Spanning 312.9 miles across Virginia, this trip from Galax to Hampton takes approximately 5 hours and 37 minutes of pure drive time. Since the entire journey remains within the Southeast region, you can comfortably tackle the distance in a single day, though you should budget for at least one planned stop to stay refreshed. Expect to spend roughly $50 on fuel for the trek, depending on your vehicle's efficiency. Navigating your way requires transitioning from local arteries like East Oldtown Street and South Main Street onto East Stuart Drive. Because this route relies heavily on local infrastructure rather than major interstates, it is best suited for drivers who prefer a slower, more engaged pace over a high-speed commute.
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
173.1 miles from Galax, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
154.5 mi
2h 49m
I 81
139 mi
2h 33m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
22.9 mi
25m
I 77
12.5 mi
14m
Coulson Church Road
5.6 mi
9m
Carrollton Pike
3.6 mi
5m
Glendale Road
2.1 mi
3m
East Stuart Drive
1.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 154.5 mi, about 2h 49m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Galax, VA and Hampton, VA.
1
Start on this road
35 ft·4 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto East Oldtown Street
159 ft·10 sec·East Oldtown Street
3
Turn right onto VA 89
0.4 mi·45 sec·South Main Street
4
At end of road, turn right onto US 58; US 221
0.5 mi·1 min·East Stuart Drive
5
Turn left onto SR 887
2.1 mi·3 min·Glendale Road
6
Turn right onto SR 722
0.2 mi·36 sec·Cranberry Road
7
Turn left onto US 58; US 221
0.6 mi·1 min·East Stuart Drive
8
Continue on US 58; US 221
3.6 mi·5 min·Carrollton Pike
9
Turn left onto SR 620
5.6 mi·9 min·Coulson Church Road
10
Turn left
0.3 mi·34 sec
11
Merge onto I 77
12 mi·14 min·I 77
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward I 81 North: RoanokeUse the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto I 81; US 11
139 mi·2 hr 33 min·I 81; US 11
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: RoanokeUse the straight lane.
14
Continue on I 64; I 81
0.3 mi·17 sec·I 64; I 81
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
90 mi·1 hr 38 min·I 64
Toward I 64 East: RichmondUse the straight lane.
16
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 177Toward I 295 North: Washington, NorfolkUse the slight right lane.
17
Continue on I 295
23 mi·25 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 64
64 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.1 mi·25 sec
Exit 265CToward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force BaseUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork
199 ft·6 sec
Toward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force BaseUse the left / right lanes.
22
Turn straight onto Rip Rap Road
0.2 mi·21 sec·Rip Rap Road
23
Turn sharp left onto VA 134
0.4 mi·1 min·North Armistead Avenue
24
Turn left onto VA 351
0.3 mi·39 sec·West Pembroke Avenue
25
Turn right onto North King Street
524 ft·19 sec·North King Street
26
Continue on North King Street
432 ft·18 sec·North King Street
27
Arrive at destination
North King Street
Trip Plan
Given the 5 hour and 37 minute duration, departing early in the morning is your best strategy to avoid fatigue and navigate local traffic effectively. Since the route involves navigating complex local roads rather than high-speed highways, factor in extra time for the occasional stop to stretch your legs. Keep your $50 fuel budget handy and plan to refuel at least once, as local roads can often be less predictable than major transit corridors. Take advantage of the flexibility inherent in a non-highway route by keeping a light schedule, which allows you to adjust your pace if you encounter unexpected congestion. Always double-check your GPS before turning onto East Stuart Drive to ensure you remain on the most efficient path toward Hampton.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 173.1 miles from Galax, VA, or about 3h 20m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 154.5 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 76 miles or 1h 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 173.1 miles or 3h 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 5h 25m
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 Galax, 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 Galax, VA
This is one driving day of about 346.3 miles and 6h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 76 miles from Galax, 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 154.5 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 26.3 and 345.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
26.3 mi into trip|~38m in|I 81; US 11
Merge onto I 81; US 11 toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
8
255.5 mi into trip|~4h 50m in
Take the exit toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
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 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
8
279.6 mi into trip|~5h 16m 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
8
345.1 mi into trip|~6h 31m 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
345.2 mi into trip|~6h 31m 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
$54.15 one way
$108.31 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg121 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$59.21
$118.42
premium
$4.70
$64.09
$128.19
diesel
$5.61
$76.46
$152.92
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$54
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$79–$104
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 121.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
103.9
1
$36.36
$16.62
Efficient EV
86.6
0
$30.30
$13.85
EV Truck/SUV
138.5
1
$48.48
$22.16
Gas CO2
121 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 19, 2026
Origin
Galax, VA
Late night
in Galax on Tuesday
Local time
4:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
W 3 to 17 mph44% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 18 at 9:44PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 8:22PM EDT until April 19 at 4:00PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Destination
Hampton, VA
Late night
in Hampton on Tuesday
Local time
4:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Partly Cloudy
S 13 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 18 at 9:44PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 18 at 8:22PM EDT until April 19 at 4:00PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
70°F
Amherst, VA
173 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
23 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
6h 34m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
$15
near mile 322.4
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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 346.3
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...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 95.5
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...
28 mi from route
~70 min detour
Free
near mile 274.6
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 actively engaged behind the wheel. With a 0% highway share, you will not find the monotonous stretches typical of major interstates, meaning your focus will be constantly required on changing road conditions. The profile is defined by winding local streets rather than wide, straight thoroughfares, providing a distinct feel as you transition across the state. Because the route lacks long, uninterrupted highway segments, your speed will remain moderate throughout the 312.9-mile journey. Prepare for a technical drive that demands your full attention rather than a cruise-control-friendly sprint.
88% 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: 154.5 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 26.3 miles in near I 81; US 11.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 346.3 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 26.3 miles (I 81; US 11): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 255.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 279.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Galax, VA and Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 34m. Total distance: 346.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 34m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 154.5 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 24 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 24 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 26.3 miles (I 81; US 11): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 255.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 279.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Booker T Washington National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.6 hours each way, a round trip means 13.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Hampton, VA before the return drive.
