If you go through NYC go through between 12 am - 6 am follow I 95 south also called the Cross Bronx Expressway. Cross the GW bridge, head south at the split to the NJ turnpike/I 95 south all the way to the Delaware Memorial bridge in Delaware...I 95 south all the way to I 295 east just north of Richmond to I64 east to I 264 to VA Beach. If you pick the right time it is easy. Some times the GW is backed up and some times it's 65 mph none stop. Speaking from experience of many, many trips that way. Good luck what ever way you pick.
If you do decide on NYC/GW Bridge route when you get within 10 miles of the GW get in the far left 2 lanes and stay there because when you get close to the bridge only the 2 left lanes will take you to the "upper level". The best thing to do is get in the far left because you have one more right lane merge from traffic on the right just before getting onto the bridge.