Rehoboth Beach to Virginia Beach Road Trip Guide

The drive from Rehoboth Beach, DE to Virginia Beach, VA spans roughly 200 miles, but the shortest route involves a unique quirk: you must cross the Chesapeake Bay via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a 17.6-mile engineering marvel that connects the Delmarva Peninsula to Virginia's mainland. This toll bridge-tunnel system is one of the few places in the U.S. where you drive underwater twice.

Most travelers underestimate the journey, but with proper planning, the drive can be as memorable as the destinations. Here's everything you need to know, from fuel stops to hidden attractions.

The primary route is US-9 south from Rehoboth Beach to US-113, then US-13 through Maryland's Eastern Shore, followed by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (US-13) and I-64 east to Virginia Beach. Total drive time is about 4–5 hours without stops.

• Key highways: US-9, US-113, US-13, Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, I-64, I-264
• Toll costs: Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel toll is $18.00 for cars (round trip $36). No other tolls on this route.
• Fuel stations: Abundant along US-13; last fuel before bridge is on the Eastern Shore (Exxon at 22412 Lankford Hwy, Accomac, VA).
• Rest stops: Official rest areas on US-13 near Pocomoke City, MD and on I-64 near Norfolk. Also plenty of gas stations with clean restrooms.

The route is generally safe with well-maintained highways. However, US-13 is a two-lane road in many sections with a 55 mph speed limit and occasional deer crossings, especially at dawn and dusk. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has a 40 mph speed limit and no shoulders, so breakdowns require towing to the tunnel islands.

• Safety tips: Keep your gas tank full, avoid stopping on the bridge-tunnel, and watch for low-flying pelicans near the water crossings.
• Child-friendly stops: Assateague Island National Seashore (pony sightings, beach), Kiptopeke State Park (fossil hunting, nature center), and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach.
• Family snacks: Stop at The Dough Roller in Rehoboth for milkshakes, or at Seaside Deli in Maryland for homemade pies.

Rest zones are critical because the monotony of US-13 and the bridge-tunnel can induce highway hypnosis. Plan to stop every 90 minutes. The best rest area is the Maryland House Rest Area north of the bridge (mile marker 60 on US-13). For a more engaging break, exit at the Pocomoke River State Park: a short nature path along the river is a good leg stretcher.

If traveling with pets, there are several pet-friendly stops: the Assateague National Seashore allows leashed dogs on the beach, and the First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach has pet-friendly trails. Most gas stations and rest stops have dog-walking areas, but carry water and waste bags.

Shortly after leaving Rehoboth Beach, you'll pass through the Great Cypress Swamp (a 4,000-year-old forest) along US-113. It's a dense woodland with a raised boardwalk at the Trap Pond State Park trailhead. Further south on US-13, the landscape turns to flat agricultural fields interrupted by salt marshes and tidal creeks.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel offers a dramatic change: you're driving over open water with views of naval ships, fishing boats, and seabirds. The tunnel sections themselves are an experience—descending into a brightly lit tube 90 feet below the bay surface. The drive ends on the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, transitioning to urban coastline.

Detour: Instead of sticking to US-13, consider a 20-minute detour to Chincoteague Island and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. This detour is a prime spot to see wild ponies, migratory birds, and pristine beaches. The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.

For local culture, visit the barrier island towns of Ocean City (MD) or Cape Charles (VA). In Cape Charles, stroll the historic downtown with Victorian-era buildings and stop for a coffee at the Cape Charles Coffee House. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel tunnel islands have a gift shop and a restaurant called the Bay Breeze Café located on the southbound side.

For a deeper dive on maximizing hidden stops, check out this guide: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.