Origin
Williamsburg, VA
Evening in Williamsburg on Sunday
Local time
8:54 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Williamsburg, VA to Virginia Beach, VA
Drive Time
1h 20m
Distance
59.2 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
4 AM
1h 14m
★
6 AM
1h 21m
8 AM
1h 33m
10 AM
1h 25m
12 PM
1h 24m
3 PM
1h 26m
5 PM
1h 33m
8 PM
1h 17m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Williamsburg, VA
Eric Joseph
Trip Overview
Traveling from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach is a straightforward 59.2-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Because of the manageable distance, this trip works perfectly as a simple day trip, allowing you to reach the coast without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via I-64, the Hampton Roads Beltway, and the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway. With a fuel budget of approximately $9, the trip is quite cost-effective for a quick getaway. Whether you are heading out for a change of scenery or a specific commitment, the route is designed for efficiency rather than leisure. Both cities are located in the Southeast region of Virginia, making for a consistent climate and environment throughout your drive.
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
29.6 miles from Williamsburg, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 40m into the drive .
Drive Character
This 1 hour and 20 minute journey is a highway-focused drive, with 65% of the route consisting of interstate travel. You should expect a steady, functional commute rather than a leisurely scenic crawl. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 25.8 miles on I-64, which defines the bulk of your time behind the wheel. As you transition from the I-64 corridor onto the Hampton Roads Beltway and eventually the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway, the road maintains a predictable, high-speed pace. It is a practical route built for moving traffic efficiently between these two major hubs, so keep your focus on the road as you navigate the transition between these major arteries.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 25.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Hampton Roads Beltway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.
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 59.2 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: Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 4.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
Turn sharp left
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
7
4.1 mi into trip
|
~9m in
Take the exit toward I 64 East: Busch Gardens, 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.
Toward I 64 East: Busch Gardens, Norfolk
8
45.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth
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 284A
Toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downto...
7
46 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 264 East: Va Beach
6
58.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 19m in
|
Arctic Avenue
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Along This Route
Between Williamsburg, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Norfolk
4.1 mi in
|
~9m
Portsmouth
45.8 mi in
|
~1h 1m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 25.8 mi | 30m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 12 mi | 15m |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway | 11.8 mi | 16m |
| Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel | 3.5 mi | 4m |
| Pocahontas Trail | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| Francis Street West | 0.9 mi | 2m |
| Humelsine Parkway | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| York Street | 0.7 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 25.8 mi, about 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Williamsburg, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
1
Start on VA 5
196 ft
·
14 sec
·
Jamestown Road
2
Turn sharp left
215 ft
·
8 sec
3
Turn slight right onto VA 5
174 ft
·
7 sec
·
South Boundary Street
4
Turn left onto VA 5
0.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Francis Street West
5
Continue on York Street
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
York Street
6
Continue on US 60
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
York Street
7
Continue on US 60
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Pocahontas Trail
8
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Toward VA 199: Yorktown
9
Merge onto VA 199
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Humelsine Parkway
Use the none lane.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
Toward I 64 East: Busch Gardens, Norfolk
Use the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto I 64
26 mi
·
30 min
·
I 64
Use the none lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft
·
5 sec
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
13
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
14
Continue on I 64; US 60
12 mi
·
15 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 284A
Toward I 264 East, I 264 West: Va Beach, Downtown Norfolk, Portsmouth
Use the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va Beach
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
17
Merge onto I 264
12 mi
·
16 min
·
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
Use the none lane.
18
Continue on 21st Street
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Turn left onto Arctic Avenue
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
·
Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
20
Turn right onto 25th Street
454 ft
·
12 sec
·
25th Street
21
Arrive at destination
25th Street
Trip Plan
Since the total trip duration is short, you have plenty of flexibility in your departure time, though it is wise to check local traffic reports before heading out on the Hampton Roads Beltway. You can easily complete the 59.2 miles in a single push, as there are no required stops along the way. Planning for the $9 fuel cost ensures you are prepared for the quick transit, but it is always smart to fuel up before merging onto the interstate to avoid higher prices near the interchanges. Because this is a high-speed highway route, keep a safe following distance during the 25.8-mile stretch on I-64. Taking this drive in one go is the most efficient way to reach your destination, leaving you more time to enjoy your arrival in Virginia Beach.
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 29.6 miles from Williamsburg, VA, or about 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 25.8 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 59.2 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 29.6 miles or 40m 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 Virginia Beach, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg, VA
This is one driving day of about 59.2 miles and 1h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Williamsburg, 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 25.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 29.6 mi from Williamsburg, VA · 40m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
30 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 59.2 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 29.6 miles from Williamsburg, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Virginia Beach, VA
The final approach into Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, 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
$9.47 one way
$18.95 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
21 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $10.32 | $20.65 |
| premium | $4.78 | $11.14 | $22.27 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $13.15 | $26.30 |
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: 20.7 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 | 17.8 | 0 | $6.22 | $2.84 |
| Efficient EV | 14.8 | 0 | $5.18 | $2.37 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 23.7 | 0 | $8.29 | $3.79 |
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.
Destination
Virginia Beach, VA
Evening in Virginia Beach on Sunday
Local time
8:54 PM
EDT
Current temp
64°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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 20m 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 Williamsburg, VA to Virginia Beach, VA covers 59.2 miles and takes about 1h 20m 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. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 29.6 miles from Williamsburg, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $9.47 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 59.2 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: Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 4.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 45.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Williamsburg, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Return Trip
Virginia Beach, VA to Williamsburg, VAPlan the drive back the other way.
58.7 mi
1h 23m
Continue From Virginia Beach, VA
More trips to Virginia Beach, VA
Explore more options from Williamsburg, VA or browse trips ending in Virginia Beach, VA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.
Explore maps for Williamsburg, VA or Virginia Beach, VA on MapSof.net.