This 199.2-mile drive from Forest, Virginia, to East Hampton, Virginia, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 4 hours and 11 minutes. The route primarily utilizes I-64, Anderson Highway, and US-501, with 68% of the journey on highways. Expect a fuel cost of around $31 for this journey. Given its manageable length and Southeast to Southeast region progression within Virginia, it's a straightforward drive without the need for an overnight stop. The overall feel is practical and efficient, making it a good option for getting from point A to point B without extensive detours.
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
99.6 miles from Forest, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 9m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 11m. Total distance: 199.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
This trip is largely a highway-focused drive, with 68% of the 199.2 miles spent on faster roads like I-64. You'll experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 72 miles on I-64, offering a chance to maintain a consistent speed. While predominantly highway, portions will incorporate Anderson Highway and US-501, which may offer a slight change of pace before you rejoin faster routes. The profile suggests a drive where efficiency is key, moving you steadily towards your destination across Virginia.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 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 72 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and Anderson Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 7.9 miles in near US 501.
Driving Effort10/10
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 23 significant decision points across 199.2 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 7.9 miles (US 501): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 121.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
7.9 mi into trip|~14m in|US 501
Keep slight left at fork onto US 501 toward US 29 North, US 460 East, US 501 South: Charlottesville, Appomattox, South Boston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 29 North, US 460 East, US 501 South:...
8
121.2 mi into trip|~2h 40m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville,...
8
122.2 mi into trip|~2h 41m in
Take the exit toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 75
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th...
9
122.4 mi into trip|~2h 41m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
8
194.6 mi into trip|~4h 3m in|VA 134
Take the exit onto VA 134 toward US 258 South, US 258 North, VA 134 South: Mercury Boulevard, James River Bridge, Coliseum
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 263
Toward US 258 South, US 258 North, VA 134 South...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Forest, VA and East Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Virginia Beach.
Appomattox
28.4 mi in|~41m|via VA 24
Charlottesville
121.2 mi in|~2h 40m
Norfolk
121.2 mi in|~2h 40m
Richmond International Airport
121.2 mi in|~2h 40m
Virginia Beach
122.2 mi in|~2h 41m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
72 mi
1h 20m
Anderson Highway
36.7 mi
48m
US 501
20.6 mi
27m
VA 24
18.9 mi
21m
Powhite Parkway
11.5 mi
15m
East James Anderson Highway
8.1 mi
9m
West James Anderson Highway
7.7 mi
9m
Old Hundred Road
5.1 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 72 mi, about 1h 20m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Forest, VA and East Hampton, VA.
1
Start on this road
94 ft·13 sec·this road
2
Turn left
105 ft·8 sec
3
At end of road, turn right onto US 221
2.8 mi·4 min·Forest Road
4
Turn right onto Graves Mill Road
1.5 mi·3 min·Graves Mill Road
Use the straight lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·29 sec
Use the right lane.
6
Merge onto US 501
2.5 mi·3 min·Lynchburg Expressway
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·42 sec
Toward US 501 South, VA 128 EastUse the right lane.
8
Merge onto US 501; VA 128
0.5 mi·1 min·Candlers Mountain Road
9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 501
21 mi·27 min·US 501
Toward US 29 North, US 460 East, US 501 South: Charlottesville, Appomattox, South BostonUse the straight lane.
10
Take the exit onto VA 24
0.2 mi·21 sec·VA 24
Toward VA 24 East, VA 131 South: To Route 60, Appomattox
11
Turn slight left onto VA 24
19 mi·21 min·VA 24
12
Continue on US 60
7.7 mi·9 min·West James Anderson Highway
13
Continue on US 60
8.1 mi·9 min·East James Anderson Highway
14
Continue on US 60
37 mi·48 min·Anderson Highway
15
Continue on US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·Midlothian Turnpike
16
Turn right onto SR 652
2.5 mi·3 min·Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
17
Enter roundabout onto SR 652
147 ft·5 sec·Old Hundred Road
18
Continue on SR 652
2.5 mi·4 min·Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on VA 76
9.7 mi·12 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
1.8 mi·2 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 146
0.9 mi·1 min·VA 146
Use the slight right lane.
22
Merge onto VA 195
2.9 mi·3 min·Downtown Expressway
Use the straight lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International AirportUse the slight left lane.
24
Merge onto I 95
0.7 mi·54 sec·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 75Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th StreetUse the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto I 64
72 mi·1 hr 20 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
28
Take the exit onto VA 134
0.2 mi·28 sec·VA 134
Exit 263Toward US 258 South, US 258 North, VA 134 South: Mercury Boulevard, James River Bridge, ColiseumUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 134
4.2 mi·7 min·VA 134
Toward US 258 North, VA 134 South: Mercury Boulevard, ColiseumUse the slight right lane.
30
Turn right onto Southerland Drive
0.2 mi·46 sec·Southerland Drive
31
Arrive at destination
Southerland Drive
Trip Plan
For this 4-hour, 11-minute drive, departing in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for flexibility. With only one recommended stop, you can choose a convenient point along the 199.2-mile route for a brief break. The estimated fuel cost is $31, so ensure your tank is adequately full before you begin. Given the longest stretch is 72 miles on I-64, plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps midway through that segment if needed. This route is well-suited for a single day, so you can adjust your timing as needed.
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 99.6 miles from Forest, VA, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72 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 44 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 99.6 miles or 2h 9m 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 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Hampton, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Forest, 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 Forest, VA
This is one driving day of about 199.2 miles and 4h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 44 miles from Forest, 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 72 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 99.6 mi from Forest, VA
· 2h 9m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.15 one way
$62.30 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg70 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$34.06
$68.12
premium
$4.70
$36.87
$73.74
diesel
$5.61
$43.98
$87.96
Estimated Tolls: $0.12
Midlothian Turnpike
(0.9 mi)$0.07
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(0.7 mi)$0.05
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 69.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
59.8
0
$20.92
$9.56
Efficient EV
49.8
0
$17.43
$7.97
EV Truck/SUV
79.7
0
$27.89
$12.75
Gas CO2
70 kg
EV CO2
23 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
Forest, VA
Night
in Forest on Friday
Local time
10:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
East Hampton, VA
Night
in East Hampton on Friday
Local time
10:51 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
4h 11m on the road
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Forest, VA to East Hampton, VA covers 199.2 miles and takes about 4h 11m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, Anderson Highway, US 501. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 99.6 miles from Forest, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.15 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 199.2 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 7.9 miles (US 501): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 121.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 122.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Forest, VA and East Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Virginia Beach.
