Traveling from Arlington to Hampton covers 175.8 miles of Virginia’s Southeast region, a journey that typically takes about 3 hours and 26 minutes behind the wheel. Because this is a straightforward, highway-focused drive, it works perfectly as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $28 on fuel for the one-way trek. By utilizing I-95, I-64, and the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway, you stay on major thoroughfares for the duration of the trip. Whether you are heading to the coast for business or a quick getaway, this route provides a predictable and efficient way to cross the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
87.9 miles from Arlington, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 45m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 26m. Total distance: 175.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
Expect a trip defined by heavy interstate travel, as 64% of this route consists of highway driving. You will spend a significant portion of your time on I-64, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of the journey at 64.2 miles. The experience is primarily a steady, high-speed interstate grind rather than a winding backroads tour. As you transition between the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway and the main interstates, the road maintains a consistent, functional pace. Prepare for a standard highway environment where the focus remains on navigating consistent traffic flows and maintaining steady speeds.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 64 is the longest continuous segment at about 64.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.4 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 175.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 3.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 94.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
3.4 mi into trip|~9m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 395 South: Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 395 South: Richmond
8
94.3 mi into trip|~1h 52m in
Take the exit toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 84A
Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va B...
8
109.1 mi into trip|~2h 9m in
Take the exit toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 28A
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
8
174.6 mi into trip|~3h 23m in
Take the exit toward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force Base
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 265C
Toward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force Base
9
174.7 mi into trip|~3h 24m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force Base
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / right lanes.
Toward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force Base
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Arlington, VA and Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
Norfolk
94.3 mi in|~1h 52m
Va Beach
94.3 mi in|~1h 52m
Virginia Beach
109.1 mi in|~2h 9m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
64.2 mi
1h 11m
I 95
48.6 mi
53m
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
42.2 mi
50m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
North Glebe Road
2.4 mi
6m
North Oakland Street
0.4 mi
1m
North Armistead Avenue
0.4 mi
1m
West Pembroke Avenue
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 64.2 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Arlington, VA and Hampton, VA.
1
Start on Wilson Boulevard
90 ft·8 sec·Wilson Boulevard
2
Turn right onto North Oakland Street
0.4 mi·1 min·North Oakland Street
3
Turn right onto North Pershing Drive
0.1 mi·28 sec·North Pershing Drive
4
Turn left onto VA 120
2.4 mi·6 min·North Glebe Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 395 South: Richmond
6
Keep slight left at fork
315 ft·7 sec
Toward I 395 South: Richmond, Quaker Lane
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward I 395 South: RichmondUse the slight left lane.
8
Merge onto I 395
5.8 mi·7 min·Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 395
36 mi·43 min·Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 1AToward I 95 South: RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
49 mi·53 min·I 95
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
12
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 64
64 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.1 mi·25 sec
Exit 265CToward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force BaseUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork
199 ft·6 sec
Toward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force BaseUse the left / right lanes.
17
Turn straight onto Rip Rap Road
0.2 mi·21 sec·Rip Rap Road
18
Turn sharp left onto VA 134
0.4 mi·1 min·North Armistead Avenue
19
Turn left onto VA 351
0.3 mi·39 sec·West Pembroke Avenue
20
Turn right onto North King Street
524 ft·19 sec·North King Street
21
Continue on North King Street
432 ft·18 sec·North King Street
22
Arrive at destination
North King Street
Trip Plan
To keep your 3 hour and 26 minute drive manageable, plan for at least one strategic stop to stretch your legs. Since the route is relatively short, you have the flexibility to depart at off-peak times to avoid the heaviest regional congestion. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, budgeting about $28 for gas, and aim to fill up before hitting the longer interstate stretches. Because you are traversing major transit corridors, traffic density can fluctuate rapidly; checking real-time conditions before you head out is the best way to ensure your trip stays within the projected timeframe.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 87.9 miles from Arlington, VA, or about 1h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 64.2 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 39 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 87.9 miles or 1h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 49m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hampton, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Arlington, VA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Arlington, VA
This is one driving day of about 175.8 miles and 3h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Arlington, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 64 for about 64.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 87.9 mi from Arlington, VA
· 1h 45m into the drive
The midpoint is around 87.9 miles from Arlington, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 64.2 miles.
Arriving in Hampton, VA
The final approach into Hampton, VA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Hampton, VA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Colonial National Historical Park
National Historical Park
On May 13, 1607, Jamestown was established as the first permanent English settlement in North America. Three cultures came together – European, Virginia Indian and African–to create a new society that...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
$15
near mile 151.5
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Those escapi...
3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 175.8
Two hundred ninety-two days, eight offensives, over 70,000 casualties, U. S. Colored Troops, and the decline of Gen. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia all describe the Siege of Petersburg. U.S. forces c...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 109.1
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.49 one way
$54.98 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg62 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$30.06
$60.12
premium
$4.70
$32.54
$65.07
diesel
$5.61
$38.81
$77.63
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 61.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
52.7
0
$18.46
$8.44
Efficient EV
44
0
$15.38
$7.03
EV Truck/SUV
70.3
0
$24.61
$11.25
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 14, 2026
Origin
Arlington, VA
Night
in Arlington on Thursday
Local time
11:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hampton, VA
Night
in Hampton on Thursday
Local time
11:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Partly Cloudy
SW 12 mph3% chanceLive forecast
53°F
Ashland, VA
88 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
13 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 26m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Arlington, VA to Hampton, VA covers 175.8 miles and takes about 3h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, I 95, Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 87.9 miles from Arlington, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.49 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 175.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 94.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 109.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Arlington, VA and Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield. There are 4 parks within detour distance of this route.
