Trip from Warrenton, VA to Hampton, VA

Q: How long is the trip from Warrenton, VA to Hampton, VA?

The drive from Warrenton, VA to Hampton, VA covers 163.6 miles and takes about 3h 18m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

Q: What are the main roads on this route?

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.

Q: Is this a good same-day trip?

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Q: Where should I stop halfway?

The midpoint is about 81.8 miles from Warrenton, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

Q: How much does gas cost for this trip?

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.58 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Q: What is the best time to leave?

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.

Q: How many breaks should I plan?

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

3h 18m

Distance

163.6 mi

263 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

3h 6m ★

6 AM

3h 18m

8 AM

3h 42m

10 AM

3h 26m

12 PM

3h 24m

3 PM

3h 28m

5 PM

3h 41m

8 PM

3h 11m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Warrenton, VA

Wikimedia Commons

independent city in Virginia, United States

Hampton, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 163.6-mile drive from Warrenton, VA, to Hampton, VA, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in about 3 hours and 18 minutes. It's a perfect candidate for a single-day road trip, so you don't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. With an estimated fuel cost of $26, it's an economical option for exploring within Virginia. The route primarily utilizes major roadways, making it a convenient way to travel between the Southeast regions of the state. You'll spend most of your time on highways, so expect a focused driving experience.

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

81.8 miles from Warrenton, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 43m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive on this route, with 85% of the journey taking place on major roads like US 17 and I-64. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 74.7 miles on US 17, offering a significant period of consistent travel. While the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway is also part of the journey, the overall character is one of efficient travel on well-established routes. This means you'll likely experience a consistent driving pace for most of the 163.6 miles.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 23 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 74.7 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 34.1 miles in near US 17.

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 163.6 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 34.1 miles (US 17): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 82.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 96.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

34.1 mi into trip | ~51m in | US 17

Take the exit onto US 17 toward I 95 South, US 17 South: Richmond

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. Toward I 95 South, US 17 South: Richmond

82.1 mi into trip | ~1h 44m 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...

96.9 mi into trip | ~2h 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

162.4 mi into trip | ~3h 14m 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

162.5 mi into trip | ~3h 15m 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 Warrenton, VA and Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.

Norfolk

82.1 mi in | ~1h 44m

Va Beach

82.1 mi in | ~1h 44m

Virginia Beach

96.9 mi in | ~2h

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
US 17	74.7 mi	1h 32m
I 64	64.2 mi	1h 11m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway	13 mi	14m
James Madison Highway	5.9 mi	8m
Falmouth Street	0.9 mi	1m
North Armistead Avenue	0.4 mi	1m
Main Street	0.3 mi	1m
West Pembroke Avenue	0.3 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: US 17 — 74.7 mi, about 1h 32m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Warrenton, VA and Hampton, VA.

Start on Culpeper Street

74 ft · 4 sec · Culpeper Street

Turn right onto US 15 BUS

0.3 mi · 1 min · Main Street

Continue on US 15 BUS

0.9 mi · 1 min · Falmouth Street

Enter roundabout onto US 15 BUS; US 17 BUS; US 29 BUS

87 ft · 1 sec · James Madison Highway

Continue on US 15 BUS; US 17 BUS; US 29 BUS

0.6 mi · 1 min · James Madison Highway

Continue on James Madison Highway

0.2 mi · 16 sec · James Madison Highway

Enter roundabout

81 ft · 1 sec

Continue

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29

5.1 mi · 7 min · James Madison Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto US 17

27 mi · 39 min · US 17

Toward US 17 South

Take the exit onto US 17

48 mi · 53 min · US 17

Toward I 95 South, US 17 South: Richmond Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

1.9 mi · 2 min

Exit 84A Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach Use the slight left / straight lanes.

Merge onto I 295

13 mi · 14 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

1.3 mi · 2 min

Exit 28A Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 64

64 mi · 1 hr 11 min · I 64

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 25 sec

Exit 265C Toward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force Base Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

199 ft · 6 sec

Toward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force Base Use the left / right lanes.

Turn straight onto Rip Rap Road

0.2 mi · 21 sec · Rip Rap Road

Turn sharp left onto VA 134

0.4 mi · 1 min · North Armistead Avenue

Turn left onto VA 351

0.3 mi · 39 sec · West Pembroke Avenue

Turn right onto North King Street

524 ft · 19 sec · North King Street

Continue on North King Street

432 ft · 18 sec · North King Street

Arrive at destination

North King Street

Trip Plan

Given the manageable 3-hour and 18-minute duration, this trip is ideal for a single day. Consider departing in the morning to maximize your time at your destination in Hampton. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of around $26, you have flexibility in planning. The longest stretch on US 17 is over 74 miles, so ensure you have enough fuel before embarking on that segment. Since this is a highway-centric drive, keep an eye on traffic conditions, especially as you approach the Hampton area.

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 81.8 miles from Warrenton, VA, or about 1h 43m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 74.7 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 36 miles or 53m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 81.8 miles or 1h 43m 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 43m

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 Warrenton, 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 Warrenton, VA

This is one driving day of about 163.6 miles and 3h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Warrenton, 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 74.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 81.8 mi from Warrenton, VA · 1h 43m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ashland, VA

82 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

Dumfries, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ashland, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81.8 miles from Warrenton, 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 74.7 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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.58 one way

$51.17 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$27.97	$55.95
premium	$4.70	$30.28	$60.56
diesel	$5.61	$36.12	$72.24

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 57.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	49.1	$17.18	$7.85
Efficient EV	40.9	$14.31	$6.54
EV Truck/SUV	65.4	$22.90	$10.47

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 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

Warrenton, VA

Night in Warrenton on Wednesday

Local time

10:14 PM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Hampton, VA

Night in Hampton on Wednesday

Local time

10:14 PM

EDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

53°F

Ashland, VA

82 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

3h 18m 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 Warrenton, VA to Hampton, VA covers 163.6 miles and takes about 3h 18m 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 81.8 miles from Warrenton, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.58 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.