Origin
Sandston, VA
Afternoon in Sandston on Saturday
Local time
4:42 PM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Sandston, VA to Portsmouth, VA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 48m
Distance
90.5 mi
146 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$14
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 40m
★
6 AM
1h 48m
8 AM
2h 4m
10 AM
1h 54m
12 PM
1h 52m
3 PM
1h 54m
5 PM
2h 3m
8 PM
1h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sandston, VA
Alfo Medeiros
Portsmouth, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 90.5-mile drive from Sandston, VA, to Portsmouth, VA, typically takes about 1 hour and 48 minutes. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey primarily utilizing I-64 and the Hampton Roads Beltway. With 80% of the route on highways, it's an efficient trip that works perfectly as a day trip, allowing you to arrive at your destination with plenty of time. The estimated fuel cost for this segment is around $14. As both locations are in the Southeast region of Virginia, you'll experience a consistent regional feel throughout your travel.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
45.3 miles from Sandston, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 51m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 66.2 mi | 1h 13m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 7.2 mi | 9m |
| Western Freeway | 5.8 mi | 7m |
| Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel | 4.3 mi | 5m |
| College Drive | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| London Boulevard | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Martin Luther King Freeway | 0.7 mi | <1m |
| West Williamsburg Road | 0.7 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 66.2 mi, about 1h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sandston, VA and Portsmouth, VA.
1
Start on North Confederate Avenue
26 ft
·
3 sec
·
North Confederate Avenue
2
Turn right onto US 60; VA 156
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
West Williamsburg Road
3
Turn right onto VA 156
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
South Airport Drive
Use the right lane.
4
Take the ramp
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Rocky Mount NC
5
Merge onto I 64
66 mi
·
1 hr 13 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
Exit 264
Toward I 664 South: Downtown Newport News, Suffolk, Chesapeake
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 664
6.1 mi
·
7 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on I 664
4.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
9
Continue on I 664
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 8B
Toward VA 135 South: College Drive, Churchland
Use the right lane.
11
Continue on VA 135
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
College Drive
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
33 sec
Toward VA 164 East: Downtown Portsmouth
13
Merge onto VA 164
5.8 mi
·
7 min
·
Western Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto US 58; VA 164
0.7 mi
·
46 sec
·
Martin Luther King Freeway
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward VA 141 South: Downtown Portsmouth
Use the right lane.
16
Turn straight onto US 58
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
London Boulevard
17
Turn right onto VA 141
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Effingham Street
Use the right lane.
18
Turn left onto High Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
High Street
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on High Street
201 ft
·
20 sec
·
High Street
Use the left lane.
20
Arrive at destination
High Street
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under two hours, this trip is very flexible. You can easily depart Sandston, VA, at any time of day without needing to split the drive. Consider leaving earlier in the morning to potentially avoid midday traffic, especially as you approach the Hampton Roads area. With no designated stops included in this route, plan for any necessary breaks or fuel needs beforehand. A good tip is to ensure your fuel tank is at least half full before departing Sandston, as the longest stretch on I-64 is quite substantial.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 45.3 miles from Sandston, VA, or about 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 66.2 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 20 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 45.3 miles or 51m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 24m
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 Sandston, VA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Sandston, VA
This is one driving day of about 90.5 miles and 1h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Sandston, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 64 for about 66.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
45 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 45.3 miles from Sandston, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 66.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 135 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 89.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.7 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
VA 156 / South Airport Drive
Turn right onto VA 156 / South Airport Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
67.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 16m 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
79.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 31m 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
6
88.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 43m in
Take the exit toward VA 141 South: Downtown Portsmouth
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward VA 141 South: Downtown Portsmouth
6
89.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 46m in
|
VA 141 / Effingham Street
Turn right onto VA 141 / Effingham Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$14.15 one way
$28.30 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
32 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $15.47 | $30.95 |
| premium | $4.70 | $16.75 | $33.50 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $19.98 | $39.96 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$14
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$39–$64
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 31.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 27.2 | 0 | $9.50 | $4.34 |
| Efficient EV | 22.6 | 0 | $7.92 | $3.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 36.2 | 0 | $12.67 | $5.79 |
Gas CO2
32 kg
EV CO2
11 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.
Destination
Portsmouth, VA
Afternoon in Portsmouth on Saturday
Local time
4:42 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°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
2 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
1h 48m 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.
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
~4 min detour
$15
near mile 46.8
View on nps.gov
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...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 68.7
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...
25 mi from route
~61 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a largely highway-focused experience on this route, with 80% of the drive on major roads. You'll spend a significant amount of time on I-64, including a continuous stretch of 66.2 miles. This means a generally fast-paced journey with limited opportunities for spontaneous detours or scenic overlooks. The Hampton Roads Beltway and Western Freeway sections will keep you moving efficiently towards Portsmouth. The road's personality is one of direct travel, designed for covering distance with minimal interruption.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
20 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 66.2 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Hampton Roads Beltway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near VA 156 / South Airport Drive.
Driving Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 90.5 miles you will encounter 13 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (VA 156 / South Airport Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 67.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Sandston, VA and Portsmouth, VA, road signs point toward Suffolk, Chesapeake and Churchland.
Suffolk
67.7 mi in
|
~1h 16m
Chesapeake
67.7 mi in
|
~1h 16m
Churchland
79.8 mi in
|
~1h 31m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 48m. Total distance: 90.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 66.2 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Portsmouth, VA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (VA 156 / South Airport Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 67.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Portsmouth, VA before heading back.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner 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.
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