use the straight lane.
17
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
18
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 64
63 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.5 mi·36 sec
Exit 264Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, ChesapeakeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto I 664
6.1 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Continue on I 664
4.3 mi·5 min·Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
24
Continue on I 664
1.1 mi·1 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
25
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 8BToward VA 135 South: College Drive, ChurchlandUse the right lane.
26
Continue on VA 135
1.4 mi·2 min·College Drive
Use the straight lane.
27
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward VA 164 East: Downtown Portsmouth
28
Merge onto VA 164
5.8 mi·7 min·Western Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Merge onto US 58; VA 164
0.7 mi·46 sec·Martin Luther King Freeway
30
Take the exit
0.3 mi·35 sec
Toward VA 141 South: Downtown PortsmouthUse the right lane.
31
Turn straight onto US 58
1.2 mi·2 min·London Boulevard
32
Turn right onto VA 141
0.1 mi·11 sec·Effingham Street
Use the right lane.
33
Turn left onto High Street
0.5 mi·1 min·High Street
Use the left lane.
34
Continue on High Street
201 ft·20 sec·High Street
Use the left lane.
35
Arrive at destination
High Street
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour, 5-minute drive, leaving Reston in the morning, perhaps before 9 AM, can help you avoid the heaviest traffic, especially on the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway. Given the relatively short duration, you likely won't need more than one planned stop for fuel or a quick break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the 62.7-mile stretch on I-64; planning a fuel stop before this longer segment can provide peace of mind. The $32 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always check current prices.
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 103.1 miles from Reston, VA, or about 2h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.7 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 103.1 miles or 2h 3m 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 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Portsmouth, 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 206.1 miles and 4h 5m.
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 62.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 103.1 mi from Reston, VA
· 2h 3m into the drive
The midpoint is around 103.1 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 62.7 miles.
Arriving in Portsmouth, VA
The final approach into Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth, 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...
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 184.8
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!
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 120.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.23 one way
$64.46 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$35.24
$70.48
premium
$4.70
$38.14
$76.29
diesel
$5.61
$45.50
$91.01
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
$32
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.1 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
61.8
0
$21.64
$9.89
Efficient EV
51.5
0
$18.03
$8.24
EV Truck/SUV
82.4
1
$28.85
$13.19
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 5 days ago
Origin
Reston, VA
Night
in Reston on Tuesday
Local time
11:27 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Portsmouth, VA
Night
in Portsmouth on Tuesday
Local time
11:27 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 5m 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 Portsmouth, VA covers 206.1 miles and takes about 4h 5m 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 103.1 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 $32.23 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 28 significant decision points across 206.1 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.
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.
Between Reston, VA and Portsmouth, VA, road signs point toward Franconia, Norfolk, Va Beach, Virginia Beach, Suffolk and Chesapeake - among others.
