
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
A 17.6-mile engineering marvel, the CBBT combines bridges and underwater tunnels across the Chesapeake Bay.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views and less anxiety

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Best Time
Best views and less anxiety

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17.6-mile engineering marvel, the CBBT combines bridges and underwater tunnels across the Chesapeake Bay.
"One of the strangest, scariest, and most fascinating drives in America."

🚗 Brace for the Drive!
Many find it thrilling, others a bit nerve-wracking. Take deep breaths and enjoy the views!
💰 Check Toll Prices
Tolls apply in both directions. Visit the official CBBT website for current rates.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Underwater Tunnels
Thimble Shoals Tunnel & Chesapeake Channel Tunnel
Experience the unique sensation of driving beneath the Chesapeake Bay, a true engineering feat.

Man-Made Islands
Four islands along the span
These unique rest stops offer panoramic views and a chance to break up the journey.

Panoramic Bay Views
Throughout the 17.6-mile span
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Chesapeake Bay, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Thrill (and Potential Nausea)
Tolls and Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Brace for the Drive!
Many find it thrilling, others a bit nerve-wracking. Take deep breaths and enjoy the views!
💰 Check Toll Prices
Tolls apply in both directions. Visit the official CBBT website for current rates.
📸 Capture the Engineering
The sheer scale is impressive. Look for photo ops on the man-made islands.
🤢 Motion Sickness Prep
If you're prone to nausea, consider medication before entering the underwater tunnels.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Brace for the Drive!
Many find it thrilling, others a bit nerve-wracking. Take deep breaths and enjoy the views!
💰 Check Toll Prices
Tolls apply in both directions. Visit the official CBBT website for current rates.
📸 Capture the Engineering
The sheer scale is impressive. Look for photo ops on the man-made islands.
🤢 Motion Sickness Prep
If you're prone to nausea, consider medication before entering the underwater tunnels.
🛣️ Scenic Road Trip
It's a fantastic part of a larger road trip, connecting the Eastern Shore to mainland VA.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is widely recognized as an engineering marvel, offering a unique and often thrilling driving experience. Visitors are impressed by its immense length and the innovative underwater tunnels. While many find it a scenic and memorable part of their travels, some drivers report anxiety or motion sickness due to the tunnels and the bridge's scale.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) is located in Virginia, USA. It spans the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, connecting the Eastern Shore of Virginia to the mainland near Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
You can access the CBBT via US-13. It connects the Delmarva Peninsula to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Many travelers use it as part of a larger road trip through Virginia.
Yes, the CBBT is part of U.S. Route 13, a major north-south highway that runs along the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Yes, RVs and large vehicles can cross the CBBT. However, some drivers of large vehicles, like RVs, have noted it can be an anxiety-inducing experience, especially in the tunnels.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is approximately 17.6 miles (28.3 km) long, making it one of the longest bridges in the world.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tolls are charged for both directions of travel on the CBBT. The exact cost varies by vehicle type. It's best to check the official Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel website for the most up-to-date toll information before your trip.
The cost to cross the CBBT depends on your vehicle. For the most current pricing, consult the official CBBT website.
Information on potential discounts or toll passes is typically available on the official CBBT website. It's recommended to check there for details.
The primary cost associated with the CBBT is the toll for crossing. There isn't a separate entrance fee beyond the toll.
Toll payment methods, including cash and electronic payment options, are usually detailed on the official CBBT website. It's advisable to confirm this before your journey.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Many drivers find the CBBT thrilling due to its length and the two underwater tunnels. Some experience anxiety or nausea, while others find it an exciting part of their journey. Focusing on the views can help.
The CBBT features two tunnels that go beneath the Chesapeake Bay. These tunnels are a significant part of the experience, with some travelers describing them as claustrophobic or unnerving.
Yes, there are four man-made islands along the CBBT that serve as rest stops. These offer opportunities to take a break, enjoy the views, and use restrooms.
While driving, you might spot seabirds. Some visitors have reported seeing eagles. The surrounding bay is rich in marine life, though direct viewing from the bridge is limited.
Absolutely! The CBBT is renowned for its scenic beauty, offering expansive views of the Chesapeake Bay. It's considered one of the most fascinating drives in America.
📸 📸 Photography
The man-made islands offer unique vantage points. For broader views, consider locations on either end of the bridge or aerial shots if possible. Sunset and sunrise can provide dramatic lighting.
It's strongly advised not to take photos while actively driving, especially in the tunnels, for safety reasons. Pull over at designated rest stops on the man-made islands to take pictures.
Direct photography inside the underwater tunnels is not feasible due to lighting and safety. However, you can capture the entrances and exits of the tunnels, and the surrounding bay views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the bridge and bay. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant wildlife or ships. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions at sunrise/sunset.
You can find many stunning Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel photos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, often tagged with relevant hashtags, or by searching image databases.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Truckers
😨 Travelers with Anxiety
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engineering Marvel: The CBBT
The design is ingenious, featuring a combination of trestle bridges, causeways, and two one-mile-long underwater tunnels. These tunnels, the Thimble Shoals Tunnel and the Chesapeake Channel Tunnel, allow large ships to pass overhead without interruption. The project utilized innovative construction techniques, including the use of pre-fabricated concrete sections and extensive dredging.
This engineering wonder not only serves as a vital transportation link but also stands as a testament to human ingenuity. It was designed to protect the navigational channels leading to the Norfolk Naval Station, ensuring safe passage for naval vessels.
The Traveler's Experience: Thrills and Chills
For those who are claustrophobic or prone to motion sickness, the underwater tunnels can be particularly challenging. Travelers often share tips on managing these feelings, such as focusing on the road ahead, taking deep breaths, or listening to calming music. Despite the potential for anxiety, many also express a sense of accomplishment and wonder after completing the crossing.
The CBBT is also celebrated for its scenic beauty. The expansive views of the Chesapeake Bay, especially during sunrise and sunset, are a major draw. The four man-made islands along the route provide opportunities to pause, stretch your legs, and soak in the panoramic vistas, making the journey more enjoyable for many.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit