This 182-mile drive from Herndon, VA, to Hampton, VA, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 3 hours and 40 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-95 and I-64, with a segment on the Fairfax County Parkway, the journey is largely highway-focused, making it ideal for a single-day excursion. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $29. Since both locations are within the Southeast region, you won't experience a significant shift in scenery, but rather a consistent drive through familiar terrain. This route is a practical choice for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
91 miles from Herndon, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 56m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 40m. Total distance: 182 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 40m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect an 84% highway-focused experience on this route, primarily on major interstates like I-95 and I-64. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 74.6 miles on I-95, offering a solid period of consistent driving. While the Fairfax County Parkway offers a slight change of pace, the overall character is one of efficient travel on well-maintained roadways. This drive prioritizes covering ground over varied landscapes, making it a predictable and smooth journey for the most part.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 74.6 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
389 ft7 ft
Total Climb
164 ft
Total Descent
518 ft
Highest Point
389 ft
~13 mi in
Elevation Range
383 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.9 miles in.
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 20 significant decision points across 182 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 15.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 100.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
15.9 mi into trip|~26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward VA 123 South: Ox Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward VA 123 South: Ox Road
8
100.5 mi into trip|~2h 6m 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
115.4 mi into trip|~2h 22m 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
180.8 mi into trip|~3h 37m 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
181 mi into trip|~3h 37m 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 Herndon, VA and Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
Norfolk
100.5 mi in|~2h 6m
Va Beach
100.5 mi in|~2h 6m
Virginia Beach
115.4 mi in|~2h 22m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
74.6 mi
1h 23m
I 64
64.2 mi
1h 11m
Fairfax County Parkway
14.3 mi
22m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
Ox Road
8.7 mi
12m
Spring Street
1.2 mi
3m
Gordon Boulevard
0.9 mi
1m
North Armistead Avenue
0.4 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 74.6 mi, about 1h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Herndon, VA and Hampton, VA.
1
Start on Spring Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Spring Street
2
At end of road, turn left onto Van Buren Street
280 ft·13 sec·Van Buren Street
3
Turn right onto Spring Street
0.7 mi·2 min·Spring Street
Use the right lane.
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward VA 286 South: Fairfax County Parkway
5
Merge onto VA 286
14 mi·22 min·Fairfax County Parkway
Use the right lane.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward VA 123 North: Ox Road
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·24 sec
Toward VA 123 South: Ox Road
8
Turn left onto VA 123
8.7 mi·12 min·Ox Road
Use the left lane.
9
Continue on VA 123
0.9 mi·1 min·Gordon Boulevard
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Fredericksburg
11
Merge onto I 95
26 mi·30 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
49 mi·53 min·I 95
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
14
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 64
64 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·25 sec
Exit 265CToward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force BaseUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
199 ft·6 sec
Toward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force BaseUse the left / right lanes.
19
Turn straight onto Rip Rap Road
0.2 mi·21 sec·Rip Rap Road
20
Turn sharp left onto VA 134
0.4 mi·1 min·North Armistead Avenue
21
Turn left onto VA 351
0.3 mi·39 sec·West Pembroke Avenue
22
Turn right onto North King Street
524 ft·19 sec·North King Street
23
Continue on North King Street
432 ft·18 sec·North King Street
24
Arrive at destination
North King Street
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 3-hour and 40-minute duration, this trip from Herndon to Hampton is best tackled as a single-day drive. Aim to depart Herndon in the morning to make the most of your day in Hampton, and to avoid potential peak traffic on I-95. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your journey; consider a brief rest break about halfway through. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 74.6-mile stretch on I-95, as services can be spaced out on this particular interstate segment.
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 91 miles from Herndon, VA, or about 1h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 74.6 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 40 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 91 miles or 1h 56m 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 1m
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 Herndon, 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 Herndon, VA
This is one driving day of about 182 miles and 3h 40m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 40 miles from Herndon, 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 95 for about 74.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 91 mi from Herndon, VA
· 1h 56m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
$15
near mile 156.9
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...
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!
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...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 119.3
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
54.6
0
$19.11
$8.74
Efficient EV
45.5
0
$15.92
$7.28
EV Truck/SUV
72.8
0
$25.48
$11.65
Gas CO2
64 kg
EV CO2
21 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 15, 2026
Origin
Herndon, VA
Morning
in Herndon on Friday
Local time
11:19 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hampton, VA
Morning
in Hampton on Friday
Local time
11:19 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Bowling Green, VA
91 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 40m 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 Herndon, VA to Hampton, VA covers 182 miles and takes about 3h 40m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, I 64, Fairfax County Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 91 miles from Herndon, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.46 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 20 significant decision points across 182 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 15.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 100.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 115.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Herndon, VA and Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 7 ft to 389 ft elevation with about 164 ft of total climbing.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. There are 4 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
