If you are planning to travel from Petersburg to Hampton, you are looking at a 188.1-mile trek across Southeast Virginia. The journey typically takes about 3 hours and 49 minutes, making it a manageable day trip that does not require an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via US 17, I-64, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway. Budgeting around $30 for fuel should cover your needs for the duration of the trip. Since the drive is entirely within the Southeast region, you can expect a consistent atmosphere as you transition between these two historic areas. It is a straightforward route that offers a practical balance of highway efficiency for those looking to reach their destination without unnecessary detours.
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
94.1 miles from Petersburg, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 1m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 17
75 mi
1h 33m
I 64
64.2 mi
1h 11m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
James Madison Highway
11.6 mi
16m
I 66
9.4 mi
10m
Eastern Bypass
4.9 mi
6m
John Marshall Highway
3 mi
5m
Winchester Road
2.4 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
US 17
— 75 mi, about 1h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Petersburg, VA and Hampton, VA.
1
Start on VA 55
3.0 mi·5 min·John Marshall Highway
2
Turn left onto SR 688
240 ft·6 sec·Leeds Manor Road
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward Washington
4
Merge onto I 66
9.4 mi·10 min·I 66
5
Take the exit onto US 17
0.3 mi·32 sec·US 17
Toward US 17: Warrenton, Fredericksburg
6
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
0.1 mi·13 sec·US 17
7
Merge onto US 17
2.4 mi·3 min·Winchester Road
8
Continue on US 17
6.5 mi·8 min·James Madison Highway
9
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
4.9 mi·6 min·Eastern Bypass
Toward US 17 South: FredericksburgUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29
5.1 mi·7 min·James Madison Highway
11
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
27 mi·39 min·US 17
Toward US 17 South
12
Take the exit onto US 17
48 mi·53 min·US 17
Toward I 95 South, US 17 South: RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
14
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 64
64 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·25 sec
Exit 265CToward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force BaseUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
199 ft·6 sec
Toward Armistead Avenue, Langley Air Force BaseUse the left / right lanes.
19
Turn straight onto Rip Rap Road
0.2 mi·21 sec·Rip Rap Road
20
Turn sharp left onto VA 134
0.4 mi·1 min·North Armistead Avenue
21
Turn left onto VA 351
0.3 mi·39 sec·West Pembroke Avenue
22
Turn right onto North King Street
524 ft·19 sec·North King Street
23
Continue on North King Street
432 ft·18 sec·North King Street
24
Arrive at destination
North King Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 188.1-mile journey, try to plan for at least one dedicated stop to break up the drive. Since this is a single-day trip, departing early can help you avoid potential congestion on the main transit corridors. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $30 estimate is a baseline that can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency. Because the route relies heavily on major arteries like I-64, staying flexible with your departure time is a major advantage if you encounter unexpected traffic delays. Always check your navigation system for real-time updates before merging onto the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway to ensure your route remains the most efficient path forward.
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 94.1 miles from Petersburg, VA, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 75 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 41 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 94.1 miles or 2h 1m 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 Hampton, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Petersburg, 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 Petersburg, VA
This is one driving day of about 188.1 miles and 3h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Petersburg, 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 US 17 for about 75 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 21.9 and 187.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
21.9 mi into trip|~28m in|US 17 / Eastern Bypass
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17 / Eastern Bypass toward US 17 South: Fredericksburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 17 South: Fredericksburg
8
106.6 mi into trip|~2h 15m in
Take the exit toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 84A
Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va B...
8
121.5 mi into trip|~2h 31m 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
186.9 mi into trip|~3h 45m 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
187.1 mi into trip|~3h 46m 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
$29.41 one way
$58.83 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg66 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$32.16
$64.32
premium
$4.70
$34.81
$69.63
diesel
$5.61
$41.53
$83.06
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 65.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
56.4
0
$19.75
$9.03
Efficient EV
47
0
$16.46
$7.52
EV Truck/SUV
75.2
0
$26.33
$12.04
Gas CO2
66 kg
EV CO2
22 kg (67% 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Petersburg, VA
Late night
in Petersburg on Sunday
Local time
3:59 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Hampton, VA
Late night
in Hampton on Sunday
Local time
3:59 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
3h 49m 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.
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
$15
near mile 168.7
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 188.1
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...
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 123.3
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!
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is heavily highway-focused, with 79% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will find that the character of the road shifts as you transition between the interstate and the regional highways. Be prepared for a significant 75-mile stretch on US 17, which serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of your drive. While the interstate sections allow for steady progress, the highway-heavy profile means you should anticipate a consistent pace behind the wheel. Expect a mix of fast-moving traffic and standard road conditions throughout the nearly four-hour duration.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 75 mi on US 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 17 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.9 miles in near US 17 / Eastern Bypass.
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 19 significant decision points across 188.1 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 21.9 miles (US 17 / Eastern Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 121.5 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 Petersburg, VA and Hampton, VA, road signs point toward Fredericksburg, Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
Fredericksburg
12.7 mi in|~16m|via US 17
Norfolk
106.6 mi in|~2h 15m
Va Beach
106.6 mi in|~2h 15m
Virginia Beach
121.5 mi in|~2h 31m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 49m. Total distance: 188.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 75 miles on US 17. 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 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 21.9 miles (US 17 / Eastern Bypass): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 121.5 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 Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Hampton, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
