Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Later in the drive, right off the route
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+18042361100
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 21m
Distance
250.1 mi
402 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$39
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
18 DC fast
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rocky Mount, VA
Wikimedia Commons
East Hampton, VA
Sarah O'Shea
Rocky Mount, VA to East Hampton, VA is 250.1 miles and takes about 5h 21m via I 64 and Anderson Highway, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region, and is a solid option for a single-day journey. With over half of the drive on highways, expect a relatively efficient trip that balances speed with some local road sections. Consider this route if you're looking for a straightforward drive across the state without extensive planning.
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
125 miles from Rocky Mount, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 45m into the drive .
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 21m. Total distance: 250.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
This drive offers a mixed experience, with 56% of the route utilizing highways like I 64. You'll encounter stretches that allow for steady progress, including a notable 72-mile segment on I 64 where you can maintain highway speeds. The journey also incorporates roads like Anderson Highway and Lynchburg Highway, suggesting a transition to more local driving conditions at times. The profile is described as a 'mixed drive,' indicating that you'll experience both faster highway travel and potentially slower, more scenic or community-focused road segments.
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 172.1 miles in.
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 21 significant decision points across 250.1 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 172.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 173.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 173.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
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
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
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
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
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
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Rocky Mount, VA and East Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Virginia Beach.
Appomattox
Charlottesville
Norfolk
Richmond International Airport
Virginia Beach
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 72 mi | 1h 20m |
| Anderson Highway | 36.7 mi | 48m |
| Lynchburg Highway | 28.8 mi | 37m |
| VA 122 | 25.6 mi | 34m |
| VA 24 | 18.9 mi | 21m |
| Moneta Road | 15.9 mi | 23m |
| Powhite Parkway | 11.5 mi | 15m |
| East James Anderson Highway | 8.1 mi | 9m |
Step-by-step road directions between Rocky Mount, VA and East Hampton, VA.
Start on VA 40
At end of road, turn right onto US 220 BUS; VA 40
Turn left onto VA 40
At end of road, turn left onto VA 40
Continue on VA 40
Turn left onto VA 122
Enter roundabout onto VA 122
Continue on VA 122
Continue on VA 122
Continue on VA 122
Continue on VA 122
Take the ramp onto VA 122
Continue on US 460
Take the exit onto VA 24
Turn slight left onto VA 24
Continue on US 60
Continue on US 60
Continue on US 60
Continue on US 60
Turn right onto SR 652
Enter roundabout onto SR 652
Continue on SR 652
Continue on VA 76
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 146
Merge onto VA 195
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 95
Take the exit
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 64
Take the exit onto VA 134
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 134
Turn right onto Southerland Drive
Arrive at destination
Given the 5h 21m estimated duration, starting your drive from Rocky Mount in the morning is advisable to ensure you reach East Hampton with plenty of daylight. The $39 fuel cost is an estimate to keep in mind as you plan your budget. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of 72 miles on I 64, you have flexibility in pacing. However, be aware of the mixed drive profile; the transition from highway to local roads might require adjusting your speed and attention. Keep an eye out for opportunities to refuel before hitting longer stretches if 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.
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 55 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125 miles or 2h 45m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near East Hampton, VA than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Rocky Mount, 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 Rocky Mount, VA
This is one driving day of about 250.1 miles and 5h 21m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 125 mi from Rocky Mount, VA · 2h 45m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
125 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.
A short stop after about 55 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 125 miles from Rocky Mount, 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 72 miles.
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.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
Sandston, Virginia
Later in the drive, short detour
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+18042222250
Southern Serenity Cafe & Tea Room
Richmond, Virginia
Top Coffee Stop
Bedford, Virginia
Near the start, short detour
Hours: Closed
Keffiyeh Cafe
Richmond, Virginia
Rise & Grind Cafe, Powhatan, VA
Powhatan, Virginia
Later in the drive, right off the route
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+18042361100
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Sandston, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+18042222250
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+18042481844
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–9 pm
+18048642728
Around the midpoint, short detour
Midlothian, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+18042458113
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Williamsburg, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+17572580007
Visit websiteNear the end, ~9 min detour
Yorktown, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–9 pm
+17573271001
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: 5 pm–12 am
+18049820376
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Bedford, Virginia
Hours: Closed
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: 9 am–8 pm
+18045000952
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Powhatan, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–3 pm
+18043726134
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+16868883493
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Midlothian, Virginia
Hours: 1–10 pm
+18048933793
Visit websiteNear the end, ~11 min detour
Yorktown, Virginia
Hours: 9 am–4 pm
+17578723020
Visit websiteNear the end, ~11 min detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
+17577553134
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~12 min detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: 12–5 pm
+18048161419
Early in the drive, short detour
Lynchburg, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18774943833
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
North Chesterfield, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Bedford, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Midlothian, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Lynchburg, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18774943833
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Midlothian, Virginia
Near the start, short detour
Bedford, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–4:30 pm
+15405863329
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Hampton, Virginia
Hours: 8 am–6 pm
+17577276348
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Hampton, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+17577270900
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Newport News, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+17578883371
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Bedford, Virginia
Hours: 6 am–9 pm
+15405867682
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Fort Monroe, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+17576908181
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Lynchburg, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+14345251806
Visit websiteNear the end, ~11 min detour
Yorktown, Virginia
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+17572534838
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
National Monument
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
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...
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...
National Historical Park
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Question...
National Battlefield
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Regular Gas
$39.11 one way
$78.22 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $42.76 | $85.53 |
| premium | $4.70 | $46.29 | $92.58 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $55.22 | $110.44 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.21
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
$39
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
18 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Royal Farms
Rustburg, VA
12 DCFC
Wawa - Tesla Supercharger
Richmond, VA
12 DCFC
Royal Farms - Tesla Supercharger
Bedford, VA
8 DCFC
Sheetz - Tesla Supercharger
Lynchburg, VA
8 DCFC
Sheetz - Tesla Supercharger
Richmond, VA
8 DCFC
Target T1931 (Richmond, VA)
Richmond, VA
6 DCFC
CMA Hyundai of Lynchburg
Lynchburg, VA
4 DCFC
Swift Creek
Midlothian, VA
4 DCFC
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 75 | 0 | $26.26 | $12.00 |
| Efficient EV | 62.5 | 0 | $21.88 | $10.00 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 100 | 1 | $35.01 | $16.01 |
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Morning in Rocky Mount on Friday
Local time
11:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Destination
Morning in East Hampton on Friday
Local time
11:04 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from Rocky Mount, VA or browse trips ending in East Hampton, VA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.