Gretna, VA to Hampton, VA is 219.5 miles and takes about 4h 41m via I 64 and Anderson Highway, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. Expect a mixed drive, blending highway speeds with local road navigation. With a recommended single day for completion, this route offers a straightforward journey for those looking to travel efficiently between these two points.
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
109.7 miles from Gretna, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 27m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
74.8 mi
1h 24m
Anderson Highway
36.7 mi
48m
Main Street
25.9 mi
33m
VA 24
18.9 mi
21m
Powhite Parkway
11.5 mi
15m
Village Highway
10.4 mi
19m
Richmond Highway
8.5 mi
11m
East James Anderson Highway
8.1 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 74.8 mi, about 1h 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gretna, VA and Hampton, VA.
1
Start on SR 792
0.1 mi·20 sec·Northside Drive
2
Turn right onto US 29 BUS
26 mi·33 min·Main Street
3
Turn right onto VA 24
4.3 mi·7 min·Colonial Highway
4
At end of road, turn left onto US 501; VA 24
340 ft·8 sec·Brookneal Highway
5
Continue on US 501; VA 24
9.2 mi·17 min·Village Highway
6
Enter roundabout onto VA 24
113 ft·2 sec·Village Highway
7
Continue on VA 24
1.2 mi·2 min·Village Highway
8
Turn right onto US 460; VA 24
8.5 mi·11 min·Richmond Highway
9
Take the exit onto VA 24
0.2 mi·21 sec·VA 24
Toward VA 24 East, VA 131 South: To Route 60, Appomattox
10
Turn slight left onto VA 24
19 mi·21 min·VA 24
11
Continue on US 60
7.7 mi·9 min·West James Anderson Highway
12
Continue on US 60
8.1 mi·9 min·East James Anderson Highway
13
Continue on US 60
37 mi·48 min·Anderson Highway
14
Continue on US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·Midlothian Turnpike
15
Turn right onto SR 652
2.5 mi·3 min·Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
16
Enter roundabout onto SR 652
147 ft·5 sec·Old Hundred Road
17
Continue on SR 652
2.5 mi·4 min·Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
18
Continue on VA 76
9.7 mi·12 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
1.8 mi·2 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 146
0.9 mi·1 min·VA 146
Use the slight right lane.
21
Merge onto VA 195
2.9 mi·3 min·Downtown Expressway
Use the straight lane.
22
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International AirportUse the slight left lane.
23
Merge onto I 95
0.7 mi·54 sec·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 75Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th StreetUse the slight right lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Merge onto I 64
75 mi·1 hr 24 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
27
Take the exit
0.1 mi·25 sec
Exit 265CToward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force BaseUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight right at fork
199 ft·6 sec
Toward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force BaseUse the left / right lanes.
29
Turn straight onto Rip Rap Road
0.2 mi·21 sec·Rip Rap Road
30
Turn sharp left onto VA 134
0.4 mi·1 min·North Armistead Avenue
31
Turn left onto VA 351
0.3 mi·39 sec·West Pembroke Avenue
32
Turn right onto North King Street
524 ft·19 sec·North King Street
33
Continue on North King Street
432 ft·18 sec·North King Street
34
Arrive at destination
North King Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 41-minute estimated drive time, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Consider departing in the morning to allow for a relaxed pace and potential for unexpected delays. While the total distance is just over 200 miles, the inclusion of local roads means it's wise to keep an eye on your fuel level, especially as you get closer to Hampton. The estimated fuel cost of $34 should help with budgeting for the 219.5-mile journey.
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 109.7 miles from Gretna, VA, or about 2h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 74.8 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 48 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.7 miles or 2h 27m 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 54m
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 Gretna, 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 Gretna, VA
This is one driving day of about 219.5 miles and 4h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Gretna, 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 74.8 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 142.1 and 218.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
142.1 mi into trip|~3h 11m 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
143.1 mi into trip|~3h 13m 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
143.2 mi into trip|~3h 13m 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
218.3 mi into trip|~4h 38m 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
218.4 mi into trip|~4h 38m 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
$34.32 one way
$68.65 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg77 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$37.53
$75.06
premium
$4.70
$40.62
$81.25
diesel
$5.61
$48.46
$96.93
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
$34
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
65.9
0
$23.05
$10.54
Efficient EV
54.9
0
$19.21
$8.78
EV Truck/SUV
87.8
1
$30.73
$14.05
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Gretna, VA
Late night
in Gretna on Sunday
Local time
3:55 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hampton, VA
Late night
in Hampton on Sunday
Local time
3:55 AM
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
14 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 41m 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.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
National Historical Park
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...
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 208.8
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...
20 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 122.4
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...
21 mi from route
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 7.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is characterized as a mixed experience, with approximately 50% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter stretches on I 64, including one uninterrupted segment of 74.8 miles, which allows for steady progress. The route also incorporates Anderson Highway and Main Street, suggesting a transition to more local driving conditions as you approach your destination. This blend means you'll likely experience varied speeds and road types throughout the 4-hour and 41-minute trip.
50% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 74.8 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 142.1 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 219.5 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 142.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 143.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 143.2 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 Gretna, VA and Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Virginia Beach.
Appomattox
49.3 mi in|~1h 12m|via VA 24
Charlottesville
142.1 mi in|~3h 11m
Norfolk
142.1 mi in|~3h 11m
Richmond International Airport
142.1 mi in|~3h 11m
Virginia Beach
143.1 mi in|~3h 13m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 41m. Total distance: 219.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 41m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 74.8 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 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 142.1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 143.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 143.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Appomattox Court House 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 4.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Hampton, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
