Norfolk to East Hampton Road Trip Guide: Coastal Odyssey

Begin your journey where the Elizabeth River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The route from Norfolk, Virginia to East Hampton, New York spans roughly 410 miles (660 km) via I-64, I-95, I-295, and I-495, then crossing the Throgs Neck Bridge onto Long Island. Driving time without stops is about 7.5 hours, but you should plan for 9-10 hours with breaks. A unique fact: you'll cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a 17.6-mile engineering marvel that dives under the bay, connecting Virginia Beach to the Eastern Shore—one of only 12 bridge-tunnel systems in the world.

This guide answers key questions: what are the best stops Norfolk, VA to East Hampton, NY, how long to drive Norfolk, VA to East Hampton, NY, is it worth driving Norfolk, VA to East Hampton, NY, and what things to do between Norfolk, VA and East Hampton, NY. For tips on planning detours, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

I-95 near Washington, D.C. is prone to congestion; avoid it between 4–7 PM on weekdays. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel can be windy—slow down on exposed sections. On Long Island, the LIE (I-495) peaks eastbound Friday afternoons and westbound Sunday evenings. Always carry cash for tolls (some bridges don't accept credit).

• Family stops: The U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis (free) is a unique hands-on exhibit for kids. Also, the Cape May Zoo (donation-based) has a petting zoo.
• Pet-friendly: Most rest stops on I-95 have pet areas. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge allows leashed dogs on trails. Many hotels in Cape May and the Hamptons accept pets, but call ahead.

For fatigue management, plan breaks every 2 hours. The James River Rest Area (mile 75 on I-64) has a scenic overlook. The Delaware Welcome Center on I-95 (mile 1) has a food court and tourist info. In the Hamptons, stop at the Big Duck (a 20-foot duck-shaped building) in Flanders for a photo op.

The most scenic route takes I-64 east to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (toll $14), then follows US-13 through Virginia's Eastern Shore to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (toll $4) into Maryland. From there, take US-301, I-95, and I-295 to the Delaware Memorial Bridge (toll $5) into New Jersey. A popular alternative is the Cape May-Lewes Ferry (ferry about $50 per car), which departs from Lewes, DE to Cape May, NJ and saves 40 miles of driving along the Jersey Shore.

• Fuel stops: Fill up at the Sheetz off I-95 in Stafford, VA; then again at the Wawa in Newark, DE (mile marker 5 on I-95).
• Rest zones: James River Rest Area (mile 75 on I-64 East), and the Maryland House Travel Plaza on I-95 at mile 81.
• Toll costs: Total about $35-45 including bridge/tunnel and ferry if chosen.

For those on a budget, the cheapest route avoids bridges and ferries: take I-64 to I-95 North all the way to I-495 in New York, but add 1 hour and more traffic. The scenic route via the Eastern Shore and ferry offers coastal charm and is highly recommended for leisurely travelers.

The Eastern Shore of Virginia offers flat farmlands, marshes, and wild ponies on Chincoteague Island. At Assateague Island National Seashore (free entry), you can see the famous wild horses. Further north, the Delaware Bay coastline features Cape Henlopen State Park with dunes and trails. In New Jersey, the Pine Barrens stretch inland, offering unique dwarf pitch pines and extensive hiking.

• Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge: hike the Lighthouse Trail (1.6 miles) to see the Assateague Lighthouse.
• Cape May Point State Park: climb the 199-step lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic.
• Montauk Point State Park on Long Island: the final stop before East Hampton, with iconic lighthouse and bluffs.

Local commerce thrives in small towns like Onancock, VA (antique shops), Lewes, DE (boutiques and seafood), and Cape May, NJ (Victorian architecture and fudge shops). East Hampton itself features high-end galleries and farm stands selling fresh produce and pies. The Amagansett Farmers Market is a must for local honey and artisanal cheeses.