Origin
Virginia Beach, VA
Evening in Virginia Beach on Thursday
Local time
6:40 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Virginia Beach, VA to Pantops, VA
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
3h 26m
Distance
174.9 mi
281 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$27
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 14m
★
6 AM
3h 26m
8 AM
3h 50m
10 AM
3h 35m
12 PM
3h 32m
3 PM
3h 36m
5 PM
3h 49m
8 PM
3h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Virginia Beach, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Pantops, VA
Photography Maghradze PH
Trip Overview
This 174.9-mile drive from Virginia Beach to Pantops, Virginia, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in about 3 hours and 26 minutes. Given its relatively short duration and focused highway profile, it's perfectly suited for a single-day trip. You can expect to spend around $27 on fuel for this route. The drive stays within the Southeast region, traversing Virginia for its entirety. It’s a practical option for those looking to get from point A to point B efficiently, with minimal fuss.
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
87.5 miles from Virginia Beach, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 47m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 26m. Total distance: 174.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (71%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
The majority of this route, approximately 71% of it, is highway driving, making it a fast-paced experience. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I-64, which forms the backbone of this trip, offering an uninterrupted stretch of 113.8 miles. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway and the Hampton Roads Beltway also contribute to the highway-focused profile. Expect a smooth, albeit potentially monotonous, journey as you cover ground quickly on these main arteries.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 113.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. 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 Effort
10/10
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 15 significant decision points across 174.9 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 15 key pointsThese 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
7
95.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 57m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 295 North: Washington
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 Pantops, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Military Highway, Hampton and Rocky Mount.
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
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 113.8 mi | 2h 4m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 22.6 mi | 24m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 17.7 mi | 24m |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway | 10.6 mi | 14m |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| Richmond Road | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| 22nd Street | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Pacific Avenue | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 113.8 mi, about 2h 4m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Virginia Beach, VA and Pantops, 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 15-14-13
Toward I 64 West, US 13: Newtown Road, Richmond, Military Highway
Use 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 14B
Toward I 64 West: Norfolk International Airport, Hampton, Richmond
Use 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 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 295 North: Washington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 295
23 mi
·
24 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 53A
Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
16
Merge onto I 64
53 mi
·
56 min
·
I 64
Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
Use the slight right lane.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward US 250
18
Merge onto US 250
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Richmond Road
19
Turn left onto VA 20
23 ft
·
0 sec
·
Stony Point Road
20
Arrive at destination
VA 20
Trip Plan
Consider departing early in the morning to maximize daylight and avoid potential traffic, especially around the Hampton Roads area. With a total duration under 3.5 hours and only one recommended stop, you have plenty of flexibility. The longest stretch without a major exit is over 113 miles on I-64, so plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly, perhaps before you embark on that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as convenient exit services might be spaced out during the longer highway portions.
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 87.5 miles from Virginia Beach, VA, or about 1h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 113.8 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 38 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 87.5 miles or 1h 47m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pantops, 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 174.9 miles and 3h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 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 64 for about 113.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 87.5 mi from Virginia Beach, VA · 1h 47m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
87 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 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 87.5 miles from Virginia Beach, 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 113.8 miles.
Arriving in Pantops, VA
The final approach into Pantops, 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 Pantops, 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
$27.35 one way
$54.70 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
61 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $29.91 | $59.81 |
| premium | $4.70 | $32.37 | $64.74 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $38.62 | $77.23 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 52.5 | 0 | $18.36 | $8.40 |
| Efficient EV | 43.7 | 0 | $15.30 | $7.00 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 70 | 0 | $24.49 | $11.19 |
Gas CO2
61 kg
EV CO2
20 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.
Destination
Pantops, VA
Evening in Pantops on Thursday
Local time
6:40 PM
EDT
Current temp
87°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
21 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 26m 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 Pantops, VA covers 174.9 miles and takes about 3h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, 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 87.5 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 $27.35 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 15 significant decision points across 174.9 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 Pantops, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Military Highway, Hampton and Rocky Mount.
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