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Trip from Woodlawn, VA to Virginia Beach, VA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 51m

Distance

194.7 mi

313 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 39m ★
6 AM
3h 52m
8 AM
4h 17m
10 AM
4h 0m
12 PM
3h 58m
3 PM
4h 2m
5 PM
4h 16m
8 PM
3h 44m

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

Downtown Woodlawn, VA, VA

Woodlawn, VA

Eric Joseph

Downtown Virginia Beach, VA, VA

Virginia Beach, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 194.7-mile drive from Woodlawn, VA to Virginia Beach, VA, will take you approximately 3 hours and 51 minutes. It's a straightforward, highway-focused journey primarily using I-95 and I-64, making it an ideal day trip. You can expect to spend around $30 on fuel for this route. Since both locations are within the Southeast region of Virginia, you won't be crossing major geographical divides. The drive is efficient and designed for getting you to your destination 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

97.3 miles from Woodlawn, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 53m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 75.4 mi 1h 24m
I 64 66.8 mi 1h 15m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway 13 mi 14m
Hampton Roads Beltway 12 mi 15m
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway 11.8 mi 16m
Richmond Highway 6.6 mi 11m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel 3.5 mi 4m
21st Street 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 75.4 mi, about 1h 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Woodlawn, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.

1

Start on US 1

30 ft · 2 sec · Richmond Highway
2

Continue on US 1

6.6 mi · 10 min · Richmond Highway
Use the left lane.
3

Take the exit

0.8 mi · 1 min
Toward I 95 South: Richmond
4

Merge onto I 95

27 mi · 31 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

49 mi · 53 min · I 95
Use the straight lane.
6

Take the exit

1.9 mi · 2 min
Exit 84A Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach Use the slight left / straight lanes.
7

Merge onto I 295

13 mi · 14 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Take the exit

1.3 mi · 2 min
Exit 28A Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 64

67 mi · 1 hr 15 min · I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60

342 ft · 5 sec · Hampton Roads Beltway
11

Continue on I 64; US 60

3.5 mi · 4 min · Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
12

Continue on I 64; US 60

12 mi · 15 min · Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

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.
14

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 264 East: Va Beach Use the straight / slight left lanes.
15

Merge onto I 264

12 mi · 16 min · Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway
16

Continue on 21st Street

0.4 mi · 54 sec · 21st Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
17

Turn left onto Arctic Avenue

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Arctic Avenue
Use the left lane.
18

Turn right onto 25th Street

454 ft · 12 sec · 25th Street
19

Arrive at destination

25th Street

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 51-minute duration, departing early in the morning is a good strategy to avoid potential traffic, especially as you get closer to Virginia Beach. This route is well-suited for a single-day trip, and you'll only need one planned stop for fuel or a quick break. The fuel cost is estimated at $30, so budget accordingly. Keep an eye out for the transition from I-95 to I-64 East, which is a key point to ensure you're heading in the right direction for Virginia Beach.

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 97.3 miles from Woodlawn, VA, or about 1h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75.4 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 53m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 97.3 miles or 1h 53m 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 4m

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 Woodlawn, 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 Woodlawn, VA

This is one driving day of about 194.7 miles and 3h 51m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Woodlawn, 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 75.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

town in southeastern Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Windsor, VA

97 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.

Popular next leg

Windsor, VA to Virginia Beach, VA

94.3 mi · 1h 56m

Pacing Suggestions

Ashland, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Windsor, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 97.3 miles from Woodlawn, 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 75.4 miles.

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 34.2 and 181.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

6
34.2 mi into trip | ~44m in | I 95

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
8
82.8 mi into trip | ~1h 37m in

Take the exit toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Exit 84A Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va B...
8
97.7 mi into trip | ~1h 53m 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
181.3 mi into trip | ~3h 31m 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
181.5 mi into trip | ~3h 32m 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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$30.45 one way

$60.89 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 68 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $33.29 $66.58
premium $4.70 $36.03 $72.07
diesel $5.61 $42.99 $85.97

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 68.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 58.4 0 $20.44 $9.35
Efficient EV 48.7 0 $17.04 $7.79
EV Truck/SUV 77.9 0 $27.26 $12.46

Gas CO2

68 kg

EV CO2

23 kg (66% 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

Woodlawn, VA

Afternoon in Woodlawn on Saturday

Local time

4:38 PM

EDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Virginia Beach, VA

Afternoon in Virginia Beach on Saturday

Local time

4:38 PM

EDT

Current temp

60°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

10 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

3h 51m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Colonial National Historical Park

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 ~3 min detour $15 near mile 141
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
View on nps.gov
Fort Monroe National Monument

Fort Monroe National Monument

National Monument

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...

2 mi from route ~5 min detour Free near mile 167.8
View on nps.gov
Petersburg National Battlefield

Petersburg National Battlefield

National Battlefield

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 ~65 min detour Free near mile 100.7
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway experience, with 79% of the drive on major interstates. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 75.4 miles on I-95, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. The route is characterized by its highway-focused profile, meaning it prioritizes speed and directness over leisurely exploration. While primarily interstate, the transition between I-95 and I-64, and then onto the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, offers a slight change in scenery and road designation as you approach the coast.

79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 75.4 mi on I 95.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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 around 34.2 miles in near I 95.

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 13 significant decision points across 194.7 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: at 34.2 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Woodlawn, VA and Virginia Beach, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Portsmouth.

Norfolk

82.8 mi in | ~1h 37m

Va Beach

82.8 mi in | ~1h 37m

Portsmouth

181.3 mi in | ~3h 31m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 51m. Total distance: 194.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 75.4 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Virginia Beach, VA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 34.2 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 82.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 97.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Virginia Beach, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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