Spectacular sunsets are an almost daily occurrence  along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
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Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

4.6
·491k reviews·, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best views and less anxiety

CrowdMedium
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Spectacular sunsets are an almost daily occurrence  along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best views and less anxiety

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"One of the strangest, scariest, and most fascinating drives in America."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Underwater Tunnels

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

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

Panoramic Bay Views

Throughout the 17.6-mile span

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Chesapeake Bay, especially during sunrise or sunset.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for the Thrill (and Potential Nausea)

Many visitors find the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) an exhilarating, albeit sometimes anxiety-inducing, experience. With 17.6 miles of roadway, including two underwater tunnels, it's a unique engineering marvel. If you're prone to motion sickness or claustrophobia, be prepared. Some travelers recommend taking it slow and focusing on the views to manage any discomfort. TikTok+2

Tolls and Timing Your Visit

Be aware of the tolls before you go, as they can add up, especially for return trips. Checking the official CBBT website for current rates is advised. While the CBBT is open 24/7, consider visiting during daylight hours for the best scenic views and to better appreciate the engineering feat. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Best views and less anxiety
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunrise/Sunset
Why
Spectacular scenic views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

So dramatic. #chesapeakebay #chesapeake #bridge #scary
@_.katie._did
1.3M likes • 12.6M views

🚗 Brace for the Drive!

Many find it thrilling, others a bit nerve-wracking. Take deep breaths and enjoy the views! TikTok+1

💰 Check Toll Prices

Tolls apply in both directions. Visit the official CBBT website for current rates. Reddit

sin duda este puente asusta mucho al cruzar #puente #mar #tunel #maryland #virginia #chesapeake
@videosclasificados
79.9K likes • 4.2M views
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel #virginiabeach #Virginia #thingstodoinVirginia #vacation #homeschoollife #homeschoolfamily #alwayslearing #homeschoolers #homeschool #alwayslearning #travel #travellife #travelers #vabeach #chesapeakebay #chesapeakebaybridge #chesapeakeva #chesapeakebaybridgetunnel #vacation #bridges #underwater #underwaterbridge
vintagelawgirl
117 likes • 9.3K views

📸 Capture the Engineering

The sheer scale is impressive. Look for photo ops on the man-made islands. Instagram

🤢 Motion Sickness Prep

If you're prone to nausea, consider medication before entering the underwater tunnels. TikTok+1

🇺🇸🚖 Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Virginia🚖🇺🇸
hoskarlugovega
103 likes • 3.9K views

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! TikTok+1

💰 Check Toll Prices

Tolls apply in both directions. Visit the official CBBT website for current rates. Reddit

📸 Capture the Engineering

The sheer scale is impressive. Look for photo ops on the man-made islands. Instagram

🤢 Motion Sickness Prep

If you're prone to nausea, consider medication before entering the underwater tunnels. TikTok+1

🛣️ Scenic Road Trip

It's a fantastic part of a larger road trip, connecting the Eastern Shore to mainland VA. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Impressive engineering feat
Scenic bay views
Unique underwater tunnels

What People Dislike

Tunnel anxiety
Potential motion sickness

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the CBBT is part of U.S. Route 13, a major north-south highway that runs along the Eastern Shore of Virginia. TikTok

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. TikTok

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is approximately 17.6 miles (28.3 km) long, making it one of the longest bridges in the world. TikTokInstagram+1

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

The cost to cross the CBBT depends on your vehicle. For the most current pricing, consult the official CBBT website. Reddit

Information on potential discounts or toll passes is typically available on the official CBBT website. It's recommended to check there for details. Reddit

The primary cost associated with the CBBT is the toll for crossing. There isn't a separate entrance fee beyond the toll. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTok+4

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. TikTok+2

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok+1

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel offers a unique adventure for families. The sheer scale of the bridge and the experience of driving underwater can be fascinating for children. The man-made islands provide convenient spots for a family break, with restrooms and scenic views. Consider making it a part of a larger road trip to the Eastern Shore or Virginia Beach, turning the drive into an educational and exciting experience. TikTokInstagram

🚗 Road Trippers & Truckers

For road trippers and truckers, the CBBT is often a highlight of a journey. It's a significant and memorable stretch of highway that offers stunning views and a unique driving challenge. Many truckers share their experiences, noting it as a favorite or particularly interesting route. The 17.6-mile span is a great way to break up long drives and experience impressive engineering. TikTokInstagram+1

😨 Travelers with Anxiety

If you experience anxiety or claustrophobia, the CBBT can be a significant challenge. The underwater tunnels and the sheer length of the bridge are often cited as triggers. Travelers suggest preparing mentally, perhaps by watching videos beforehand, and focusing on the destination or the scenic beauty. Some find that the experience is less daunting than anticipated, especially during daylight. TikTok+2

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Engineering Marvel: The CBBT

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) is a remarkable feat of civil engineering, stretching 17.6 miles across the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Its construction was a monumental undertaking, completed in two phases. The first phase, opened in 1964, included the bridge sections and the two original tunnels. The second phase, completed in 1999, involved widening the tunnels and adding parallel structures to accommodate increased traffic. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTokInstagram

The Traveler's Experience: Thrills and Chills

Driving the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is an experience many travelers find unforgettable, often described as both exhilarating and a little daunting. The sheer length of the structure, combined with the dramatic transition from bridge to underwater tunnel, can evoke strong emotions. Many TikTok videos capture the initial awe and subsequent anxiety some drivers feel, particularly as they approach or enter the tunnels. TikTok+2

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. TikTok+2

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. TikTokInstagram

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