Puente del Mar
A 17.6-mile engineering marvel, this bridge-tunnel offers a surreal drive over and under the Chesapeake Bay.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Puente del Mar
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17.6-mile engineering marvel, this bridge-tunnel offers a surreal drive over and under the Chesapeake Bay.
"It's a bridge that disappears into the ocean and returns as a tunnel!"
Check Weather First
High winds can cause closures or delays. Always check local forecasts before your trip! :cloudwithwind_face:
Fuel Up Beforehand
Limited services on the bridge. Ensure your gas tank is full before you start the crossing. :fuelpump:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Disappearing' Bridge-Tunnel
Entire span
Experience the surreal sensation of driving over the ocean, with the road seemingly vanishing into the water.
Engineering Marvel
Entire span
Marvel at the 17.6-mile structure, a testament to human ingenuity over the vast Chesapeake Bay.
Scenic Overlooks
Various points along the span
Pull over at designated spots for breathtaking panoramic views of the bay and coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Beyond the Drive: What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Weather First
High winds can cause closures or delays. Always check local forecasts before your trip! :cloudwithwind_face:
Fuel Up Beforehand
Limited services on the bridge. Ensure your gas tank is full before you start the crossing. :fuelpump:
Embrace the Views
Take your time and enjoy the unique experience of driving over the water. :camerawithflash:
Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for seabirds and marine life during your journey. :bird:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Weather First
High winds can cause closures or delays. Always check local forecasts before your trip! :cloudwithwind_face:
Fuel Up Beforehand
Limited services on the bridge. Ensure your gas tank is full before you start the crossing. :fuelpump:
Embrace the Views
Take your time and enjoy the unique experience of driving over the water. :camerawithflash:
Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for seabirds and marine life during your journey. :bird:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the engineering marvel of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, often describing the drive as a unique and awe-inspiring experience. The panoramic views of the bay and the sensation of driving over the water are frequently highlighted as major positives. However, some find the lack of extensive services and the potential for weather-related closures to be minor drawbacks.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) connects the Delmarva Peninsula (eastern Maryland and Virginia) with the mainland Hampton Roads area of Virginia. You can access it via US-13. If coming from the north, you'll likely take US-13 South. If coming from the south, you'll take US-13 North. It's a significant stretch of road, so plan your route accordingly.
No, there is no public transportation that directly serves the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. It is designed for private vehicle travel.
The bridge-tunnel is approximately 17.6 miles long. It starts on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and ends in the Hampton Roads area. The primary route is US-13. Be prepared for a long drive over the water.
Yes, there are tolls for crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Toll rates vary based on vehicle type and direction of travel. It's advisable to check the official CBBT website for current toll information before your trip.
The drive across the 17.6-mile bridge-tunnel typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and any stops you might make.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need to purchase tickets in advance. Payment for the toll is collected at the toll plazas located at both ends of the bridge-tunnel.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round.
Oversized vehicles and those carrying hazardous materials may have specific restrictions or require special permits. It's best to check the official CBBT website for detailed information on vehicle restrictions.
While there are designated scenic overlooks where you can stop, stopping on the main roadway of the bridge-tunnel is prohibited for safety reasons.
Yes, there is a toll fee to use the bridge-tunnel. The amount depends on the type of vehicle. You pay this at the toll plaza.
📸 📸 Photography
The most popular spots for photos are the designated scenic overlooks and fishing piers along the span. These offer unobstructed views of the bay and the impressive structure.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Weekday mornings also tend to have fewer crowds, allowing for more relaxed photo opportunities.
Drone usage is generally restricted in and around critical infrastructure like bridges. It's essential to check FAA regulations and any specific CBBT rules regarding drone operation before attempting to fly.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the bridge and bay. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant ships or wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:
The unique perspective of driving over the water, with the road disappearing into tunnels, offers a surreal photographic experience. Capturing the contrast between the open water and the engineering of the bridge-tunnel is key.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Pack snacks and drinks, as services are limited. Consider stopping at the welcome center for a break. Point out the ships passing overhead as you go through the tunnels – it's a real highlight for many children! Ensure everyone has their seatbelts on, as the drive can feel quite exposed.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Day-trippers can easily incorporate the CBBT into a visit to Virginia Beach or the Eastern Shore. Allow ample time for the crossing and any potential stops at overlooks. It's a journey that provides a sense of accomplishment and offers a unique perspective on the region's geography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: A Bridge and Tunnels
The construction of this engineering feat was a monumental undertaking, completed in two phases. The original structure opened in 1964, and the parallel tunnels and additional bridge sections were added in the 1990s. It's a testament to the ingenuity required to connect the Delmarva Peninsula with mainland Virginia, overcoming significant geographical challenges.
Travelers often express awe at the sheer scale and design. The sensation of driving through a tunnel and then emerging back over the water is a unique experience that many find both thrilling and a little unnerving. It truly feels like you're driving on the ocean.
Experiencing the Drive: What to Expect
One of the most distinctive features is the transition from bridge to tunnel. You'll descend into the underwater tunnels, only to re-emerge into the open air and continue your journey over the bay. This seamless integration of bridges and tunnels is a key part of the CBBT's unique appeal.
While the drive is the primary activity, there are opportunities to pause. The Chesapeake Bay Island Welcome Center offers restrooms and a place to stretch your legs. There are also fishing piers and scenic overlooks where you can stop to admire the views and take photos, though stopping on the main roadway is prohibited for safety.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit