Origin
Fairmont, WV
Afternoon in Fairmont on Tuesday
Local time
4:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fairmont, WV to Gilbert Creek, WV
Data updated 1 hour ago
Drive Time
4h 26m
Distance
215.1 mi
346 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$34
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 13m
★
6 AM
4h 26m
8 AM
4h 53m
10 AM
4h 35m
12 PM
4h 33m
3 PM
4h 37m
5 PM
4h 51m
8 PM
4h 18m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fairmont, WV
Wikimedia Commons
Gilbert Creek, WV
Chris Flaten
Trip Overview
Traveling from Fairmont to Gilbert Creek covers 215.1 miles through the heart of West Virginia. Expect roughly 4 hours and 26 minutes of driving time, making this a manageable journey to complete in a single day. You will spend about 49% of your time on highways, utilizing a combination of the Senator Jennings Randolph Highway, US 19, and WV 97. Budgeting approximately $34 for fuel should cover your transit costs comfortably. Since both locations are situated within the Southeast region, the trip maintains a consistent geographic feel, though the terrain shifts as you move toward your destination. It is a straightforward route that doesn't necessarily require an overnight stop, allowing you the flexibility to reach your goal by evening.
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
107.5 miles from Fairmont, WV
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 1m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
This trip offers a mixed driving profile that keeps you engaged behind the wheel. You won't be stuck on a monotonous interstate for the entire duration, as the route transitions between larger thoroughfares and more localized roads. You will encounter your longest uninterrupted stretch early on, with 77.6 miles spent on the Senator Jennings Randolph Highway. As you progress, the road conditions evolve from the higher-speed highway segments into the distinct character of WV 97 and US 19. It is a balanced experience that requires you to stay alert through the varied road types while navigating the state's interior landscape.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Senator Jennings Randolph Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 77.6 miles.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,373 ft
938 ft
Total Climb
2,312 ft
Total Descent
2,198 ft
Highest Point
2,373 ft
~152.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,435 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near WV 273 / Fairmont Gateway Connector.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 215.1 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 0.5 miles (WV 273 / Fairmont Gateway Connector): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 0.7 miles (WV 273 / Fairmont Gateway Connector): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 148.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 24 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.5 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
WV 273 / Fairmont Gateway Connector
Enter roundabout onto WV 273 / Fairmont Gateway Connector
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
0.7 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
WV 273 / Fairmont Gateway Connector
Enter roundabout onto WV 273 / Fairmont Gateway Connector
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
6
148.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 64 East, I 77 South: Bluefield
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 64 East, I 77 South: Bluefield
6
154 mi into trip
|
~2h 58m in
Take the exit toward WV 16, WV 97: Mabscott
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 42
Toward WV 16, WV 97: Mabscott
7
154.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 59m in
|
US 121 FUT
Keep slight right at fork onto US 121 FUT toward WV 16, WV 97: Mabscott
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 42
Toward WV 16, WV 97: Mabscott
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Senator Jennings Randolph Highway | 77.6 mi | 1h 23m |
| US 19 | 60.4 mi | 1h 14m |
| WV 97 | 32.6 mi | 41m |
| Central Street | 9.9 mi | 11m |
| Upper Millcreek Telsa Road | 8.6 mi | 9m |
| US 52 | 4.7 mi | 5m |
| West Virginia Turnpike | 4.6 mi | 4m |
| Lester Highway | 3.6 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Senator Jennings Randolph Highway
— 77.6 mi, about 1h 23m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairmont, WV and Gilbert Creek, WV.
1
Start on Jefferson Street
0.3 mi
·
59 sec
·
Jefferson Street
2
Continue on WV 273
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Fairmont Gateway Connector
3
Enter roundabout onto WV 273
129 ft
·
3 sec
·
Fairmont Gateway Connector
4
Continue on WV 273
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
Fairmont Gateway Connector
5
Enter roundabout onto WV 273
128 ft
·
3 sec
·
Fairmont Gateway Connector
6
Continue on WV 273
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
Fairmont Gateway Connector
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
8
Merge onto I 79
78 mi
·
1 hr 23 min
·
Senator Jennings Randolph Highway
9
Take the exit onto US 19
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
·
US 19
Toward US 19 South: Beckley
10
Keep slight left at fork
318 ft
·
8 sec
11
Turn right onto Upper Millcreek Telsa Road
8.6 mi
·
9 min
·
Upper Millcreek Telsa Road
12
Continue on US 19
60 mi
·
1 hr 13 min
·
US 19
Use the straight lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi
·
2 min
Toward I 64 East, I 77 South: Bluefield
14
Merge onto I 64; I 77
4.6 mi
·
4 min
·
West Virginia Turnpike
15
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Exit 42
Toward WV 16, WV 97: Mabscott
16
Continue on US 121 FUT
0.2 mi
·
10 sec
·
Coalfields Expressway
Exit 42
Toward WV 16, WV 97: Mabscott
17
Keep slight right at fork onto US 121 FUT
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
US 121 FUT
Exit 42
Toward WV 16, WV 97: Mabscott
18
Take the exit onto WV 16; WV 97
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
WV 16; WV 97
19
Keep slight right at fork onto WV 97
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
·
WV 97
20
Keep slight left at fork
404 ft
·
12 sec
21
Turn right onto WV 54; WV 97
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
Lester Highway
22
Continue on WV 54; WV 97
9.9 mi
·
11 min
·
Central Street
23
Turn right onto WV 97
5.4 mi
·
6 min
·
WV 97
24
At end of road, turn right onto WV 97
7.0 mi
·
8 min
·
WV 97
25
Continue on WV 97
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
·
Main Avenue
26
At end of road, turn left onto WV 97
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Williamson Avenue
27
Turn straight onto WV 97
5.2 mi
·
9 min
·
WV 97
28
Continue on WV 97
5.9 mi
·
7 min
·
WV 97
29
Turn left onto WV 97
8.7 mi
·
9 min
·
WV 97
30
At end of road, turn right onto US 52; WV 80
4.7 mi
·
5 min
·
US 52; WV 80
31
Turn left onto CR 52/4
0.2 mi
·
40 sec
·
CR 52/4
32
Turn right onto CR 13/1
3.5 mi
·
13 min
·
Mudlick Branch Road
33
Turn right onto CR 13
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
Gilbert Creek Road
34
Arrive at destination
CR 13
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 215.1-mile journey, try to depart early in the morning to avoid any potential traffic buildup along the highway sections. Since the route includes one planned stop, use that break strategically to stretch your legs and refresh your fuel supply, keeping your $34 budget in mind. Given that the total drive time is just under four and a half hours, you have plenty of flexibility to adjust your pace based on road conditions. Pay close attention to the transitions between the Senator Jennings Randolph Highway and your secondary routes, as these junctions are where you will likely need to adjust your driving speed most significantly. Staying mindful of these shifts will ensure a much smoother arrival at Gilbert Creek.
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 107.5 miles from Fairmont, WV, or about 2h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 77.6 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 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.5 miles or 2h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Gilbert Creek, WV than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fairmont, WV 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 Fairmont, WV
This is one driving day of about 215.1 miles and 4h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Fairmont, WV.
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 Senator Jennings Randolph Highway for about 77.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 107.5 mi from Fairmont, WV · 2h 1m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
108 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 107.5 miles from Fairmont, WV, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Senator Jennings Randolph Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 77.6 miles.
Arriving in Gilbert Creek, WV
The final approach into Gilbert Creek, WV 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 Gilbert Creek, WV.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.64 one way
$67.27 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
75 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $36.78 | $73.56 |
| premium | $4.70 | $39.81 | $79.62 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $47.49 | $94.98 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.33
West Virginia Turnpike
(4.6 mi)
$0.33
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
$34
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 64.5 | 0 | $22.59 | $10.32 |
| Efficient EV | 53.8 | 0 | $18.82 | $8.60 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 86 | 1 | $30.11 | $13.77 |
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% 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
Gilbert Creek, WV
Afternoon in Gilbert Creek on Tuesday
Local time
4:28 PM
EDT
Current temp
83°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
1 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
4h 26m 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 Fairmont, WV to Gilbert Creek, WV covers 215.1 miles and takes about 4h 26m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Senator Jennings Randolph Highway, US 19, WV 97. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 107.5 miles from Fairmont, WV. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.64 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 24 significant decision points across 215.1 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 0.5 miles (WV 273 / Fairmont Gateway Connector): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 0.7 miles (WV 273 / Fairmont Gateway Connector): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 148.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Fairmont, WV to Gilbert Creek, WV does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 938 ft to 2,373 ft elevation with about 2,312 ft of total climbing.
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