Origin
Hampton, VA
Afternoon in Hampton on Sunday
Local time
3:57 PM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hampton, VA to Buchanan, VA
Drive Time
4h 22m
Distance
235.6 mi
379 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$38
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 9m
★
6 AM
4h 23m
8 AM
4h 49m
10 AM
4h 32m
12 PM
4h 29m
3 PM
4h 33m
5 PM
4h 48m
8 PM
4h 15m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hampton, VA
Sarah O'Shea
Buchanan, VA
Photography Maghradze PH
Trip Overview
Traveling from Hampton to Buchanan covers 235.6 miles, making for a straightforward trek across Virginia that takes approximately 4 hours and 22 minutes. Because this route is primarily highway-focused, it is perfectly manageable as a single-day trip without the need for an overnight stay. You should expect to spend about $38 on fuel for the journey, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. The drive transitions you from the coastal Southeast region toward the inland mountainous terrain of the state. It is an efficient path if you are looking to reach your destination quickly rather than taking a slow, meandering detour.
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
117.8 miles from Hampton, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 13m into the drive .
Drive Character
With 87% of the trip spent on major highways, this is a purposeful, interstate-heavy drive. You will spend the bulk of your time on I-64 and I-81, including a significant 181.4-mile uninterrupted stretch on I-64 that allows you to maintain a steady pace. Navigating the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway further contributes to the high-speed nature of the trip. While the road starts with the flow of coastal traffic, the character shifts as you transition to the interior interstate system. Expect a consistent, efficient driving experience rather than the technical challenges of local backroads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 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 181.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.9 miles in near I 64.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 235.6 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 3.9 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 65 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
3.9 mi into trip
|
~6m in
|
I 64
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
65 mi into trip
|
~1h 14m 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
65.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 14m 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
6
89.4 mi into trip
|
~1h 42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 53A
Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
6
89.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 42m in
|
I 64
Merge onto I 64 toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Hampton, VA to Buchanan, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Rocky Mount along the way.
Rocky Mount
65 mi in
|
~1h 14m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 181.4 mi | 3h 18m |
| I 81 | 22.8 mi | 24m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 22.6 mi | 24m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| Lee Highway | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| Main Street | 1.1 mi | 1m |
| North Armistead Avenue | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| West Pembroke Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 181.4 mi, about 3h 18m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hampton, VA and Buchanan, VA.
1
Start on North King Street
126 ft
·
5 sec
·
North King Street
2
Turn left onto VA 351
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
West Pembroke Avenue
3
Turn right onto VA 134
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
North Armistead Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward I 64 West
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 64
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the none lane.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
61 mi
·
1 hr 7 min
·
I 64
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 295 North: Washington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 295
23 mi
·
24 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the none lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 53A
Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
11
Merge onto I 64
120 mi
·
2 hr 10 min
·
I 64
Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
Use the none lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
23 mi
·
24 min
·
I 81
13
Take the exit onto US 11
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
US 11
Toward SR 614: Arcadia
14
Turn right onto US 11
94 ft
·
7 sec
·
Arcadia Road
15
Turn left onto US 11
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Lee Highway
16
Continue on US 11
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Main Street
17
Turn left
110 ft
·
8 sec
18
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a 4-hour and 22-minute drive, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential congestion, especially when transitioning between the major interstate corridors. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge during the long 181.4-mile stretch on I-64, as finding convenient exits can sometimes be spaced out. Because the total trip is well within a single day's range, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. Factor in that $38 fuel estimate when calculating your total trip budget to ensure you have a stress-free arrival in Buchanan.
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 117.8 miles from Hampton, VA, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 181.4 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 80 miles or 1h 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.8 miles or 2h 13m 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 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Buchanan, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving 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 Hampton, VA
This is one driving day of about 235.6 miles and 4h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from 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 181.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 117.8 mi from Hampton, VA · 2h 13m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
118 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.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 117.8 miles from 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 181.4 miles.
Arriving in Buchanan, VA
The final approach into Buchanan, 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 Buchanan, 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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$37.71 one way
$75.41 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
82 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $41.08 | $82.16 |
| premium | $4.78 | $44.32 | $88.64 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $52.34 | $104.68 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 70.7 | 0 | $24.74 | $11.31 |
| Efficient EV | 58.9 | 0 | $20.62 | $9.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 94.2 | 1 | $32.98 | $15.08 |
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Destination
Buchanan, VA
Afternoon in Buchanan on Sunday
Local time
3:57 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
62°F
La Plata, MD
118 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
2 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
4h 22m 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 Hampton, VA to Buchanan, VA covers 235.6 miles and takes about 4h 22m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 64, I 81, Korean War Veterans 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 117.8 miles from Hampton, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $37.71 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 15 significant decision points across 235.6 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 3.9 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 65 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Hampton, VA to Buchanan, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Rocky Mount along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Buchanan, VA
More trips to Buchanan, VA
Explore more options from Hampton, VA or browse trips ending in Buchanan, VA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.
Explore maps for Hampton, VA or Buchanan, VA on MapSof.net.