This 188.3-mile journey from East Hampton, VA, to Petersburg, VA, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes. You'll primarily navigate major highways, with a 63% highway share, making it a straightforward drive through Virginia's Southeast region. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $29, offering an economical option for a road trip. With only one recommended stop, this route is well-suited for those looking to reach their destination efficiently without feeling rushed.
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
94.1 miles from East Hampton, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 48m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 50m. Total distance: 188.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 50m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this drive, with 63% of the route utilizing major interstates. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 61.1 miles on I 64, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While the majority is interstate, you will also traverse sections of Warrenton Road, adding a slight variation to the pace as you transition between major thoroughfares. This route offers a predominantly fast-paced journey, minimizing time spent on slower local roads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 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 61.1 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 4.8 miles in near I 64.
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 17 significant decision points across 188.3 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 4.8 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 65.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 66.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
4.8 mi into trip|~9m in|I 64
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
65.9 mi into trip|~1h 16m in
Take the exit toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
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 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
7
66.3 mi into trip|~1h 17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 295 North: Washington
7
79.5 mi into trip|~1h 32m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Washington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 43A
Toward I 95 North: Washington
7
184.9 mi into trip|~3h 44m in
Take the exit toward SR 688: Markham
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 18
Toward SR 688: Markham
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from East Hampton, VA to Petersburg, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Rocky Mount along the way.
Rocky Mount
65.9 mi in|~1h 16m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
61.1 mi
1h 7m
I 95
47.3 mi
51m
Warrenton Road
22.9 mi
33m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
11.9 mi
12m
James Madison Highway
11.3 mi
15m
US 17
9.5 mi
10m
Eastern Bypass
4.8 mi
6m
Marsh Road
4.2 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 61.1 mi, about 1h 7m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between East Hampton, VA and Petersburg, VA.
1
Start on Southerland Drive
0.2 mi·46 sec·Southerland Drive
2
Turn left onto US 258
3.7 mi·6 min·East Mercury Boulevard
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp onto VA 134
0.9 mi·1 min·VA 134
Toward I 64 West, SR 134 North: Williamsburg, Richmond
4
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
61 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi·32 sec
Exit 200Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NCUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi·2 min
Toward I 295 North: WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 295
12 mi·12 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
8
Take the exit
2.4 mi·2 min
Exit 43AToward I 95 North: WashingtonUse the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto I 95
46 mi·49 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi·1 min·I 95; US 17
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward US 17 Business: Falmouth
12
Turn left onto US 17
23 mi·33 min·Warrenton Road
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 17
4.2 mi·7 min·Marsh Road
14
Turn right onto US 15; US 29
4.6 mi·6 min·James Madison Highway
15
Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29
2.4 mi·3 min·Eastern Bypass
16
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
2.3 mi·3 min·Eastern Bypass
Toward US 17 North
17
Continue on US 17
6.7 mi·9 min·James Madison Highway
18
Continue on US 17
2.7 mi·3 min·Winchester Road
19
Turn left onto US 17
9.5 mi·10 min·US 17
Use the left lane.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
Exit 18Toward SR 688: MarkhamUse the slight right lane.
21
Turn left onto SR 688
0.1 mi·27 sec·Leeds Manor Road
22
Turn right onto VA 55
3.0 mi·5 min·John Marshall Highway
23
Arrive at destination
VA 55
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 50-minute drive, starting earlier in the day is advisable to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach Petersburg. With a total distance of 188.3 miles and only one recommended stop, you have considerable flexibility in pacing yourself. Budget approximately $29 for fuel, and keep an eye on your gas gauge, as the longest stretch without a planned stop is over 60 miles. Consider utilizing the time on I 64 to consolidate your driving before reaching the final segments.
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 94.1 miles from East Hampton, VA, or about 1h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.1 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 41 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 94.1 miles or 1h 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Petersburg, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving East Hampton, 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 East Hampton, VA
This is one driving day of about 188.3 miles and 3h 50m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from East Hampton, 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 61.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 94.1 mi from East Hampton, VA
· 1h 48m into the drive
The midpoint is around 94.1 miles from East Hampton, 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 61.1 miles.
Arriving in Petersburg, VA
The final approach into Petersburg, 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 Petersburg, 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.
Fort Monroe National Monument
National Monument
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...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
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...
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires today. Native Americans first shaped the land, followed by colonists and settlers. The fertile valley became an important...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
Free
near mile 188.3
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
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 64.9
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!
27 mi from route
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 175.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.45 one way
$58.89 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg66 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$32.20
$64.39
premium
$4.70
$34.85
$69.70
diesel
$5.61
$41.57
$83.15
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 65.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
56.5
0
$19.77
$9.04
Efficient EV
47.1
0
$16.48
$7.53
EV Truck/SUV
75.3
0
$26.36
$12.05
Gas CO2
66 kg
EV CO2
22 kg (67% 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 16, 2026
Origin
East Hampton, VA
Afternoon
in East Hampton on Friday
Local time
12:34 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Petersburg, VA
Afternoon
in Petersburg on Friday
Local time
12:34 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
31 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 50m 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 East Hampton, VA to Petersburg, VA covers 188.3 miles and takes about 3h 50m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, I 95, Warrenton Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 94.1 miles from East Hampton, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.45 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 17 significant decision points across 188.3 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 4.8 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 65.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 66.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from East Hampton, VA to Petersburg, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Rocky Mount along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Fort Monroe National Monument, Colonial National Historical Park and Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park. There are 5 parks within detour distance of this route.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
