Origin
Hampton, VA
Morning in Hampton on Sunday
Local time
10:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hampton, VA to Salem, VA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 59m
Distance
194.5 mi
313 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 46m
★
6 AM
3h 59m
8 AM
4h 25m
10 AM
4h 8m
12 PM
4h 6m
3 PM
4h 9m
5 PM
4h 24m
8 PM
3h 51m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hampton, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Salem, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Embarking on a trip from Hampton, VA to Salem, VA covers 194.5 miles and is estimated to take just under 4 hours, making it a very manageable one-day drive. The route primarily utilizes I-64, Spotswood Trail, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, with a significant portion on interstates. With an estimated fuel cost of around $30, this journey through the Southeast region of Virginia is both efficient and economical. It's a straightforward drive that doesn't require an overnight stop, allowing you to reach your destination with plenty of daylight left.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
97.2 miles from Hampton, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 50m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 64 | 101.3 mi | 1h 50m |
| Spotswood Trail | 30.6 mi | 41m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 22.6 mi | 24m |
| 4th Street | 11.4 mi | 17m |
| James Madison Highway | 10.8 mi | 15m |
| North East Side Highway | 4.3 mi | 6m |
| Hampton Roads Beltway | 2.5 mi | 3m |
| Stanardsville By-Pass | 2.2 mi | 2m |
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 101.3 mi, about 1h 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hampton, VA and Salem, 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 West
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 64
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
61 mi
·
1 hr 7 min
·
I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
32 sec
Exit 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 295 North: Washington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 295
23 mi
·
24 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
Exit 53A
Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
11
Merge onto I 64
40 mi
·
43 min
·
I 64
Toward I 64 West: Charlottesville
Use the slight right lane.
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra
Use the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
Toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra
14
Turn straight onto US 15
11 mi
·
15 min
·
James Madison Highway
15
Continue on US 15; US 33
0.4 mi
·
34 sec
·
Martinsburg Avenue
16
Continue on US 15; US 33
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
South Main Street
17
Enter roundabout onto US 33; VA 231
117 ft
·
1 sec
·
North Main Street
18
Continue on US 33; VA 231
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
·
North Main Street
19
Continue on US 33
5.4 mi
·
8 min
·
Spotswood Trail
20
Enter roundabout onto US 33; VA 20
83 ft
·
1 sec
·
Spotswood Trail
21
Continue on US 33; VA 20
12 mi
·
17 min
·
Spotswood Trail
22
Continue on US 33
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Stanardsville By-Pass
23
Continue on US 33
13 mi
·
16 min
·
Spotswood Trail
24
Take the exit onto US 33 BUS
0.2 mi
·
22 sec
·
US 33 BUS
Use the slight right lane.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto US 33 BUS
363 ft
·
11 sec
·
US 33 BUS
26
Continue on US 340
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
South Stuart Avenue
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
27
Continue on US 340
4.3 mi
·
6 min
·
North East Side Highway
28
Continue on US 340
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
South Third Street
29
Continue on US 340
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
·
3rd Street
30
Continue on US 340
11 mi
·
17 min
·
4th Street
31
Turn right onto US 211; US 340
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
US 211; US 340
32
Turn left onto SR 615
204 ft
·
11 sec
·
Egypt Bend Road
33
Turn sharp right
189 ft
·
15 sec
34
Turn uturn onto US 211; US 340
224 ft
·
11 sec
·
US 211; US 340
35
Arrive at destination
US 211; US 340
Trip Plan
For this 3-hour and 59-minute drive, leaving in the morning is advisable to maximize your time at your destination or to simply avoid any potential late-day traffic. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility to either push through or take a brief break as needed. The fuel cost is estimated at $30, so ensure your tank is sufficiently full before departing. A specific tip for this route: pay attention to the transitions between I-64 and the other named highways, as these shifts can sometimes involve changes in speed limits and road conditions.
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 97.2 miles from Hampton, VA, or about 1h 50m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 101.3 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 43 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 97.2 miles or 1h 50m 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 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Salem, 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 194.5 miles and 3h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 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 64 for about 101.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
97 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 97.2 miles from Hampton, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 64 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 101.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 205 decision points cluster between mile 65 and 194.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
65 mi into trip
|
~1h 14m 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
65.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 14m 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
130.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m in
Take the exit toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra
7
130.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra
7
194.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 58m in
|
US 211; US 340
Turn uturn onto US 211; US 340
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.42 one way
$60.83 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
68 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $33.26 | $66.51 |
| premium | $4.70 | $36.00 | $72.00 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $42.94 | $85.89 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 68.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58.3 | 0 | $20.42 | $9.34 |
| Efficient EV | 48.6 | 0 | $17.02 | $7.78 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 77.8 | 0 | $27.23 | $12.45 |
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 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.
Destination
Salem, VA
Morning in Salem on Sunday
Local time
10:36 AM
EDT
Current temp
35°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
27 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
3h 59m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive offers a mixed experience, with 53% of the journey taking place on highways. You'll encounter a substantial uninterrupted stretch of 101.3 miles on I-64, providing a good opportunity for steady progress. As you transition to Spotswood Trail and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, expect the character of the drive to change, likely offering a different pace and road type compared to the interstate segments. This blend means you'll experience both efficient highway travel and potentially more varied scenery as you move through the landscape.
53% 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: 101.3 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 65 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 20 significant decision points across 194.5 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 65 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.1 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.
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 Salem, VA, road signs point toward Rocky Mount and Palmyra.
Rocky Mount
65 mi in
|
~1h 14m
Palmyra
130.1 mi in
|
~2h 26m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 59m. Total distance: 194.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 101.3 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 Salem, 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 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Salem, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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