Origin
Colonial Heights, VA
Evening in Colonial Heights on Sunday
Local time
6:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Colonial Heights, VA to Richmond, VA
Drive Time
33m
Distance
23 mi
37 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$4
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 30m
★
6 AM
0h 33m
8 AM
0h 39m
10 AM
0h 35m
12 PM
0h 34m
3 PM
0h 35m
5 PM
0h 38m
8 PM
0h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Colonial Heights, VA
Pavan Sai .D
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a quick and straightforward transit between Colonial Heights and Richmond, this 23-mile stretch is a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. Expect to spend about 33 minutes behind the wheel, making it an incredibly efficient way to move through the Southeast region of Virginia. With a modest fuel budget of $4, this route is as economical as it is fast. Because the drive is so short, there is no need for an overnight stay, allowing you the flexibility to complete your business or leisure travel and return home within hours. You will primarily navigate the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, the Downtown Expressway, and Route 1 to complete your journey. It is a practical, no-nonsense connection that gets you from point A to point B without any unnecessary complexity.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
11.5 miles from Colonial Heights, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 17m into the drive .
Drive Character
This 23-mile drive is heavily highway-focused, with roughly 81% of your travel occurring on major thoroughfares. You will spend the bulk of your time on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of the trip at 15.5 miles. While the experience is dominated by high-speed interstate driving, the transition onto the Downtown Expressway and Route 1 provides a shift in the road's personality as you approach your destination. Do not expect winding backroads or leisurely scenic overlooks; instead, prepare for a functional, steady pace that prioritizes speed and directness. Navigating this route feels like a standard commute, requiring consistent attention to traffic flow as you transition between these primary roads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 15.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and Downtown Expressway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near East Ellerslie Avenue.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 23 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: near the start (East Ellerslie Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 2.7 miles (SR 620 / Woods Edge Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 19.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 10 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
East Ellerslie Avenue
At end of road, turn left onto East Ellerslie Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
2.7 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
SR 620 / Woods Edge Road
Turn right onto SR 620 / Woods Edge Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
19.8 mi into trip
|
~27m in
Take the exit toward VA 195 Toll: Downtown Expressway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 74A
Toward VA 195 Toll: Downtown Expressway
7
21.7 mi into trip
|
~30m in
Take the exit toward Cash Toll, Meadow Street
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.
Toward Cash Toll, Meadow Street
8
22.1 mi into trip
|
~30m in
Keep slight right at fork toward Meadow Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward Meadow Street
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Colonial Heights, VA to Richmond, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Cash Toll along the way.
Cash Toll
21.7 mi in
|
~30m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike | 15.5 mi | 19m |
| Downtown Expressway | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| Route 1 | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| Woods Edge Road | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Boulevard | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| South Meadow Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| East Ellerslie Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Monument Avenue | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
— 15.5 mi, about 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Colonial Heights, VA and Richmond, VA.
1
Start on this road
257 ft
·
24 sec
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn left onto East Ellerslie Avenue
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
East Ellerslie Avenue
3
Turn right onto US 1; US 301; VA 144
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Boulevard
Use the right lane.
4
Continue on US 1; US 301; VA 144
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Route 1
Use the none lane.
5
Turn right onto SR 620
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Woods Edge Road
Use the right lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
7
Merge onto I 95
16 mi
·
19 min
·
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the none lane.
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 74A
Toward VA 195 Toll: Downtown Expressway
Use the slight right lane.
9
Continue on VA 195
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Downtown Expressway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward Cash Toll, Meadow Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on this road
373 ft
·
9 sec
·
this road
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward Meadow Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn right onto South Meadow Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Meadow Street
14
Turn right onto Monument Avenue
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Monument Avenue
15
Enter roundabout onto Marcus-David Peters Circle
81 ft
·
2 sec
·
Marcus-David Peters Circle
16
Arrive at destination
Marcus-David Peters Circle
Trip Plan
Since this is a short, 33-minute drive, you have significant flexibility in your departure time, though you should keep an eye on traffic patterns common to the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. You will not need to plan for any formal stops, as the entire route is easily manageable in one go. Keep your $4 fuel budget in mind, but note that the brevity of the trip means you likely will not need to refuel mid-journey unless you are starting with a nearly empty tank. Because the majority of the drive is on highways, ensure your vehicle is ready for sustained speed rather than stop-and-go city driving. A helpful tip for this specific route is to familiarize yourself with the transition points between the Turnpike and the Downtown Expressway ahead of time to ensure you stay on the correct path through the interchange.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 11.5 miles from Colonial Heights, VA, or about 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 15.5 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 23 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 11.5 miles or 17m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richmond, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Colonial Heights, 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 Colonial Heights, VA
This is one driving day of about 23 miles and 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Colonial Heights, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike for about 15.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 11.5 mi from Colonial Heights, VA · 17m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
12 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 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 11.5 miles from Colonial Heights, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Richmond, VA
The final approach into Richmond, VA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Richmond, VA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$3.68 one way
$7.36 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
8 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $4.01 | $8.02 |
| premium | $4.78 | $4.33 | $8.65 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $5.11 | $10.22 |
Estimated Tolls: $1.09
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(15.5 mi)
$1.09
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
$4
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$30–$55
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 63% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 6.9 | 0 | $2.41 | $1.10 |
| Efficient EV | 5.8 | 0 | $2.01 | $0.92 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 9.2 | 0 | $3.22 | $1.47 |
Gas CO2
8 kg
EV CO2
3 kg (63% 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
Richmond, VA
Evening in Richmond on Sunday
Local time
6:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
86°F
Middletown, MD
12 mi in
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
1 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
33m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Colonial Heights, VA to Richmond, VA covers 23 miles and takes about 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, Downtown Expressway, Route 1. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 11.5 miles from Colonial Heights, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.68 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 10 significant decision points across 23 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.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (East Ellerslie Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 2.7 miles (SR 620 / Woods Edge Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 19.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Colonial Heights, VA to Richmond, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Cash Toll along the way.
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