Union Hall, VA to Newport News, VA is 232.3 miles and takes about 5h 2m via I 64 and Anderson Highway, with a fuel budget near $36 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region and within Virginia, making it a straightforward drive. The route offers a mixed driving experience, balancing interstate speed with more local road navigation. With a recommended one-day drive, it's a manageable journey for most travelers looking to get from point A to point B 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
116.2 miles from Union Hall, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 39m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
67.3 mi
1h 15m
Anderson Highway
36.7 mi
48m
US 29
26 mi
31m
VA 24
18.9 mi
21m
West Gretna Road
13.7 mi
18m
Powhite Parkway
11.5 mi
15m
Village Highway
10.4 mi
19m
Richmond Highway
8.5 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 67.3 mi, about 1h 15m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 35 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,437 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,853
Quietest
2 AM
~177 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
13.8×
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 Union Hall, VA and Newport News, VA.
1
Start on SR 945
1.9 mi·7 min·Kemp Ford Road
2
Turn left onto VA 40
4.6 mi·6 min·Old Franklin Turnpike
3
Continue on VA 40
14 mi·18 min·West Gretna Road
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward US 29 North
5
Merge onto US 29
26 mi·31 min·US 29
6
Turn right onto VA 24
4.3 mi·7 min·Colonial Highway
7
At end of road, turn left onto US 501; VA 24
340 ft·8 sec·Brookneal Highway
8
Continue on US 501; VA 24
9.2 mi·17 min·Village Highway
9
Enter roundabout onto VA 24
113 ft·2 sec·Village Highway
10
Continue on VA 24
1.2 mi·2 min·Village Highway
11
Turn right onto US 460; VA 24
8.5 mi·11 min·Richmond Highway
12
Take the exit onto VA 24
0.2 mi·21 sec·VA 24
Toward VA 24 East, VA 131 South: To Route 60, Appomattox
13
Turn slight left onto VA 24
19 mi·21 min·VA 24
14
Continue on US 60
7.7 mi·9 min·West James Anderson Highway
15
Continue on US 60
8.1 mi·9 min·East James Anderson Highway
16
Continue on US 60
37 mi·48 min·Anderson Highway
17
Continue on US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·Midlothian Turnpike
18
Turn right onto SR 652
2.5 mi·3 min·Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
19
Enter roundabout onto SR 652
147 ft·5 sec·Old Hundred Road
20
Continue on SR 652
2.5 mi·4 min·Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
21
Continue on VA 76
9.7 mi·12 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
1.8 mi·2 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 146
0.9 mi·1 min·VA 146
Use the slight right lane.
24
Merge onto VA 195
2.9 mi·3 min·Downtown Expressway
Use the straight lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 95 North: Washington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International AirportUse the slight left lane.
26
Merge onto I 95
0.7 mi·54 sec·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 75Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7th StreetUse the slight right lane.
28
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·23 sec
Toward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
30
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 258AToward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris BoulevardUse the slight right lane.
31
Turn straight onto US 17
0.1 mi·10 sec·J Clyde Morris Boulevard
32
Turn right onto Diligence Drive
0.5 mi·1 min·Diligence Drive
33
At end of road, turn right onto Thimble Shoals Boulevard
0.1 mi·19 sec·Thimble Shoals Boulevard
34
Turn left
413 ft·33 sec
35
At end of road, turn right
82 ft·6 sec
36
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 2m estimated drive time, starting your journey in the morning will give you ample daylight to reach Newport News. While the route has only one recommended stop, consider breaking up the 67.3-mile stretch on I 64 for a quick stretch or to refuel. The fuel cost is estimated at $36, so keep an eye on your gauge, especially before heading into longer highway segments. Since this is a one-day trip, you have flexibility; however, planning your departure time strategically will make the drive more comfortable.
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 116.2 miles from Union Hall, VA, or about 2h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.3 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 51 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.2 miles or 2h 39m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Newport News, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Union Hall, 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 Union Hall, VA
This is one driving day of about 232.3 miles and 5h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Union Hall, 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 67.3 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 231.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
142.1 mi into trip|~3h 13m in|SR 652 / Old Hundred Road
Turn right onto SR 652 / Old Hundred Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
162.4 mi into trip|~3h 42m 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
163.4 mi into trip|~3h 43m 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
163.6 mi into trip|~3h 43m 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
7
231.2 mi into trip|~4h 59m in
Take the exit toward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 258A
Toward US 17 South: J Clyde Morris Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.30 one way
$68.59 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$37.69
$75.38
premium
$4.49
$41.08
$82.16
diesel
$4.80
$43.86
$87.73
Estimated Tolls: $0.44
Old Franklin Turnpike
(4.6 mi)$0.32
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
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.7
0
$24.39
$11.15
Efficient EV
58.1
0
$20.33
$9.29
EV Truck/SUV
92.9
1
$32.52
$14.87
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Union Hall, VA
Evening
in Union Hall on Sunday
Local time
5:03 PM
EDT
Current temp
93°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 12 mph65% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:43PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:43PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Destination
Newport News, VA
Evening
in Newport News on Sunday
Local time
5:03 PM
EDT
Current temp
97°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
SW 14 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:43PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 12:43PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
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
4 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
5h 2m 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...
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...
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 232.3
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 152.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is a mixed bag, with 58% of it being highway driving. You'll spend a good portion of your time on I 64, which can offer stretches of faster travel. However, the route also incorporates Anderson Highway and US 29, introducing more local road conditions. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 67.3 miles on I 64, so be prepared for periods of sustained highway cruising. Expect the road character to shift as you move between these different types of thoroughfares.
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: 67.3 mi on I 64.
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 142.1 miles in near SR 652 / Old Hundred Road.
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 23 significant decision points across 232.3 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 142.1 miles (SR 652 / Old Hundred Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 162.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 163.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
933 ft33 ft
Total Climb
289 ft
Total Descent
1,189 ft
Highest Point
933 ft
Elevation Range
900 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Union Hall, VA and Newport News, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Richmond International Airport and Virginia Beach.
Newport News is a city in Virginia in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. It's on the James River, and much of the area has been developed into a city starting in the late 19th century.
Top landmarks
•USS Monitor — 1862 unique ironclad; first in United States Navy service
•Endview Plantation Historic Site — human settlement in United States of America
•Newport News Middle Ground Light — lighthouse in Virginia, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 2m. Total distance: 232.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 67.3 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.44 in tolls one way, starting with Old Franklin 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.
Yes — we found about 4 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 Newport News, 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 4 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 142.1 miles (SR 652 / Old Hundred Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 162.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 163.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Colonial National Historical Park and Booker T Washington National Monument (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Newport News, VA before the return drive.
