Embark on a straightforward 158.4-mile journey from Culpeper, VA, to Hampton, VA, which will take approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes. This drive, primarily on highways, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, so you won't need to worry about finding an overnight stop. With a projected fuel cost of around $25, it's an economical option for exploring within the Southeast region. The route focuses on efficient travel, making it a practical choice for reaching your destination without unnecessary detours.
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
79.2 miles from Culpeper, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 40m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 11m. Total distance: 158.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
This is largely a highway-focused drive, with 68% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-64 and I-95. You'll experience stretches of efficient travel, including a significant 64.2-mile segment on I-64 where you can maintain a steady pace. While the primary roads are highways, the inclusion of Germanna Highway offers a brief change of pace before you transition back to faster routes. Expect a consistent driving experience that prioritizes getting you to Hampton efficiently.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 early in the drive near West Davis Street.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 158.4 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: near the start (West Davis Street): Navigation decision point; at 76.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 91.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|West Davis Street
Turn right onto West Davis Street
Navigation decision point
8
76.9 mi into trip|~1h 37m 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
91.8 mi into trip|~1h 54m 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
157.2 mi into trip|~3h 8m 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
157.4 mi into trip|~3h 8m 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 Culpeper, VA and Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
Norfolk
76.9 mi in|~1h 37m
Va Beach
76.9 mi in|~1h 37m
Virginia Beach
91.8 mi in|~1h 54m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
64.2 mi
1h 11m
I 95
44.2 mi
48m
Germanna Highway
19.3 mi
27m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
Plank Road
12.3 mi
18m
North Armistead Avenue
0.4 mi
1m
South Main Street
0.3 mi
1m
Orange Road
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 Culpeper, VA and Hampton, VA.
1
Start on this road
94 ft·9 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto West Davis Street
143 ft·7 sec·West Davis Street
3
Turn right onto US 522; US 15 BUS; US 29 BUS
0.3 mi·1 min·South Main Street
4
Turn slight left onto Orange Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Orange Road
5
Turn left onto US 522; VA 3
0.8 mi·1 min·Germanna Highway
6
Continue on US 522; VA 3
18 mi·26 min·Germanna Highway
7
Continue on VA 3
12 mi·18 min·Plank Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Toward I 95 South: Richmond
9
Merge onto I 95; US 17
44 mi·48 min·I 95; US 17
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
11
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 64
64 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.1 mi·25 sec
Exit 265CToward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force BaseUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork
199 ft·6 sec
Toward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force BaseUse the left / right lanes.
16
Turn straight onto Rip Rap Road
0.2 mi·21 sec·Rip Rap Road
17
Turn sharp left onto VA 134
0.4 mi·1 min·North Armistead Avenue
18
Turn left onto VA 351
0.3 mi·39 sec·West Pembroke Avenue
19
Turn right onto North King Street
524 ft·19 sec·North King Street
20
Continue on North King Street
432 ft·18 sec·North King Street
21
Arrive at destination
North King Street
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour drive, leaving early in the morning can help you avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Hampton area. Since it's a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to make a single stop for fuel or a quick break. Plan your stop strategically, perhaps around the halfway point, to break up the 158.4 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, and remember that the $25 fuel estimate is a good benchmark for budgeting.
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 79.2 miles from Culpeper, VA, or about 1h 40m 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 35 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 79.2 miles or 1h 40m 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 38m
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 Culpeper, 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 Culpeper, VA
This is one driving day of about 158.4 miles and 3h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 35 miles from Culpeper, 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 79.2 mi from Culpeper, VA
· 1h 40m into the drive
The midpoint is around 79.2 miles from Culpeper, 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...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
$15
near mile 136.6
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 158.4
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...
25 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 92.9
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.77 one way
$49.54 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg55 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$27.08
$54.17
premium
$4.70
$29.32
$58.63
diesel
$5.61
$34.97
$69.95
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 55.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
47.5
0
$16.63
$7.60
Efficient EV
39.6
0
$13.86
$6.34
EV Truck/SUV
63.4
0
$22.18
$10.14
Gas CO2
55 kg
EV CO2
19 kg (65% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Culpeper, VA
Late night
in Culpeper on Friday
Local time
4:34 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hampton, VA
Late night
in Hampton on Friday
Local time
4:34 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
53°F
Ashland, VA
79 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
19 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 11m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Culpeper, VA to Hampton, VA covers 158.4 miles and takes about 3h 11m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, I 95, Germanna 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 79.2 miles from Culpeper, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.77 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 16 significant decision points across 158.4 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: near the start (West Davis Street): Navigation decision point; at 76.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 91.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Culpeper, 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.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
