This trip from Danville to Hampton, Virginia, covers 221.8 miles and is estimated to take around 4 hours and 33 minutes of driving time. With a fuel cost projected at $35, this is a manageable journey that can easily be completed in a single day. The route predominantly utilizes major highways, making it a straightforward drive across the Southeast region of Virginia. You'll spend over half the time on interstates, with a significant uninterrupted stretch of 56.4 miles on I-85. This drive is well-suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times.
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
110.9 miles from Danville, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 21m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 85
56.4 mi
1h 1m
I 64
54.3 mi
1h
Clarksville Bypass
22.9 mi
29m
Philpott Road
19.7 mi
25m
Bill Tuck Highway
18.8 mi
24m
Roxbury Road
13.3 mi
17m
South Boston Highway
5.3 mi
7m
South Boston Road
4.2 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 85
— 56.4 mi, about 1h 1m
Traffic on I-85
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 48 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~887 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,234
Quietest
2 AM
~140 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Danville, VA and Hampton, VA.
1
Start on VA 293
415 ft·15 sec·South Ridge Street
2
Turn left onto VA 293
0.6 mi·1 min·Patton Street
3
Turn right onto US 360; US 58 BUS
0.6 mi·1 min·River Street
4
Continue on US 360; US 58 BUS
4.2 mi·7 min·South Boston Road
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on US 58; US 360
5.3 mi·7 min·South Boston Highway
6
Continue on US 58; US 360
20 mi·25 min·Philpott Road
7
Continue on US 58; US 360
19 mi·24 min·Bill Tuck Highway
8
Continue on US 58; VA 49
3.6 mi·4 min·Clarksville Bypass
Use the straight lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 58
19 mi·24 min·Clarksville Bypass
Toward US 58 East: Boydton, South Hill
10
Continue on US 1; US 58
3.5 mi·4 min·Highway 1
11
Continue on US 58
3.3 mi·4 min·South Hill Bypass
12
Continue on US 58
0.3 mi·35 sec·East Atlantic Street
13
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
14
Merge onto I 85
56 mi·1 hr 1 min·I 85
Use the straight lane.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·39 sec
Exit 69Toward Wythe Street, Washigton Street, Historic Old Towne PetersburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward US 301 South: Wythe StreetUse the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto US 460 BUS; VA 36
0.6 mi·47 sec·East Wythe Street
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on VA 36
3.6 mi·4 min·East Washington Street
Use the left lane.
19
Continue on VA 36
2.0 mi·2 min·Oaklawn Boulevard
20
Continue on VA 36
2.2 mi·2 min·Winston Churchill Drive
21
Turn right onto VA 10; VA 156 BUS
1.3 mi·2 min·East Randolph Road
22
Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS
1.9 mi·2 min·James River Drive
23
Turn left onto VA 106; VA 156
1.9 mi·2 min·Jordan Point Road
24
Continue on VA 106; VA 156
13 mi·17 min·Roxbury Road
25
Continue on VA 106
3.0 mi·4 min·Emmaus Church Road
26
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·49 sec
27
Merge onto I 64; VA 33
54 mi·1 hr·I 64; VA 33
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.1 mi·25 sec
Exit 265CToward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force BaseUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight right at fork
199 ft·6 sec
Toward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force BaseUse the left / right lanes.
30
Turn straight onto Rip Rap Road
0.2 mi·21 sec·Rip Rap Road
31
Turn sharp left onto VA 134
0.4 mi·1 min·North Armistead Avenue
32
Turn left onto VA 351
0.3 mi·39 sec·West Pembroke Avenue
33
Turn right onto North King Street
524 ft·19 sec·North King Street
34
Continue on North King Street
432 ft·18 sec·North King Street
35
Arrive at destination
North King Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 33-minute duration, starting your drive from Danville in the morning will allow you to reach Hampton with ample daylight. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in planning your break. The fuel cost is estimated at $35, so ensure your tank is full before departing to minimize stops. Pay attention to the transition from I-85 to I-64, as this is a key point where the road character changes. This is a straightforward drive, so you can depart whenever it suits your schedule, but early mornings often offer lighter traffic.
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 110.9 miles from Danville, VA, or about 2h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 56.4 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 49 miles or 1h 7m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 110.9 miles or 2h 21m 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 46m
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 Danville, 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 Danville, VA
This is one driving day of about 221.8 miles and 4h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Danville, 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 85 for about 56.4 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 52.8 and 220.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
52.8 mi into trip|~1h 11m in|US 58 / Clarksville Bypass
Keep slight right at fork onto US 58 / Clarksville Bypass toward US 58 East: Boydton, South Hill
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 58 East: Boydton, South Hill
8
135.7 mi into trip|~2h 48m in
Take the exit toward Wythe Street, Washigton Street, Historic Old Towne Petersburg
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 69
Toward Wythe Street, Washigton Street, Historic...
8
136 mi into trip|~2h 49m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 301 South: Wythe Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 301 South: Wythe Street
8
220.6 mi into trip|~4h 30m 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
220.8 mi into trip|~4h 30m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.75 one way
$65.49 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$35.99
$71.97
premium
$4.49
$39.23
$78.45
diesel
$4.80
$41.88
$83.76
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 77.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
66.5
0
$23.29
$10.65
Efficient EV
55.5
0
$19.41
$8.87
EV Truck/SUV
88.7
1
$31.05
$14.20
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Danville, VA
Morning
in Danville on Sunday
Local time
6:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
97°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 8 to 12 mph43% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:56PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:51PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Destination
Hampton, VA
Morning
in Hampton on Sunday
Local time
6:49 AM
EDT
Current temp
96°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
SW 15 mph15% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:56PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:51PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
85°F
Lawrenceville, VA
111 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
1 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 33m 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.
Petersburg National Battlefield
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...
0 mi from route
~1 min detour
Free
near mile 130
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
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...
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 221.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
The drive from Danville to Hampton features a mixed profile, with 51% of the journey on highways. You'll experience a substantial segment of 56.4 miles on I-85, offering a consistent, faster pace. As you progress, the route incorporates other main roads like the Clarksville Bypass and eventually transitions to I-64. This blend of interstate travel and bypass routes means you'll encounter varying traffic patterns and speeds. Expect periods of straightforward highway cruising interspersed with moments of navigating more localized road conditions.
51% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
35 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 56.4 mi on I 85.
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 52.8 miles in near US 58 / Clarksville Bypass.
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 18 significant decision points across 221.8 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 52.8 miles (US 58 / Clarksville Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 135.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
507 ft7 ft
Total Climb
287 ft
Total Descent
787 ft
Highest Point
507 ft
Elevation Range
500 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Danville, VA and Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Hill and Historic Old Towne Petersburg.
Danville is a city of 40,000 people (2018) in the state of Virginia on the Banks of the Dan River close to the border with North Carolina. Founded in 1793, Danville is perhaps best known for its role in the Civil War, when it was an important railroad stop for the Confederacy and became the last Confederate capital after Richmond fell to the North.
Top landmarks
•Danville — Amtrak station in Danville, Virginia, United States
•Dan's Hill — historic home located near Danville in Pittsylvania County, Virginia
•Main Street Methodist Episcopal Church South — church building in Danville, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 33m. Total distance: 221.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 56.4 miles on I 85. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 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. There are 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 52.8 miles (US 58 / Clarksville Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 135.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 136 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield, Colonial National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Hampton, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
