This 276.4-mile drive from Vinton, VA to Norfolk, VA will take approximately 5 hours and 17 minutes. It's a straightforward, highway-focused trip that's very doable as a single-day journey. You'll be on the road for most of the day, so plan accordingly. Expect to spend around $43 on fuel for this route. Both your origin and destination are within the Southeast region, making for a consistent travel experience across Virginia. This trip is best suited for those who prefer efficient travel on major roadways.
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
138.2 miles from Vinton, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 34m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 17m. Total distance: 276.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (82%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This is a primarily highway-focused drive, with 82% of the route utilizing major interstates. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I-64, including a stretch of 156.9 miles without needing to exit. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway is also part of your journey. Expect a fairly consistent driving experience, characterized by high speeds and limited local road interaction for most of the 5-hour trip. The profile suggests a straightforward, utilitarian path rather than a winding, scenic adventure.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 26 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 156.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 80.7 miles in near I 64.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 276.4 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 80.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 170.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 194.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
80.7 mi into trip|~1h 32m in|I 64
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 East: Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 64 East: Richmond
8
170.7 mi into trip|~3h 10m in
Take the exit toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
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 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
8
194.8 mi into trip|~3h 36m 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
270.9 mi into trip|~5h 5m 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
9
271.1 mi into trip|~5h 6m 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.
On the drive from Vinton, VA to Norfolk, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Virginia Beach along the way.
Virginia Beach
194.8 mi in|~3h 36m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
156.9 mi
2h 53m
I 81
70.8 mi
1h 16m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.9 mi
25m
Cloverdale Road
5 mi
6m
Hampton Roads Beltway
4.5 mi
6m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Granby Street
3.1 mi
7m
Orange Avenue Northeast
1.7 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 156.9 mi, about 2h 53m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Vinton, VA and Norfolk, VA.
1
Start on Washington Avenue
88 ft·3 sec·Washington Avenue
2
Continue on Gus Nicks Boulevard
0.3 mi·27 sec·Gus Nicks Boulevard
3
Continue on Gus W Nicks Boulevard Northeast
0.7 mi·1 min·Gus W Nicks Boulevard Northeast
4
Turn right onto US 221; US 460; US 220 Alternate
1.7 mi·3 min·Orange Avenue Northeast
5
Continue on US 221; US 460; US 220 Alternate
1.6 mi·3 min·Challenger Avenue Northeast
6
Turn left onto US 220 Alt
5.0 mi·6 min·Cloverdale Road
Use the left lane.
7
Turn right onto US 11
0.2 mi·22 sec·Lee Highway
8
Enter roundabout
262 ft·4 sec
Toward I 81 North: Lexington
9
Continue
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 81 North: Lexington
10
Merge onto I 81
71 mi·1 hr 16 min·I 81
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
90 mi·1 hr 38 min·I 64
Toward I 64 East: RichmondUse the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 177Toward I 295 North: Washington, NorfolkUse the slight right lane.
13
Continue on I 295
23 mi·25 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
17
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
18
Continue on I 64; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 276Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby StreetUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek RoadUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
21
Turn straight onto US 460
3.1 mi·7 min·Granby Street
Use the left lane.
22
Continue on US 460
446 ft·9 sec·Church Street
23
Turn right onto US 460
1.2 mi·2 min·Monticello Avenue
Use the right lane.
24
Continue on US 460
0.7 mi·1 min·Saint Pauls Boulevard
Use the left lane.
25
Turn left onto East City Hall Avenue
158 ft·9 sec·East City Hall Avenue
Use the left lane.
26
Arrive at destination
East City Hall Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour 17-minute duration, starting your drive from Vinton, VA in the morning is recommended to make the most of daylight. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 156.9 miles on I-64, so ensure you're fueled up before embarking on that section. Plan for your fuel stop strategically, as the $43 estimated cost can fluctuate. This efficient, highway-centric route means you can focus on reaching Norfolk without significant detours.
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 138.2 miles from Vinton, VA, or about 2h 34m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 156.9 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 61 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 138.2 miles or 2h 34m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 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 Vinton, 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 Vinton, VA
This is one driving day of about 276.4 miles and 5h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 61 miles from Vinton, 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 156.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 138.2 mi from Vinton, VA
· 2h 34m into the drive
The midpoint is around 138.2 miles from Vinton, 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 156.9 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.
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.
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
~2 min detour
$15
near mile 238.3
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 266.9
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
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...
28 mi from route
~69 min detour
Free
near mile 200.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$43.22 one way
$86.45 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg97 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$47.26
$94.52
premium
$4.70
$51.16
$102.31
diesel
$5.61
$61.03
$122.05
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$43
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$68–$93
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 96.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $29 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
82.9
1
$29.02
$13.27
Efficient EV
69.1
0
$24.18
$11.06
EV Truck/SUV
110.6
1
$38.70
$17.69
Gas CO2
97 kg
EV CO2
32 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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Vinton, VA
Late night
in Vinton on Friday
Local time
1:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Norfolk, VA
Late night
in Norfolk on Friday
Local time
1:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°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
31 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
5h 17m 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 Vinton, VA to Norfolk, VA covers 276.4 miles and takes about 5h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, I 81, Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 138.2 miles from Vinton, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $43.22 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 16 significant decision points across 276.4 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 80.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 170.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 194.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Vinton, VA to Norfolk, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Virginia Beach along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Booker T Washington National Monument. There are 4 parks within detour distance of this route.
