Spanning 206.4 miles across Virginia, this trip from Altavista to East Hampton is a straightforward, single-day endeavor. You should budget approximately 4 hours and 27 minutes of total drive time, making it a manageable trek for those who prefer to stay off the interstates. With a fuel estimate of $33, it is an economical choice for a weekend getaway or a necessary regional transit. Since the entire journey takes place within the Southeast region, you will find a consistent atmosphere as you travel. Because the route is entirely local, plan for a full day of focus behind the wheel rather than a quick sprint.
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
103.2 miles from Altavista, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
72 mi
1h 20m
Anderson Highway
36.7 mi
48m
VA 24
18.9 mi
21m
Powhite Parkway
11.5 mi
15m
Village Highway
10.4 mi
19m
US 29 BUS
9.4 mi
12m
Richmond Highway
8.5 mi
11m
East James Anderson Highway
8.1 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 72 mi, about 1h 20m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Altavista, VA and East Hampton, VA.
1
Start on US 29 BUS
30 ft·5 sec·Main Street
2
Turn right onto Franklin Avenue
364 ft·14 sec·Franklin Avenue
3
Turn right onto 7th Street
0.9 mi·2 min·7th Street
4
Turn left onto US 29 BUS
1.9 mi·3 min·Main Street
5
Take the ramp onto US 29 BUS
9.4 mi·12 min·US 29 BUS
Toward US 29 North
6
Turn right onto VA 24
4.3 mi·7 min·Colonial Highway
7
At end of road, turn left onto US 501; VA 24
340 ft·8 sec·Brookneal Highway
8
Continue on US 501; VA 24
9.2 mi·17 min·Village Highway
9
Enter roundabout onto VA 24
113 ft·2 sec·Village Highway
10
Continue on VA 24
1.2 mi·2 min·Village Highway
11
Turn right onto US 460; VA 24
8.5 mi·11 min·Richmond Highway
12
Take the exit onto VA 24
0.2 mi·21 sec·VA 24
Toward VA 24 East, VA 131 South: To Route 60, Appomattox
13
Turn slight left onto VA 24
19 mi·21 min·VA 24
14
Continue on US 60
7.7 mi·9 min·West James Anderson Highway
15
Continue on US 60
8.1 mi·9 min·East James Anderson Highway
16
Continue on US 60
37 mi·48 min·Anderson Highway
17
Continue on US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·Midlothian Turnpike
18
Turn right onto SR 652
2.5 mi·3 min·Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
19
Enter roundabout onto SR 652
147 ft·5 sec·Old Hundred Road
20
Continue on SR 652
2.5 mi·4 min·Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on VA 76
9.7 mi·12 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
1.8 mi·2 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 146
0.9 mi·1 min·VA 146
Use the slight right lane.
24
Merge onto VA 195
2.9 mi·3 min·Downtown Expressway
Use the straight lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International AirportUse the slight left lane.
26
Merge onto I 95
0.7 mi·54 sec·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 75Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th StreetUse the slight right lane.
28
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Merge onto I 64
72 mi·1 hr 20 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
30
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.
31
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.
32
Turn right onto Southerland Drive
0.2 mi·46 sec·Southerland Drive
33
Arrive at destination
Southerland Drive
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 27-minute transit, aim for an early morning departure to avoid potential local traffic congestion on these smaller roads. Since the route requires one planned stop, use that time to stretch and refuel your vehicle, keeping your $33 budget in mind. Because you are relying on local streets like Franklin Avenue and Main Street, stay alert for frequent speed limit changes and intersections that characterize this turn-heavy path. Flexibility is your greatest advantage here, so do not feel pressured to rush through the local segments. As a specific tip, double-check your GPS navigation before leaving Altavista, as the reliance on 7th Street and other local arteries can be tricky if you miss a turn.
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 103.2 miles from Altavista, VA, or about 2h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 72 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 45 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 103.2 miles or 2h 20m 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 42m
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 Altavista, 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 Altavista, VA
This is one driving day of about 206.4 miles and 4h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Altavista, 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 64 for about 72 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 128.3 and 202 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
128.3 mi into trip|~2h 55m in
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
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville,...
8
129.3 mi into trip|~2h 57m in
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
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 75
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th...
9
129.5 mi into trip|~2h 57m in
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
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach
8
201.7 mi into trip|~4h 18m 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
202 mi into trip|~4h 19m 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...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.28 one way
$64.55 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$35.29
$70.58
premium
$4.70
$38.20
$76.40
diesel
$5.61
$45.57
$91.14
Estimated Tolls: $0.12
Midlothian Turnpike
(0.9 mi)$0.07
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(0.7 mi)$0.05
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
$32
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.9
0
$21.67
$9.91
Efficient EV
51.6
0
$18.06
$8.26
EV Truck/SUV
82.6
1
$28.90
$13.21
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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
Altavista, VA
Afternoon
in Altavista on Sunday
Local time
4:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
East Hampton, VA
Afternoon
in East Hampton on Sunday
Local time
4:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
12 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
4h 27m on the road
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.
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
~4 min detour
$15
near mile 185
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
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 206.4
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 113.9
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy, local driving experience that keeps you engaged from start to finish. You will navigate primarily via Franklin Avenue, 7th Street, and Main Street, as this route features a 0% highway share. This is not a monotonous interstate grind; instead, you will be handling constant changes in direction and local road conditions. Because you are avoiding major highways entirely, the character of the drive remains intimate and localized throughout the entire 206.4-mile journey. Prepare for a more technical experience that requires your full attention compared to a standard high-speed commute.
59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 72 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 128.3 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 23 significant decision points across 206.4 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 128.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Altavista, VA and East Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Virginia Beach.
Appomattox
35.5 mi in|~57m|via VA 24
Charlottesville
128.3 mi in|~2h 55m
Norfolk
128.3 mi in|~2h 55m
Richmond International Airport
128.3 mi in|~2h 55m
Virginia Beach
129.3 mi in|~2h 57m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 27m. Total distance: 206.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 72 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.12 in tolls one way, starting with Midlothian Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at East Hampton, VA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 128.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at East Hampton, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
