Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026
Drive Time
1h 23m
Distance
64.3 mi
103 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$10
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Charlottesville, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Madison Heights, VA
Josh Sorenson
The drive from Charlottesville, VA to Madison Heights, VA covers 64.3 miles and takes about 1h 23m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 29, I 64, US 29 BUS for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 53.9 miles on US 29. At current regular gas prices, budget about $10.06 one way before food or hotel costs.
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 23m. Total distance: 64.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Straightforward navigation.
This is a 1h 23m highway drive covering 64.3 miles, with most of the trip on US 29 and I 64. The longest continuous stretch is about 53.9 miles on US 29.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 29 and I 64. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 250 BUS / East Market Street.
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 1h 23m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 250 BUS / East Market Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (VA 20 / 9th Street Northeast): Navigation decision point; at 0.5 miles (VA 20 / Monticello Avenue): Navigation decision point.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Turn right onto US 250 BUS / East Market Street
Navigation decision point
Turn right onto VA 20 / 9th Street Northeast
Navigation decision point
Turn left onto VA 20 / Monticello Avenue
Navigation decision point
Take the exit toward US 29 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Turn left onto VA 163 / South Amherst Highway
Lane positioning matters here
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 29 | 53.9 mi | 1h 6m |
| I 64 | 3.4 mi | 3m |
| US 29 BUS | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Amelon Expressway | 2.1 mi | 3m |
| Monticello Avenue | 1 mi | 2m |
| South Amherst Highway | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Avon Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| 9th Street Southeast | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Charlottesville, VA and Madison Heights, VA.
Start on this road
Turn right onto US 250 BUS
Turn right onto VA 20
Continue on VA 20
Continue on VA 20
Turn left onto VA 20
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 64
Take the exit
Merge onto US 29
Take the exit
Turn right onto VA 130
Turn left onto US 29 BUS
Turn left onto VA 163
Turn left onto Phelps Road
Arrive at destination
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 32.2 mi from Charlottesville, VA · 42m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
32 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.
A short stop after about 14 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 32.2 miles from Charlottesville, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
The final approach into Madison Heights, VA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Regular Gas
$10.06 one way
$20.11 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $10.99 | $21.99 |
| premium | $4.70 | $11.90 | $23.80 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $14.20 | $28.39 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$10
Estimated CO2 emission: 22.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 64% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 19.3 | 0 | $6.75 | $3.09 |
| Efficient EV | 16.1 | 0 | $5.63 | $2.57 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 25.7 | 0 | $9.00 | $4.12 |
Gas CO2
22 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (64% 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in Charlottesville on Friday
Local time
12:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Mostly Sunny
Destination
Late night in Madison Heights on Friday
Local time
12:56 AM
EDT
Current temp
90°F
Sunny
Time zone
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
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