Trip from South Suffolk, VA to Colonial Heights, VA

Drive Time

7h 36m

Distance

367.4 mi

591 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$59

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min

4 AM

7h 26m ★

6 AM

7h 36m

8 AM

7h 56m

10 AM

7h 43m

12 PM

7h 41m

3 PM

7h 44m

5 PM

7h 55m

8 PM

7h 30m

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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South Suffolk, VA

Mark Stebnicki

Colonial Heights, VA

Pavan Sai .D

Trip Overview

Spanning 367.4 miles across Virginia, this trip from South Suffolk to Colonial Heights takes approximately 7 hours and 36 minutes to complete. Because the route crosses through the Southeast region, you should plan on a full day of travel. While it is feasible to tackle the distance in a single day, be prepared for a long stint behind the wheel. Budgeting roughly $59 for fuel will cover your transit across the state. Whether you are heading north for business or leisure, this mixed-drive itinerary offers a straightforward path through the region.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

183.7 miles from South Suffolk, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 5m into the drive .

Drive Character

You will encounter a diverse driving experience that balances high-speed interstate travel with more measured local roads. With 58% of the route consisting of highways, you can expect to spend a significant portion of your time on I-81, US-460, and Richmond Highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 141.2 miles on I-81, where you can settle into a steady rhythm. Transitions between these major arteries define the personality of the trip, shifting from the efficiency of the interstate to the varied pace of US and local routes.

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

There are about 41 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 141.2 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 53.8 miles in near SR 630 / Rives Road.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 367.4 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 53.8 miles (SR 630 / Rives Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 59.7 miles (US 460): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 66.3 miles (US 460): 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.

53.8 mi into trip | ~1h 23m in | SR 630 / Rives Road

Turn left onto SR 630 / Rives Road

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

59.7 mi into trip | ~1h 31m in | US 460

Take the exit onto US 460 toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham, Blackstone

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

Use the right lane. Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham, Blackst...

66.3 mi into trip | ~1h 40m in | US 460

Take the exit onto US 460 toward US 460 West: Blackstone, Lynchburg

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 61 Toward US 460 West: Blackstone, Lynchburg

151.6 mi into trip | ~3h 25m in | US 460 / Richmond Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 460 / Richmond Highway toward US 460 West: Lynchburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward US 460 West: Lynchburg

301.5 mi into trip | ~6h 24m in | I 81; US 52

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 52

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Towns Along This Route

Between South Suffolk, VA and Colonial Heights, VA, road signs point toward Blackstone and Lynchburg.

Blackstone

59.7 mi in | ~1h 31m | via US 460

Lynchburg

66.3 mi in | ~1h 40m | via US 460

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 81	141.2 mi	2h 35m
Richmond Highway	31.1 mi	38m
US 460	30 mi	36m
New Cox Road	23 mi	26m
East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike	16 mi	20m
West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike	14.6 mi	18m
General Mahone Highway	14.3 mi	19m
West Colonial Trail Highway	13.1 mi	16m

Longest stretch: I 81 — 141.2 mi, about 2h 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between South Suffolk, VA and Colonial Heights, VA.

Start on US 13 BUS; VA 32

0.9 mi · 1 min · Carolina Road

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on US 13 BUS; VA 10; VA 32

2.2 mi · 4 min · North Main Street

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32

6.2 mi · 10 min · Pruden Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 460

9.9 mi · 15 min · Windsor Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 460

8.4 mi · 11 min · General Mahone Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 460

0.1 mi · 9 sec · Mahone Highway

Continue on US 460

2.0 mi · 2 min · General Mahone Highway

Continue on US 460

1.1 mi · 2 min · South County Drive

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 460

6.2 mi · 8 min · General Mahone Highway

Continue on US 460

1.4 mi · 2 min · South County Drive

Continue on US 460

6.1 mi · 8 min · General Mahone Highway

Continue on US 460

9.5 mi · 14 min · County Drive

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto SR 630

1.9 mi · 3 min · Rives Road

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 28 sec

Toward I 95 North

Merge onto I 95

3.7 mi · 4 min · I 95

Use the none lane.

Take the exit onto US 460

0.6 mi · 1 min · US 460

Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham, Blackstone Use the right lane.

Merge onto I 85; US 460

6.0 mi · 7 min · Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Use the none lane.

Take the exit onto US 460

0.2 mi · 25 sec · US 460

Exit 61 Toward US 460 West: Blackstone, Lynchburg Use the slight right lane.

Continue on US 460

1.1 mi · 1 min · Airport Street

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 460

23 mi · 26 min · New Cox Road

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 460

4.3 mi · 5 min · East Colonial Trail Highway

Continue on US 460

6.9 mi · 7 min · East Colonial Trail Road

Continue on US 460

7.5 mi · 11 min · East Colonial Trail

Use the none lane.

Merge onto US 360; US 460

1.5 mi · 2 min · West Colonial Trail Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 460

12 mi · 14 min · West Colonial Trail Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto US 460

29 mi · 34 min · US 460

Keep slight right at fork onto US 460

31 mi · 38 min · Richmond Highway

Toward US 460 West: Lynchburg Use the none lane.

Continue on US 460

16 mi · 20 min · East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 221; US 460

15 mi · 18 min · West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike

Continue on US 221; US 460

5.5 mi · 7 min · Blue Ridge Boulevard

Continue on US 221; US 460

0.3 mi · 32 sec · Challenger Avenue Northeast

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto US 220 Alt

5.0 mi · 6 min · Cloverdale Road

Continue on US 220

0.2 mi · 13 sec · Roanoke Road

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 22 sec

Merge onto I 81

76 mi · 1 hr 25 min · I 81

Use the straight lane.

Continue on I 77; I 81; US 52

1.3 mi · 1 min · I 77; I 81; US 52

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 52

65 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 81; US 52

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 52 sec

Toward Old Airport Road, Bonham Road

Turn right onto Old Airport Road

0.1 mi · 15 sec · Old Airport Road

Turn right onto US 11; US 19

506 ft · 12 sec · Lee Highway

Arrive at destination

US 11; US 19

Trip Plan

To manage the 367.4-mile journey effectively, aim to incorporate at least two scheduled stops to maintain your focus. Since this is a lengthy drive, leaving early in the morning helps you navigate traffic more predictably throughout the day. Pay close attention to your fuel gauge during the 141.2-mile stretch on I-81, as this is your longest period away from local services. Flexibility is your greatest asset here; use your two planned stops to stretch your legs and refresh before tackling the remaining highway miles. Keeping your budget of $59 in mind will ensure you have the necessary funds for fuel without any unexpected financial stress.

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 183.7 miles from South Suffolk, VA, or about 4h 5m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 141.2 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 81 miles or 1h 57m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 183.7 miles or 4h 5m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 31m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Colonial Heights, VA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving South Suffolk, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from South Suffolk, VA

This is one driving day of about 367.4 miles and 7h 36m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 81 miles from South Suffolk, VA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 141.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 183.7 mi from South Suffolk, VA · 4h 5m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oakland, MD

184 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 81 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Oakland, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 183.7 miles from South Suffolk, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 141.2 miles.

Arriving in Colonial Heights, VA

The final approach into Colonial Heights, 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 Colonial Heights, VA.

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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$58.80 one way

$117.60 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 129 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$64.06	$128.13
premium	$4.78	$69.11	$138.22
diesel	$5.64	$81.62	$163.25

Estimated Tolls: $2.56

East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike (16 mi) $1.12

West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike (14.6 mi) $1.02

Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike (6 mi) $0.42

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

$59

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$86–$111

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 128.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $39 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	110.2	1	$38.58	$17.64
Efficient EV	91.9	1	$32.15	$14.70
EV Truck/SUV	147	1	$51.44	$23.51

Gas CO2

129 kg

EV CO2

43 kg (67% 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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

South Suffolk, VA

Afternoon in South Suffolk on Sunday

Local time

3:57 PM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Colonial Heights, VA

Afternoon in Colonial Heights on Sunday

Local time

3:57 PM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

76°F

Oakland, MD

184 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

8 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

7h 36m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from South Suffolk, VA to Colonial Heights, VA covers 367.4 miles and takes about 7h 36m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 81, Richmond Highway, US 460. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 183.7 miles from South Suffolk, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $58.80 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.

Between South Suffolk, VA and Colonial Heights, VA, road signs point toward Blackstone and Lynchburg.

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