Trip from Virginia Beach, VA to Williamsburg, VA

Drive Time

1h 23m

Distance

58.7 mi

95 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$9

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 19 min
4 AM
1h 17m ★
6 AM
1h 23m
8 AM
1h 36m
10 AM
1h 28m
12 PM
1h 26m
3 PM
1h 28m
5 PM
1h 35m
8 PM
1h 19m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Williamsburg, VA, VA

Williamsburg, VA

Eric Joseph

Trip Overview

Traveling from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg covers 58.7 miles and typically takes about 1 hour and 23 minutes. This straightforward route stays entirely within the Southeast region of Virginia, making it an ideal candidate for a simple day trip. You can expect to spend approximately $9 on fuel for the journey, keeping the overall cost quite manageable. Because the drive is relatively short, there is no need to plan for overnight stays or complex logistics. Whether you are heading out for a quick getaway or a local excursion, this path offers a reliable connection between two of the state's most popular areas.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

29.4 miles from Virginia Beach, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 42m into the drive .

Drive Character

This trip features a mixed driving profile, balancing local navigation with major transit corridors. You will utilize a combination of the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway, the Hampton Roads Beltway, and I-64 to complete the journey. With roughly 50% of the route consisting of highway driving, you should be prepared for varying traffic densities as you transition between these roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is an 18.6-mile segment on I-64. Expect a functional, efficient drive that moves you steadily toward your destination without the need for extensive technical maneuvers.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
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 18.6 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 early in the drive near US 60 / Pacific Avenue.

Route Complexity 9/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 58.7 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 11.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 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...
8
11.8 mi into trip | ~16m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 64 West, US 13: Richmond, Military Highway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the none lane. Toward I 64 West, US 13: Richmond, Military Hig...
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...
7
52.9 mi into trip | ~1h 10m in

Take the exit toward VA 143 West: Williamsburg

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 243B Toward VA 143 West: Williamsburg

Towns Along This Route

Between Virginia Beach, VA and Williamsburg, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Military Highway and Hampton.

Richmond

11.4 mi in | ~15m

Military Highway

11.4 mi in | ~15m

Hampton

12.7 mi in | ~18m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 64 18.6 mi 21m
Hampton Roads Beltway 17.7 mi 24m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway 10.6 mi 14m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel 3.5 mi 4m
Merrimac Trail 3.4 mi 5m
Francis Street East 0.9 mi 2m
2nd Street 0.6 mi 1m
22nd Street 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 64 — 18.6 mi, about 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Virginia Beach, VA and Williamsburg, 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
Use the none lane.
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 Use the none lane.
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 / none 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 none lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64

19 mi · 21 min · I 64
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 243B Toward VA 143 West: Williamsburg Use the slight left lane.
13

Turn straight onto VA 143

3.4 mi · 5 min · Merrimac Trail
Use the none lane.
14

Continue on VA 162

0.6 mi · 1 min · 2nd Street
15

At end of road, turn left onto US 60; VA 5

0.3 mi · 47 sec · Page Street
16

Continue on York Street

0.1 mi · 24 sec · York Street
17

Continue on Francis Street East

0.9 mi · 2 min · Francis Street East
18

At end of road, turn right onto VA 5

389 ft · 22 sec · South Boundary Street
19

Turn sharp left onto VA 5

14 ft · 0 sec · Jamestown Road
20

Arrive at destination

VA 5

Trip Plan

Since the total travel time is under an hour and a half, you have plenty of flexibility when choosing your departure time. However, given that half of your route involves major expressways and the Hampton Roads Beltway, it is wise to check local traffic reports before you leave to avoid potential congestion. You will not need to plan for any mandatory stops given the short duration, allowing you to drive straight through if you prefer. Keep your $9 fuel budget in mind for the round trip, and ensure your tank is topped off before hitting the major highway portions. A pro tip for this specific drive is to keep a close eye on your GPS while navigating the transition between the expressway and I-64 to ensure you stay on the most efficient path.

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 29.4 miles from Virginia Beach, VA, or about 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 18.6 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 58.7 miles or 1h 23m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 29.4 miles or 42m 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 7m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Williamsburg, 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 58.7 miles and 1h 23m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Virginia Beach, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 64 for about 18.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 29.4 mi from Virginia Beach, VA · 42m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ahoskie, NC

29 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

Adelphi, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 58.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ahoskie, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 29.4 miles from Virginia Beach, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Williamsburg, VA

The final approach into Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg, VA.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$9.39 one way

$18.79 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 21 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.43 $10.24 $20.47
premium $4.78 $11.04 $22.08
diesel $5.64 $13.04 $26.08

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$9

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$34–$59

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 20.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 17.6 0 $6.16 $2.82
Efficient EV 14.7 0 $5.14 $2.35
EV Truck/SUV 23.5 0 $8.22 $3.76

Gas CO2

21 kg

EV CO2

7 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Virginia Beach, VA

Evening in Virginia Beach on Sunday

Local time

8:54 PM

EDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Williamsburg, VA

Evening in Williamsburg on Sunday

Local time

8:54 PM

EDT

Current temp

68°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

4 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 23m 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 Williamsburg, VA covers 58.7 miles and takes about 1h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, Hampton Roads Beltway, Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 29.4 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 $9.39 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 58.7 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 11.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Virginia Beach, VA and Williamsburg, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Military Highway and Hampton.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Williamsburg, VA to Virginia Beach, VA

Plan the drive back the other way.

59.2 mi 1h 20m

Explore more options from Virginia Beach, VA or browse trips ending in Williamsburg, VA.

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