Trip from Danville, VA to Richmond, VA

Drive Time

3h 11m

Distance

143.2 mi

230 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$23

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min

4 AM

3h 0m ★

6 AM

3h 11m

8 AM

3h 35m

10 AM

3h 20m

12 PM

3h 17m

3 PM

3h 21m

5 PM

3h 34m

8 PM

3h 4m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Danville, VA

Eric Joseph

Trip Overview

If you are looking to travel from Danville to Richmond, you are in for a 143.2-mile journey through the Southeast that takes approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes to complete. Because this trip is manageable in a single day, you likely won't need an overnight stay, leaving you plenty of flexibility for your schedule. Expect to budget roughly $23 for fuel to cover the distance. The path primarily utilizes local roads like Kings Highway, West Patrick Henry Highway, and Philpott Road rather than major interstates. It is an ideal choice if you prefer a more hands-on, turn-heavy driving experience over a standard highway cruise.

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

71.6 miles from Danville, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 34m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a very different experience than a typical interstate slog, as this route consists of only 8% highway driving. The road features a turn-heavy, local profile that requires your full attention behind the wheel. You will navigate various segments, with the longest uninterrupted stretch occurring on Kings Highway for 39.7 miles. Because the route relies so heavily on local roads, the drive feels intimate and technical rather than fast-paced. Be prepared for constant adjustments and a steady rhythm as you transition between the various secondary roads that connect these two Virginia cities.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Kings Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 39.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 31.1 miles in near US 360 / John Randolph Boulevard.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 143.2 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 31.1 miles (US 360 / John Randolph Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 129.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 129.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 21 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

31.1 mi into trip | ~44m in | US 360 / John Randolph Boulevard

Turn left onto US 360 / John Randolph Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

129.7 mi into trip | ~2h 49m in

Take the exit toward VA 76: Lucks Lane, Old Hundred Road

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 VA 76: Lucks Lane, Old Hundred Road

129.9 mi into trip | ~2h 50m in

Keep slight right at fork toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway, Richmond

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway, Richm...

141.3 mi into trip | ~3h 6m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Maplewood Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward Maplewood Avenue

141.6 mi into trip | ~3h 7m in | Idlewood Avenue

Turn right onto Idlewood Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight / right lanes.

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Kings Highway	39.7 mi	47m
West Patrick Henry Highway	24.6 mi	31m
Philpott Road	19.7 mi	25m
James D Hagood Highway	14.5 mi	18m
Hull Street Road	14.2 mi	20m
Powhite Parkway	10.3 mi	13m
South Boston Highway	5.3 mi	7m
South Boston Road	4.2 mi	7m

Longest stretch: Kings Highway — 39.7 mi, about 47m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Danville, VA and Richmond, VA.

Start on VA 293

415 ft · 15 sec · South Ridge Street

Turn left onto VA 293

0.6 mi · 1 min · Patton Street

Turn right onto US 360; US 58 BUS

0.6 mi · 1 min · River Street

Continue on US 360; US 58 BUS

4.2 mi · 7 min · South Boston Road

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 58; US 360

5.3 mi · 7 min · South Boston Highway

Continue on US 58; US 360

20 mi · 25 min · Philpott Road

Continue on US 58; US 360

0.7 mi · 1 min · Bill Tuck Highway

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto US 360

1.7 mi · 2 min · John Randolph Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Continue on US 360

15 mi · 18 min · James D Hagood Highway

Continue on US 360

40 mi · 47 min · Kings Highway

Merge onto US 360; US 460

1.5 mi · 2 min · West Colonial Trail Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto US 360

25 mi · 31 min · West Patrick Henry Highway

Continue on US 360

14 mi · 20 min · Hull Street Road

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Toward VA 288 North: Powhite Parkway

Merge onto VA 288

2.1 mi · 2 min · World War II Veterans Memorial Highway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Toward VA 76: Lucks Lane, Old Hundred Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway, Richmond Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto VA 76

8.5 mi · 10 min · Powhite Parkway

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76

1.8 mi · 2 min · Powhite Parkway

Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto VA 146

0.4 mi · 36 sec · VA 146

Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Toward Maplewood Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

230 ft · 5 sec

Toward Maplewood Avenue Use the none lane.

Turn straight onto Maplewood Avenue

0.1 mi · 32 sec · Maplewood Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto South Sheppard Street

0.1 mi · 29 sec · South Sheppard Street

Turn right onto Idlewood Avenue

0.3 mi · 57 sec · Idlewood Avenue

Use the left / straight / right lanes.

Turn right onto South Robinson Street

305 ft · 11 sec · South Robinson Street

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto Grayland Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · Grayland Avenue

Turn left onto South Meadow Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Meadow Street

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto Monument Avenue

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Monument Avenue

Enter roundabout onto Marcus-David Peters Circle

81 ft · 2 sec · Marcus-David Peters Circle

Arrive at destination

Marcus-David Peters Circle

Trip Plan

Since this is a straightforward one-day excursion, you have the advantage of setting your own pace without the pressure of a rigid itinerary. Plan for at least one stop to break up the three-hour duration and keep your focus sharp on the winding local roads. Keep in mind that with such a low highway percentage, travel times can be sensitive to local traffic patterns, so check your navigation before heading out. Given the $23 fuel estimate, filling up your tank in Danville before you depart is a smart way to ensure you have enough range for the entire trip. Take advantage of the single planned stop to stretch your legs, as the technical nature of the drive makes frequent movement essential for comfort.

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 71.6 miles from Danville, VA, or about 1h 34m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 39.7 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 80 miles or 1h 44m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 71.6 miles or 1h 34m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 32m

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 Danville, 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 Danville, VA

This is one driving day of about 143.2 miles and 3h 11m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Danville, 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 Kings Highway for about 39.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 71.6 mi from Danville, VA · 1h 34m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

72 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

Middletown, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Middletown, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 71.6 miles from Danville, 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

$22.92 one way

$45.84 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 50 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$24.97	$49.94
premium	$4.78	$26.94	$53.87
diesel	$5.64	$31.81	$63.63

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$23

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$48–$73

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 50.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	43	$15.04	$6.87
Efficient EV	35.8	$12.53	$5.73
EV Truck/SUV	57.3	$20.05	$9.16

Gas CO2

50 kg

EV CO2

17 kg (66% 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Danville, VA

Evening in Danville on Sunday

Local time

6:19 PM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Richmond, VA

Evening in Richmond on Sunday

Local time

6:19 PM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

86°F

Middletown, MD

72 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

2 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 11m 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 Danville, VA to Richmond, VA covers 143.2 miles and takes about 3h 11m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Kings Highway, West Patrick Henry Highway, Philpott Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 71.6 miles from Danville, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $22.92 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

The route from Danville, VA to Richmond, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Trip from Danville, VA to Richmond, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Richmond, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Danville, VA

Richmond, VA

Same local time

2 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 11m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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