Juan's Mexican Cafe and Cantina
Near the start, right off the route
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+17578775826
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 1m
Distance
195.3 mi
314 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
15 DC fast
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
East Hampton, VA
Sarah O'Shea
Salem, VA
Wikimedia Commons
The drive from East Hampton, VA to Salem, VA covers 195.3 miles and takes about 4h 1m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on I 64, Spotswood Trail, Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 101.3 miles on I 64. At current regular gas prices, budget about $30.54 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
97.7 miles from East Hampton, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 52m into the drive .
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 1m. Total distance: 195.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 1m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
The drive from East Hampton, VA to Salem, VA covers 195.3 miles and takes about 4h 1m, using a mix of highways and local roads.
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 65.9 miles in.
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 18 significant decision points across 195.3 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 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; at 131 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
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
Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight right at fork toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Turn uturn onto US 211; US 340
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between East Hampton, VA and Salem, VA, road signs point toward Rocky Mount and Palmyra.
Rocky Mount
Palmyra
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 101.3 mi | 1h 50m |
| Spotswood Trail | 30.6 mi | 41m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 22.6 mi | 24m |
| 4th Street | 11.4 mi | 17m |
| James Madison Highway | 10.8 mi | 15m |
| North East Side Highway | 4.3 mi | 6m |
| East Mercury Boulevard | 3.7 mi | 6m |
| Stanardsville By-Pass | 2.2 mi | 2m |
Step-by-step road directions between East Hampton, VA and Salem, VA.
Start on Southerland Drive
Turn left onto US 258
Take the ramp onto VA 134
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto I 295
Keep slight right at fork
Merge onto I 64
Take the exit
Keep slight right at fork
Turn straight onto US 15
Continue on US 15; US 33
Continue on US 15; US 33
Enter roundabout onto US 33; VA 231
Continue on US 33; VA 231
Continue on US 33
Enter roundabout onto US 33; VA 20
Continue on US 33; VA 20
Continue on US 33
Continue on US 33
Take the exit onto US 33 BUS
Keep slight right at fork onto US 33 BUS
Continue on US 340
Continue on US 340
Continue on US 340
Continue on US 340
Continue on US 340
Turn right onto US 211; US 340
Turn left onto SR 615
Turn sharp right
Turn uturn onto US 211; US 340
Arrive at destination
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.
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 43 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 97.7 miles or 1h 52m 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 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Salem, VA than in the middle of the route.
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 195.3 miles and 4h 1m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 97.7 mi from East Hampton, VA · 1h 52m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
98 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 97.7 miles from East Hampton, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 101.3 miles.
The final approach into Salem, 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 Salem, VA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Newport News, Virginia
Near the start, right off the route
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+17578775826
Potros Mexican Restaurant
Henrico, Virginia
Green Leafe Cafe
Williamsburg, Virginia
Top Coffee Stop
Newport News, Virginia
Near the start, right off the route
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17577553134
Dubai Girls Cafe
Glen Allen, Virginia
Near the start, right off the route
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+17578775826
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Henrico, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+18045621479
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Williamsburg, Virginia
Hours: 4 pm–1 am
+17579032697
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Williamsburg, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–9:30 pm
+17573455829
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Manakin-Sabot, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+18047841994
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Gordonsville, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–8 pm
+15404065164
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–7 pm
+17573695533
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Barboursville, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–11 pm
+14343288161
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17577553134
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Glen Allen, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+18044001505
Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour
Glen Allen, Virginia
Hours: 8:30 am–2:30 pm
+18044243399
Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
+18045916191
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Richmond, Virginia
+18043088837
Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Glen Allen, Virginia
Hours: 9 am–9 pm
+18047996041
Near the start, right off the route
Newport News, Virginia
+18668167584
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18336322778
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Williamsburg, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Hampton, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18774943833
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the start, ~12 min detour
Williamsburg, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18774943833
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Hampton, Virginia
Hours: 8 am–6 pm
+17577276348
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Hampton, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+17577270900
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Williamsburg, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–6 pm
+18557761765
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Fort Monroe, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+17576908181
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Williamsburg, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–7 pm
+17572209220
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Williamsburg, Virginia
Hours: 2–9 pm
+17576032594
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Newport News, Virginia
+17578867912
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Henrico, Virginia
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+18042629887
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
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...
National Park
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...
National Battlefield
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...
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Regular Gas
$30.54 one way
$61.08 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $33.39 | $66.79 |
| premium | $4.70 | $36.15 | $72.29 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $43.12 | $86.24 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
15 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Tesla Supercharger
Newport News, Virginia
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Williamsburg, Virginia
1 DCFC
EV Connect Charging Station
Newport News, Virginia
1 DCFC
EVgo Charging Station
Williamsburg, Virginia
1 DCFC
Electrify America Charging Station
Newport News, Virginia
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Newport News, Virginia
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Richmond, Virginia
1 DCFC
EVgo Charging Station
Hampton, Virginia
1 DCFC
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.6 | 0 | $20.51 | $9.37 |
| Efficient EV | 48.8 | 0 | $17.09 | $7.81 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 78.1 | 0 | $27.34 | $12.50 |
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Morning in East Hampton on Friday
Local time
9:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Destination
Morning in Salem on Friday
Local time
9:43 AM
EDT
Current temp
35°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from East Hampton, VA or browse trips ending in Salem, VA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.