This 196.7-mile drive from Virginia Beach to Burke, VA, is a straightforward 3-hour and 57-minute trip primarily on major highways. Given its manageable duration, it's perfectly suited as a single-day excursion, so you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. The estimated fuel cost is around $31, making it an economical choice for a journey within the Southeast region. The route is predominantly highway-focused, offering a consistent pace for most of its length. You'll primarily navigate on I-95, I-64, and the Hampton Roads Beltway.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
98.3 miles from Virginia Beach, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 1m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 57m. Total distance: 196.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (74%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for this 196.7-mile trip, with 74% of the route utilizing major interstates. This means you'll experience a good amount of fast-paced travel, ideal for covering distance efficiently. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 73.7 miles, all on I-95, so plan your breaks accordingly. While largely interstate travel, the Hampton Roads Beltway will offer a slightly different, though still highway-oriented, experience as you navigate around the populated areas.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 73.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 60 / Pacific Avenue.
Driving Effort10/10
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 20 significant decision points across 196.7 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: near the start (US 60 / Pacific Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0 mi into trip|~0m in|US 60 / Pacific Avenue
Turn right onto US 60 / Pacific Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
11.4 mi into trip|~15m in
Take the exit toward I 64 West, US 13: Newtown Road, Richmond, Military Highway
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 15-14-13
Toward I 64 West, US 13: Newtown Road, Richmond...
9
12.7 mi into trip|~18m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 64 West: Norfolk International Airport, Hampton, Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 14B
Toward I 64 West: Norfolk International Airport...
8
95.4 mi into trip|~1h 56m in
Take the exit toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
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 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
8
186.1 mi into trip|~3h 39m in
Take the exit toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 160B
Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Virginia Beach, VA and Burke, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Military Highway, Hampton, Rocky Mount and Lake Ridge.
Richmond
11.4 mi in|~15m
Military Highway
11.4 mi in|~15m
Hampton
12.7 mi in|~18m
Rocky Mount
95.4 mi in|~1h 56m
Lake Ridge
186.1 mi in|~3h 39m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
73.7 mi
1h 22m
I 64
61.1 mi
1h 7m
Hampton Roads Beltway
17.7 mi
24m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
11.9 mi
12m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
10.6 mi
14m
Ox Road
4.9 mi
7m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Lee Chapel Road
3.2 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 73.7 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Virginia Beach, VA and Burke, VA.
1
Start on 25th Street
121 ft·8 sec·25th Street
2
Turn right onto US 60
0.2 mi·33 sec·Pacific Avenue
Use the right lane.
3
Turn right onto 22nd Street
0.5 mi·46 sec·22nd Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Continue on I 264
11 mi·14 min·Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
5
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 15-14-13Toward I 64 West, US 13: Newtown Road, Richmond, Military HighwayUse the slight right lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 64 West, US 13: Richmond, Military Highway
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 14BToward I 64 West: Norfolk International Airport, Hampton, RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 64
12 mi·17 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
9
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
10
Continue on I 64; US 60
5.9 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
61 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.5 mi·32 sec
Exit 200Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NCUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi·2 min
Toward I 295 North: WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 295
12 mi·12 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
15
Take the exit
2.4 mi·2 min
Exit 43AToward I 95 North: WashingtonUse the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto I 95
46 mi·49 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi·1 min·I 95; US 17
18
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
19
Merge onto I 95
26 mi·31 min·I 95
Use the slight left lane.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 160BToward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake RidgeUse the right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge
22
Continue on VA 123
1.0 mi·2 min·Gordon Boulevard
23
Continue on VA 123
4.9 mi·7 min·Ox Road
Use the left lane.
24
Turn right onto SR 643
3.2 mi·5 min·Lee Chapel Road
Use the right lane.
25
Turn right onto SR 645
0.9 mi·1 min·Burke Lake Road
Use the straight lane.
26
Turn right onto SR 652
0.1 mi·18 sec·Burke Road
Use the right lane.
27
Arrive at destination
SR 652
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 57-minute drive, leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential traffic, especially as you get closer to the Burke area. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 73.7 miles on I-95, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $31 estimated cost reflects mostly highway driving. A good tip for this route is to ensure you're familiar with the I-95 corridor around the Washington D.C. metro area, as it can become quite congested during peak hours.
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 98.3 miles from Virginia Beach, VA, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.7 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 43 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 98.3 miles or 2h 1m 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 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Burke, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, VA
This is one driving day of about 196.7 miles and 3h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Virginia Beach, 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 95 for about 73.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 98.3 mi from Virginia Beach, VA
· 2h 1m into the drive
The midpoint is around 98.3 miles from Virginia Beach, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.7 miles.
Arriving in Burke, VA
The final approach into Burke, 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 Burke, 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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
$15
near mile 54.2
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...
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 94.9
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!
28 mi from route
~70 min detour
Free
near mile 196.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.76 one way
$61.52 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg69 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$33.63
$67.27
premium
$4.70
$36.40
$72.81
diesel
$5.61
$43.43
$86.86
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
59
0
$20.65
$9.44
Efficient EV
49.2
0
$17.21
$7.87
EV Truck/SUV
78.7
0
$27.54
$12.59
Gas CO2
69 kg
EV CO2
23 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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Virginia Beach, VA
Night
in Virginia Beach on Thursday
Local time
11:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Burke, VA
Night
in Burke on Thursday
Local time
11:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
69°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
3 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
3h 57m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Virginia Beach, VA to Burke, VA covers 196.7 miles and takes about 3h 57m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, I 64, Hampton Roads Beltway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 98.3 miles from Virginia Beach, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.76 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 196.7 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: near the start (US 60 / Pacific Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 11.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Virginia Beach, VA and Burke, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Military Highway, Hampton, Rocky Mount and Lake Ridge.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield. There are 4 parks within detour distance of this route.
