Trip from Reston, VA to Virginia Beach, VA

Data updated 5 hours ago

Drive Time

4h 19m

Distance

216.4 mi

348 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$34

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 6m ★

6 AM

4h 20m

8 AM

4h 46m

10 AM

4h 29m

12 PM

4h 26m

3 PM

4h 30m

5 PM

4h 45m

8 PM

4h 12m

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

Virginia Beach, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 216.4-mile drive from Reston, VA to Virginia Beach, VA is a straightforward journey within the Southeast region, easily manageable as a single-day trip. Expect to spend about 4 hours and 19 minutes on the road, with a fuel cost estimated at $34. The route is primarily composed of interstate highways, making it a consistent and predictable drive. You'll spend a good portion of your time on major arteries like I-64, I-95, and the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway. With only one recommended stop, this trip is ideal for those looking to get to their destination efficiently.

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

108.2 miles from Reston, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 9m into the drive .

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Drive Character

The character of this drive is predominantly a mixed highway experience, with 59% of the journey taking place on interstates. You'll encounter stretches like the 66.8-mile segment on I-64, which offers consistent speed and straightforward navigation. The Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway and I-95 are also significant parts of the drive, generally characterized by higher speeds and multiple lanes. While not overly technical, the road does involve transitions between these major highways, so staying alert is key to a smooth progression.

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

There are about 30 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 8.3 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 216.4 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 8.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; 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.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 25 key points

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

8.3 mi into trip | ~13m in

Take the exit toward I 495 South: Richmond

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

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

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

203 mi into trip | ~4h in

Take the exit toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth

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 284A Toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downto...

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

Franconia

19.6 mi in | ~29m

Norfolk

104.6 mi in | ~2h 5m

Va Beach

104.6 mi in | ~2h 5m

Portsmouth

203 mi in | ~4h

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
Hampton Roads Beltway	12 mi	15m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway	11.8 mi	16m
Capital Beltway	10.1 mi	12m
Leesburg Pike	4.9 mi	7m

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

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Reston, VA and Virginia Beach, 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

12 mi · 15 min · Hampton Roads Beltway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 14 sec

Exit 284A Toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min

Toward I 264 East: Va Beach Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Merge onto I 264

12 mi · 16 min · Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway

Continue on 21st Street

0.4 mi · 54 sec · 21st Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Turn left onto Arctic Avenue

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Arctic Avenue

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto 25th Street

454 ft · 12 sec · 25th Street

Arrive at destination

25th Street

Trip Plan

For this 4-hour and 19-minute trip, an early morning departure from Reston is recommended to bypass potential traffic, especially as you approach the Northern Virginia corridor. With a total distance of 216.4 miles, you'll likely want to plan for one fuel and rest stop, perhaps around the halfway point. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 66.8 miles on I-64, so ensure you're comfortable before embarking on that segment. Given the relatively short duration, flexibility is your advantage; however, factor in potential delays on I-95.

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 108.2 miles from Reston, VA, or about 2h 9m 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 108.2 miles or 2h 9m 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 28m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Virginia Beach, 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 216.4 miles and 4h 19m.

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 108.2 mi from Reston, VA · 2h 9m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

108 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 108.2 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 Virginia Beach, VA

The final approach into Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, VA.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$33.84 one way

$67.68 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 76 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$37.00	$74.00
premium	$4.70	$40.05	$80.10
diesel	$5.61	$47.78	$95.56

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

$34

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$59–$84

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 75.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	64.9	0	$22.72	$10.39
Efficient EV	54.1	0	$18.94	$8.66
EV Truck/SUV	86.6	1	$30.30	$13.85

Gas CO2

76 kg

EV CO2

25 kg (67% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

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

Virginia Beach, VA

Night in Virginia Beach on Tuesday

Local time

11:25 PM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

86°F

Middletown, MD

108 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 19m 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 Virginia Beach, VA covers 216.4 miles and takes about 4h 19m 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 108.2 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 $33.84 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 Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Franconia, Norfolk, Va Beach and Portsmouth.

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Return Trip

Virginia Beach, VA to Reston, VA

Plan the drive back the other way.

215.9 mi 4h 19m

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Trip from Reston, VA to Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Reston, VA

Virginia Beach, VA

Same local time

16 degrees cooler at arrival

4h 19m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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