This 188.7-mile journey from Petersburg, VA to East Hampton, VA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 51 minutes. The route is predominantly highway-focused, with about 80% of the drive utilizing major roadways like US 17 and I-64, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. With a projected fuel cost of around $30, this drive offers a straightforward and efficient way to travel between these two points within the Southeast region. It's a practical option for those looking for a direct and relatively quick transit without needing an overnight stop.
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
94.4 miles from Petersburg, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 1m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 51m. Total distance: 188.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 80% of the mileage on major roads. You'll spend a good portion of your time on US 17 and I-64, experiencing the efficiency of these thoroughfares. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 75 miles on US 17, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. While primarily interstate, the route provides a consistent driving experience, making it predictable and easy to navigate.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 17 is the longest continuous segment at about 75 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 17 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.9 miles in near US 17 / Eastern Bypass.
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 16 significant decision points across 188.7 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 21.9 miles (US 17 / Eastern Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 121.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
21.9 mi into trip|~28m in|US 17 / Eastern Bypass
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17 / Eastern Bypass toward US 17 South: Fredericksburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 17 South: Fredericksburg
8
106.6 mi into trip|~2h 15m 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
121.5 mi into trip|~2h 31m 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
184.1 mi into trip|~3h 42m 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...
8
184.4 mi into trip|~3h 42m in|VA 134
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 134 toward US 258 North, VA 134 South: Mercury Boulevard, Coliseum
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 258 North, VA 134 South: Mercury Boul...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Petersburg, VA and East Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Fredericksburg, Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
Fredericksburg
12.7 mi in|~16m|via US 17
Norfolk
106.6 mi in|~2h 15m
Va Beach
106.6 mi in|~2h 15m
Virginia Beach
121.5 mi in|~2h 31m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 17
75 mi
1h 33m
I 64
61.4 mi
1h 7m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
James Madison Highway
11.6 mi
16m
I 66
9.4 mi
10m
Eastern Bypass
4.9 mi
6m
VA 134
4.4 mi
8m
John Marshall Highway
3 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
US 17
— 75 mi, about 1h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Petersburg, VA and East Hampton, VA.
1
Start on VA 55
3.0 mi·5 min·John Marshall Highway
2
Turn left onto SR 688
240 ft·6 sec·Leeds Manor Road
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward Washington
4
Merge onto I 66
9.4 mi·10 min·I 66
5
Take the exit onto US 17
0.3 mi·32 sec·US 17
Toward US 17: Warrenton, Fredericksburg
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 17
7
Merge onto US 17
2.4 mi·3 min·Winchester Road
8
Continue on US 17
6.5 mi·8 min·James Madison Highway
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
4.9 mi·6 min·Eastern Bypass
Toward US 17 South: FredericksburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29
5.1 mi·7 min·James Madison Highway
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
27 mi·39 min·US 17
Toward US 17 South
12
Take the exit onto US 17
48 mi·53 min·US 17
Toward I 95 South, US 17 South: RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
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
61 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
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.
18
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.
19
Turn right onto Southerland Drive
0.2 mi·46 sec·Southerland Drive
20
Arrive at destination
Southerland Drive
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 51-minute drive, starting your journey in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for flexibility. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $30, you have room to adjust your schedule. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 75-mile stretch on US 17, as services can be spaced out. This is a straightforward drive, so focus on maintaining a steady pace and enjoying the efficient transit.
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 94.4 miles from Petersburg, VA, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75 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 42 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 94.4 miles or 2h 1m 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 9m
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 Petersburg, 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 Petersburg, VA
This is one driving day of about 188.7 miles and 3h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Petersburg, 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 US 17 for about 75 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 94.4 mi from Petersburg, VA
· 2h 1m into the drive
The midpoint is around 94.4 miles from Petersburg, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before US 17 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 75 miles.
Arriving in East Hampton, VA
The final approach into East Hampton, 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 East Hampton, 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
near mile 188.7
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...
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 123.7
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!
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
56.6
0
$19.81
$9.06
Efficient EV
47.2
0
$16.51
$7.55
EV Truck/SUV
75.5
0
$26.42
$12.08
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 15, 2026
Origin
Petersburg, VA
Evening
in Petersburg on Friday
Local time
7:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
East Hampton, VA
Evening
in East Hampton on Friday
Local time
7:04 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Bowling Green, VA
94 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
31 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 51m 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 Petersburg, VA to East Hampton, VA covers 188.7 miles and takes about 3h 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 17, I 64, 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 94.4 miles from Petersburg, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $29.51 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 16 significant decision points across 188.7 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 21.9 miles (US 17 / Eastern Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 121.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Petersburg, VA and East Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Fredericksburg, Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
