Dallas to Virginia Beach

28h 37m
Drive Time
1574
Miles
$183
Gas Cost
13
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Dallas to Virginia Beach?

The drive from Dallas to Virginia Beach takes approximately 28h 37m, covering 1574 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $183 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 39–40+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
24h 19m
🔵 Typical
28h 37m
🔴 Heavy traffic
41h 30m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1574 mi
Drive Time28h 37min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$183
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$198-$233

Route Tips: I-20

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 4 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Dallas to Virginia Beach

For a long drive like Dallas to Virginia Beach, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
28h 37m
~$183 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 39m
~$236–$551 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~3h 9m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
28h 37m
~$183
🚌 Bus
34h 59m
~$126–$283
🚂 Train
28h 37m
~$189–$472

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

Suggested Stops

Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:

📍 Chattanooga
📍 Birmingham
📍 Nashville

FAQ

How long is the drive from Dallas to Virginia Beach?
The drive takes approximately 28 hours and 37 minutes covering 1574 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 52 gallons of gas, costing approximately $183 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic.