This 316.1-mile journey from Hampton, VA, to Cana, VA, is estimated to take about 6 hours and 20 minutes of driving time. Designed as a single-day trip, it should fit comfortably within one day. Expect to spend around $51 on fuel for this drive. The route is characterized by frequent turns, suggesting a more involved local road experience rather than long stretches of highway. Given that both the origin and destination are in the Southeast region, you'll be staying within familiar territory, making this a straightforward excursion. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your day 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
158 miles from Hampton, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 17m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 85
88.4 mi
1h 39m
Portsmouth Boulevard
62.1 mi
1h 21m
Julian R Allsbrook Highway
24.9 mi
29m
John Gold Memorial Expressway
20.9 mi
23m
I 40
20.3 mi
24m
I 95
19.5 mi
20m
Hampton Roads Beltway
14.7 mi
18m
Winston-Salem Northern Beltway
11.1 mi
12m
Longest stretch:
I 85
— 88.4 mi, about 1h 39m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 9 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~1,251 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,113
Quietest
2 AM
~231 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.4×
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 Hampton, VA and Cana, VA.
1
Start on North King Street
126 ft·5 sec·North King Street
2
Turn left onto VA 351
0.3 mi·42 sec·West Pembroke Avenue
3
Turn right onto VA 134
0.9 mi·1 min·North Armistead Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward I 64 WestUse the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 64
0.1 mi·11 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
6
Take the exit onto Hampton Roads Beltway
6.8 mi·8 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Exit 264Toward I 664 South: Downtown, Newport News, SuffolkUse the slight right lane.
7
Continue on I 664
4.3 mi·5 min·Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
8
Continue on I 664
7.8 mi·9 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
9
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 13AToward US 13 South, US 58 West, US 460 West: SuffolkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto US 13; US 58; US 460
2.0 mi·2 min·West Military Highway
11
Continue on US 13; US 58; US 460
62 mi·1 hr 21 min·Portsmouth Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Continue on US 58
4.5 mi·5 min·Courtland Road
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South: Rocky Mt N.C.
14
Merge onto I 95
19 mi·20 min·I 95
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward US 158: Roanoke Rapids, Murfreesboro, Weldon
16
Turn right onto US 158
0.8 mi·1 min·Julian R Allsbrook Highway
17
Turn straight onto US 158
2.9 mi·3 min·East Littleton Road
18
Continue on US 158
24 mi·28 min·Julian R Allsbrook Highway
19
Continue on US 158 Bypass
5.1 mi·5 min·US 158 Bypass
20
Continue on US 158; US 401
1.2 mi·1 min·US 158; US 401
21
At end of road, turn left onto US 1; US 158
8.7 mi·10 min·US 1; US 158
22
Turn right onto Flemingtown Road
0.2 mi·11 sec·Flemingtown Road
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
24
Merge onto I 85
1.9 mi·2 min·I 85
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 85
44 mi·48 min·I 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 85; US 70
42 mi·48 min·I 85; US 70
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40
7.7 mi·9 min·I 40
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
28
Keep slight right at fork onto I 40; US 220
13 mi·15 min·I 40; US 220
Use the straight lane.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto US 421
6.5 mi·7 min·Salem Parkway
Exit 206Toward US 421 North: KernersvilleUse the straight lane.
30
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Exit 227Toward NC 74 WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on NC 74
11 mi·12 min·Winston-Salem Northern Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Keep slight left at fork onto NC 74
1.8 mi·2 min·NC 74
Toward US 52 North: Mount AiryUse the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Merge onto US 52
21 mi·23 min·John Gold Memorial Expressway
Use the straight lane.
34
Keep slight right at fork onto US 52
11 mi·12 min·South Andy Griffith Parkway
35
Continue on US 52
2.6 mi·2 min·Fancy Gap Highway
36
Arrive at destination
US 52
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6-hour and 20-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Hampton to maximize daylight. Since this is a single-day trip covering 316.1 miles, plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel, perhaps around the halfway point. The $51 estimated fuel cost is a good budget to keep in mind. Given the 'turn-heavy' nature of this route, pay close attention to your GPS and road signs, especially as you transition between different local roads. This will help you avoid unnecessary detours and keep your journey smooth.
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 158 miles from Hampton, VA, or about 3h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.4 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 70 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 158 miles or 3h 17m 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 13m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cana, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving 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 Hampton, VA
This is one driving day of about 316.1 miles and 6h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 miles from 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 85 for about 88.4 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.6 and 280.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
1.6 mi into trip|~3m in|Hampton Roads Beltway
Take the exit onto Hampton Roads Beltway toward I 664 South: Downtown, Newport News, Suffolk
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 264
Toward I 664 South: Downtown, Newport News, Suf...
8
20.5 mi into trip|~27m in
Take the exit toward US 13 South, US 58 West, US 460 West: Suffolk
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 13A
Toward US 13 South, US 58 West, US 460 West: Su...
8
261.6 mi into trip|~5h 16m in|US 421 / Salem Parkway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 421 / Salem Parkway toward US 421 North: Kernersville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 206
Toward US 421 North: Kernersville
7
268.1 mi into trip|~5h 24m in
Take the exit toward NC 74 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 227
Toward NC 74 West
7
280.1 mi into trip|~5h 38m in|NC 74
Keep slight left at fork onto NC 74 toward US 52 North: Mount Airy
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 52 North: Mount Airy
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$46.67 one way
$93.34 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg111 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$51.29
$102.57
premium
$4.49
$55.90
$111.80
diesel
$4.80
$59.69
$119.37
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$47
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$72–$97
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 110.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
94.8
1
$33.19
$15.17
Efficient EV
79
0
$27.66
$12.64
EV Truck/SUV
126.4
1
$44.25
$20.23
Gas CO2
111 kg
EV CO2
37 kg (67% 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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Hampton, VA
Late night
in Hampton on Sunday
Local time
4:19 AM
EDT
Current temp
88°F
Smoke
NE 6 to 10 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Cana, VA
Late night
in Cana on Sunday
Local time
4:19 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Patchy Smoke
SE 3 mph13% chanceLive 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
6 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 20m 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.
Fort Monroe National Monument
National Monument
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
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is best described as 'turn-heavy,' meaning you'll encounter numerous changes in direction as you navigate local roads. With a 0% highway share, anticipate a continuous engagement with your steering wheel. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, but the overall profile suggests a dynamic route rather than a monotonous cruise. You'll likely experience a variety of road conditions and speeds as you move through different communities. This type of drive requires consistent attention, offering a hands-on driving experience.
58% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88.4 mi on I 85.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 1.6 miles in near Hampton Roads Beltway.
Driving Effort10/10
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 24 significant decision points across 316.1 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 1.6 miles (Hampton Roads Beltway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 261.6 miles (US 421 / Salem Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,430 ft7 ft
Total Climb
1,549 ft
Total Descent
126 ft
Highest Point
1,430 ft
~316.1 mi in
Elevation Range
1,423 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hampton, VA and Cana, VA, road signs point toward Murfreesboro and Weldon.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 20m. Total distance: 316.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 20m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 88.4 miles on I 85. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 23 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 Cana, 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 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.6 miles (Hampton Roads Beltway): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 20.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 261.6 miles (US 421 / Salem Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Fort Monroe National Monument and Colonial National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.3 hours each way, a round trip means 12.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Cana, VA before the return drive.
