This straightforward 154.4-mile drive from Potomac Mills to Hampton, Virginia, is designed for a single day, taking just under 3 hours to complete. You'll primarily navigate major interstates, including I-95 and I-64, with a small portion on Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $24, making it an economical option for a quick getaway within the Southeast region. Given its manageable length and highway focus, it's an ideal day trip without the need for 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
77.2 miles from Potomac Mills, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 29m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 58m. Total distance: 154.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 87% of the journey on high-speed roads. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 69.7 miles on I-95, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. While largely interstate, the route transitions between different major highways, providing some variation as you progress toward Hampton. This drive prioritizes efficiency over scenic detours, so prepare for a consistent pace on well-traveled routes.
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 69.7 miles.
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 24.3 miles in near I 95.
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 19 significant decision points across 154.4 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 24.3 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 72.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 87.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
24.3 mi into trip|~31m in|I 95
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
72.9 mi into trip|~1h 24m 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
87.8 mi into trip|~1h 40m 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
153.2 mi into trip|~2h 54m 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
153.4 mi into trip|~2h 55m 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 Potomac Mills, VA and Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
Norfolk
72.9 mi in|~1h 24m
Va Beach
72.9 mi in|~1h 24m
Virginia Beach
87.8 mi in|~1h 40m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
69.7 mi
1h 17m
I 64
64.2 mi
1h 11m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
Gideon Drive
0.8 mi
1m
Smoketown Road
0.5 mi
<1m
North Armistead Avenue
0.4 mi
1m
Potomac Mills Circle
0.3 mi
1m
Dale Boulevard
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 69.7 mi, about 1h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Potomac Mills, VA and Hampton, VA.
1
Start on this road
76 ft·9 sec·this road
2
Turn left
365 ft·27 sec
3
At end of road, turn right
65 ft·8 sec
4
Turn left onto Potomac Mills Circle
0.3 mi·1 min·Potomac Mills Circle
5
Turn right onto Nazarene Way
374 ft·12 sec·Nazarene Way
6
Turn left onto SR 2000
0.5 mi·58 sec·Smoketown Road
7
Turn right onto SR 2068
0.8 mi·1 min·Gideon Drive
8
Turn left onto SR 784
0.3 mi·38 sec·Dale Boulevard
9
Take the ramp
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South: RichmondUse the right lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·26 sec
Toward I 95 South
11
Merge onto I 95
21 mi·24 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
To make the most of this 2-hour and 58-minute drive, consider departing early to avoid potential traffic, especially on I-95. With only one main stop recommended and a relatively short duration, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the longest stretch without a major exit is nearly 70 miles. A good tip for this route is to be aware of the transition from I-95 to I-64, as it's a key point where you'll change direction and highway numbers.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 77.2 miles from Potomac Mills, VA, or about 1h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.7 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 34 miles or 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 77.2 miles or 1h 29m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 25m
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 Potomac Mills, 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 Potomac Mills, VA
This is one driving day of about 154.4 miles and 2h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Potomac Mills, 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 69.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 77.2 mi from Potomac Mills, VA
· 1h 29m into the drive
The midpoint is around 77.2 miles from Potomac Mills, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69.7 miles.
Arriving in Hampton, VA
The final approach into 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 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.
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
$15
near mile 133.1
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...
3 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 154.4
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
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 90.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.14 one way
$48.29 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg54 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$26.40
$52.80
premium
$4.70
$28.58
$57.15
diesel
$5.61
$34.09
$68.18
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 54 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
46.3
0
$16.21
$7.41
Efficient EV
38.6
0
$13.51
$6.18
EV Truck/SUV
61.8
0
$21.62
$9.88
Gas CO2
54 kg
EV CO2
18 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
Potomac Mills, VA
Night
in Potomac Mills on Thursday
Local time
9:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hampton, VA
Night
in Hampton on Thursday
Local time
9:11 PM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
76°F
Mechanicsville, VA
77 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
19 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
2h 58m 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 Potomac Mills, VA to Hampton, VA covers 154.4 miles and takes about 2h 58m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, 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 77.2 miles from Potomac Mills, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.14 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
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 19 significant decision points across 154.4 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 24.3 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 72.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 87.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Potomac Mills, VA and Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield.
