Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

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Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

Virginia attraction guide

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VIRGINIA ATTRACTION

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

A remarkable drive across and beneath the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay—and a direct road link between Coastal Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

Location
U.S. Route 13, between Virginia Beach and Cape Charles

Crossing
17.6 miles from shore to shore

Type
Vehicular toll bridge-tunnel

Best for
Scenic drives, engineering and road trips

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) is both a working toll crossing and an unusual road-trip experience. Its 17.6-mile route carries U.S. Route 13 across the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, linking the south Hampton Roads area with Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Bridges, low trestles, causeways and tunnels create a drive that alternates between open-water views and passages beneath major shipping channels.

For visitors, the main attraction is the crossing itself: expansive water and sky, the changing structure of the route, and the striking transition into and out of the tunnels. A scenic overlook at Wise Point offers a place to pause on the Eastern Shore side. This is a toll road, not a pedestrian attraction; plan to experience it by vehicle and check the operator’s current travel advisories before setting out.

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Why visit the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel?

The CBBT is a destination in its own right for travelers who enjoy scenic drives and large-scale engineering. The route spans 17.6 miles from shore to shore, with its bridges, trestles, tunnels and man-made islands making the crossing more varied than a conventional bridge drive. The operator describes the overall facility as 23 miles including approaches; the commonly cited 17.6-mile figure refers to the crossing from shore to shore.

It is also a practical connector. U.S. Route 13 uses the facility to link the Eastern Shore with south Hampton Roads, and the crossing can shorten some journeys between Coastal Virginia and points north. Treat it as a working roadway first: drivers pay a toll, conditions can change, and stopping is limited to designated locations.

Start here

The crossing begins at the south toll plaza near Virginia Beach and ends at the north toll plaza near Cape Charles. Follow U.S. Route 13 and the CBBT’s signs; the official trip-planning page provides driving directions from both the Virginia mainland and points north. Allow time for toll lanes and changing traffic or weather conditions, and check the facility’s travel information before departure.

The facility is not a place to walk or cycle across. Cyclists may contact the operator in advance to ask about a limited shuttle service, subject to availability. The operator also identifies emergency pull-offs for emergency use; these are not ordinary sightseeing stops.

What to see and do

Take in the open-water crossing

The drive moves between low trestles and higher bridge spans, with broad views across the bay. Keep your attention on driving and enjoy the scenery from the passenger seat.

Notice the tunnels and channels

Two tunnels carry traffic beneath major Chesapeake Bay shipping channels. Their entrances and exits are a memorable change of pace from the exposed spans above water.

Pause at the Scenic Overlook

The operator’s Scenic Overlook at Wise Point, on the southern tip of the Eastern Shore, provides a designated place to park and view the crossing and bay. Confirm current access before visiting.

Look for changing coastal landscapes

From the road, notice the contrast between open water, the built crossing and the natural shoreline. The operator notes that Fisherman Island, a wildlife refuge island, lies between two of the bridge sections; it is not a visitor stop on the crossing.

Continue to the Eastern Shore

Use the crossing as a gateway to Cape Charles and other destinations on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, or make it part of a longer Coastal Virginia road trip.

History and significance

For generations, travelers crossed the bay by boat. A regular vehicle ferry service began in 1933, and the Virginia General Assembly created the Chesapeake Bay Ferry District and Ferry Commission in 1954. As traffic grew, the commission pursued a fixed crossing to replace the ferry route.

Construction began in 1960, financed through revenue bonds to be repaid from tolls. The crossing opened to traffic on April 15, 1964, and ferry service ended. The original project combined trestles, two tunnels, bridges, causeways and man-made islands—an unusual mix of structures built to carry a road across busy bay waters while allowing shipping channels to remain open.

A parallel crossing project expanded much of the facility from two lanes to four, with the tunnels remaining exceptions. A parallel tunnel at Thimble Shoal Channel is part of ongoing expansion work; project schedules and access conditions can change, so check the operator’s updates for current status.

Planning a visit

• Check current advisories. Wind, weather, traffic incidents and construction can affect travel. Review the operator’s travel advisories and Virginia road-condition information shortly before leaving.
• Budget for the toll. Toll rates and payment policies can change. Check the current toll schedule; the operator lists cash, credit cards and E-ZPass as payment options, with applicable discounts requiring E-ZPass.
• Stay in your vehicle except at designated places. The roadway is not a walking or cycling route. Use only approved visitor areas, such as the Scenic Overlook, and follow posted signs and staff instructions.
• Know vehicle requirements. The operator lists a maximum vehicle height of 13 feet 6 inches and requires recreational vehicles to turn off propane at the outside valve before crossing. Confirm current requirements if traveling in an RV or with unusual cargo.
• Do not count on the fishing pier. The operator says the fishing pier has been closed to the public during tunnel construction, with reopening dependent on completion and renovation. Check for current status rather than planning around a reopening date.

Nearby attractions

Virginia Beach
The south-side gateway to the crossing and a base for exploring Coastal Virginia.

Cape Charles
A historic Eastern Shore town near the northern end of the bridge-tunnel.

Kiptopeke State Park
A bayside state park on the Eastern Shore, north of the crossing.

Virginia’s Eastern Shore
Explore the peninsula’s coastal communities, landscapes and visitor destinations.

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References

External links

• Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel official website
• Plan Your Trip and travel information
• Explore the Bridge
• History of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
• Virginia Tourism Corporation listing