This 233.3-mile journey from Danville to Vienna, VA, is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 5 hours and 6 minutes to complete. You'll primarily navigate via US 29 and Seminole Trail, with a significant portion of the drive on main roads, making it a highway-focused experience. With an estimated fuel cost of $36, this route offers a straightforward and efficient trip through Virginia's Southeast region. It's a manageable distance for one day, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times without the need for an overnight stop.
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
116.7 miles from Danville, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 27m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 6m. Total distance: 233.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for about 68% of this 233.3-mile trip. Your longest continuous stretch will be 116.1 miles on US 29, offering a consistent pace. The route largely sticks to major roadways like US 29 and Seminole Trail, suggesting a predictable driving experience rather than a winding, scenic byway. While the profile indicates a highway focus, be aware that transitions between these main roads will occur as you make your way north.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 29 is the longest continuous segment at about 116.1 miles.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
879 ft353 ft
Total Climb
248 ft
Total Descent
533 ft
Highest Point
879 ft
~50 mi in
Elevation Range
526 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 29 and Seminole Trail. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 61.3 miles in near US 29.
Driving Effort9/10
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 14 significant decision points across 233.3 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 61.3 miles (US 29): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.9 miles (US 29): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 200.1 miles (US 15; US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
61.3 mi into trip|~1h 18m in|US 29
Take the exit onto US 29 toward US 29 North, US 460 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 29 North, US 460 East
7
67.9 mi into trip|~1h 27m in|US 29
Take the exit onto US 29 toward US 29 North: Amherst, Charlottesville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 29 North: Amherst, Charlottesville
8
200.1 mi into trip|~4h 20m in|US 15; US 29
Keep slight left at fork onto US 15; US 29 toward US 15 North, US 29 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / straight lanes.
Toward US 15 North, US 29 North
8
231.1 mi into trip|~5h in
Take the exit toward VA 243: Vienna, Fairfax, Parking
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 62
Toward VA 243: Vienna, Fairfax, Parking
7
231.3 mi into trip|~5h 1m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Danville, VA to Vienna, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Charlottesville along the way.
Charlottesville
67.9 mi in|~1h 27m|via US 29
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 29
116.1 mi
2h 24m
Seminole Trail
33.9 mi
48m
James Madison Highway
23.3 mi
30m
I 66
18.5 mi
22m
Danville Expressway
12.4 mi
15m
US 15
11.7 mi
17m
James Monroe Highway
7.7 mi
9m
Eastern Bypass
2.4 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
US 29
— 116.1 mi, about 2h 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Danville, VA and Vienna, VA.
1
Start on VA 293
415 ft·15 sec·South Ridge Street
2
Turn left onto VA 293
1.2 mi·2 min·Patton Street
3
Turn slight right onto VA 360
0.8 mi·1 min·Justin Lane
4
Turn straight onto VA 360
0.6 mi·59 sec·Richmond Boulevard
5
Continue on VA 360
0.5 mi·49 sec·Old Richmond Road
6
Turn left onto VA 41
349 ft·11 sec·Franklin Turnpike
7
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·46 sec
8
Merge onto US 29
12 mi·15 min·Danville Expressway
9
Continue on US 29
11 mi·13 min·US 29
Use the left lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 29
35 mi·43 min·US 29
Toward US 29 North
11
Take the exit onto US 29
6.5 mi·8 min·US 29
Toward US 29 North, US 460 EastUse the straight lane.
12
Take the exit onto US 29
64 mi·1 hr 19 min·US 29
Toward US 29 North: Amherst, CharlottesvilleUse the slight right lane.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
14
Turn slight right onto US 29 BUS
144 ft·10 sec·Emmet Street North
15
Continue on US 29 BUS
0.5 mi·1 min·Emmet Street North
16
Continue on US 29
34 mi·48 min·Seminole Trail
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Continue on US 29
7.7 mi·9 min·James Monroe Highway
18
Continue on US 15; US 29
23 mi·30 min·James Madison Highway
19
Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29
2.4 mi·3 min·Eastern Bypass
20
Keep slight left at fork onto US 15; US 29
12 mi·17 min·US 15; US 29
Toward US 15 North, US 29 NorthUse the left / straight lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 66 East: WashingtonUse the slight right lane.
22
Merge onto I 66
18 mi·22 min·I 66
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Exit 62Toward VA 243: Vienna, Fairfax, ParkingUse the slight right lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork
334 ft·8 sec
Toward VA 243 South: Nutley Street
25
Keep slight left at fork
326 ft·8 sec
Use the slight left lane.
26
Turn slight right onto VA 243
1.3 mi·3 min·Nutley Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
27
Turn right onto VA 123
0.7 mi·1 min·Maple Avenue West
Use the right lane.
28
Arrive at destination
VA 123
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, departing early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. You'll encounter one primary stop during this 233.3-mile trek, so plan for a break about halfway through. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the 116.1-mile stretch on US 29, as services might be more spaced out. The estimated $36 fuel cost is a good budget point, but it's always wise to factor in a little extra for potential detours or unexpected needs.
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 116.7 miles from Danville, VA, or about 2h 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 116.1 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 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 116.7 miles or 2h 27m 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Vienna, 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 233.3 miles and 5h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 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 US 29 for about 116.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 116.7 mi from Danville, VA
· 2h 27m into the drive
The midpoint is around 116.7 miles from Danville, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before US 29 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 116.1 miles.
Arriving in Vienna, VA
The final approach into Vienna, 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 Vienna, VA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Shenandoah National Park
National Park
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
$30
near mile 160.9
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...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 72.4
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...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 40.2
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 225.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$36.48 one way
$72.97 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg82 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$39.89
$79.78
premium
$4.70
$43.18
$86.36
diesel
$5.61
$51.51
$103.02
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 81.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70
0
$24.50
$11.20
Efficient EV
58.3
0
$20.41
$9.33
EV Truck/SUV
93.3
1
$32.66
$14.93
Gas CO2
82 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 Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Danville, VA
Late night
in Danville on Friday
Local time
3:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Vienna, VA
Late night
in Vienna on Friday
Local time
3:47 AM
EDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
3 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 6m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Danville, VA to Vienna, VA covers 233.3 miles and takes about 5h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 29, Seminole Trail, James Madison Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 116.7 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 $36.48 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 233.3 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 61.3 miles (US 29): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 67.9 miles (US 29): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 200.1 miles (US 15; US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Danville, VA to Vienna, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Charlottesville along the way.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 353 ft to 879 ft elevation with about 248 ft of total climbing.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Shenandoah National Park, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Booker T Washington National Monument. There are 4 parks within detour distance of this route.
Data sources
The figures on this page are computed from open government and mapping datasets, not crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
Elevation is sampled from
USGS 3DEP.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Full methodology, refresh cadence, and limitations are documented on the
methodology page.
