East Hampton, VA to Stephens City, VA is 210.6 miles and takes about 4h 13m via I 64 and I 95, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. With most of the drive on highways, you'll likely find this a straightforward transit. It's a manageable distance for a single day, making it a convenient option if you need to get between these two points efficiently.
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
105.3 miles from East Hampton, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
61.1 mi
1h 7m
I 95
47.3 mi
51m
Warrenton Road
22.9 mi
33m
US 17
18.6 mi
20m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
11.9 mi
12m
James Madison Highway
11.3 mi
15m
I 66
9.6 mi
10m
I 81
5.8 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 61.1 mi, about 1h 7m
Traffic on I-295
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 34 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,876 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,445
Quietest
2 AM
~163 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.6×
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 East Hampton, VA and Stephens City, VA.
1
Start on Southerland Drive
0.2 mi·46 sec·Southerland Drive
2
Turn left onto US 258
3.7 mi·6 min·East Mercury Boulevard
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp onto VA 134
0.9 mi·1 min·VA 134
Toward I 64 West, SR 134 North: Williamsburg, Richmond
4
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
61 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi·32 sec
Exit 200Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NCUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi·2 min
Toward I 295 North: WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 295
12 mi·12 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
8
Take the exit
2.4 mi·2 min
Exit 43AToward I 95 North: WashingtonUse the slight left lane.
9
Merge onto I 95
46 mi·49 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi·1 min·I 95; US 17
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward US 17 Business: Falmouth
12
Turn left onto US 17
23 mi·33 min·Warrenton Road
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 17
4.2 mi·7 min·Marsh Road
14
Turn right onto US 15; US 29
4.6 mi·6 min·James Madison Highway
15
Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29
2.4 mi·3 min·Eastern Bypass
16
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
2.3 mi·3 min·Eastern Bypass
Toward US 17 North
17
Continue on US 17
6.7 mi·9 min·James Madison Highway
18
Continue on US 17
2.7 mi·3 min·Winchester Road
19
Turn left onto US 17
19 mi·20 min·US 17
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on I 66
9.6 mi·10 min·I 66
21
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 1BToward I 81 North: WinchesterUse the slight right lane.
22
Merge onto I 81
5.8 mi·6 min·I 81
Toward I 81 North: Winchester
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·52 sec
Exit 307Toward VA 277: Stephens CityUse the slight right lane.
24
Turn left onto VA 277
359 ft·12 sec·Fairfax Pike
25
Continue on VA 277
0.2 mi·35 sec·Fairfax Street
26
Turn right onto US 11
136 ft·4 sec·Main Street
27
Arrive at destination
US 11
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 13m estimated drive time, starting in the morning is your best bet to avoid late-day traffic and ensure you have ample daylight. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, this trip offers flexibility; you can take your time or push through if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially before heading onto longer highway stretches. The fuel cost estimate is around $33, so plan accordingly. Make sure to check traffic conditions on I 95 before you depart, as it can experience significant delays.
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 105.3 miles from East Hampton, VA, or about 2h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 61.1 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 46 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 105.3 miles or 2h 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stephens City, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving East Hampton, 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 East Hampton, VA
This is one driving day of about 210.6 miles and 4h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 46 miles from East Hampton, 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 61.1 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 65.9 and 210 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
65.9 mi into trip|~1h 16m in
Take the exit toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
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 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
7
66.3 mi into trip|~1h 17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 295 North: Washington
7
79.5 mi into trip|~1h 32m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Washington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 43A
Toward I 95 North: Washington
8
203.5 mi into trip|~4h 4m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 81 North: Winchester
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 1B
Toward I 81 North: Winchester
7
210 mi into trip|~4h 12m in
Take the exit toward VA 277: Stephens City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 307
Toward VA 277: Stephens City
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.09 one way
$62.19 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$34.17
$68.34
premium
$4.49
$37.24
$74.49
diesel
$4.80
$39.77
$79.53
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 73.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.2
0
$22.11
$10.11
Efficient EV
52.7
0
$18.43
$8.42
EV Truck/SUV
84.2
1
$29.48
$13.48
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% 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 Jul 19, 2026
Origin
East Hampton, VA
Morning
in East Hampton on Sunday
Local time
7:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 14 mph53% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 7:57PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 7:56PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Stephens City, VA
Morning
in Stephens City on Sunday
Local time
7:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 6 mph21% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 7:57PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 7:56PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
64°F
Fredericksburg, VA
105 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
8 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 13m 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.
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires today. Native Americans first shaped the land, followed by colonists and settlers. The fertile valley became an important...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 203.4
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...
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
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 65.4
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 174.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly highway, with 68% of the drive on major interstates. You'll encounter the longest continuous stretch on I 64, covering 61.1 miles. Expect a fairly consistent highway feel for the majority of the trip until you transition to Warrenton Road, which will likely present a different driving experience with more local traffic and potentially more frequent intersections. The dense exits and merges common on interstates will be a notable feature for much of the drive.
68% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 61.1 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 65.9 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 19 significant decision points across 210.6 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 65.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 66.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 79.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
762 ft10 ft
Total Climb
828 ft
Total Descent
76 ft
Highest Point
762 ft
~210.6 mi in
Elevation Range
752 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from East Hampton, VA to Stephens City, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Rocky Mount along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 13m. Total distance: 210.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 13m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 61.1 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Stephens City, 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 65.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 66.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 79.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Colonial 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 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Stephens City, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
