Origin
Forest, VA
Night in Forest on Wednesday
Local time
10:54 PM
EDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Forest, VA to Richmond, VA
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 41m
Distance
120 mi
193 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 30m
★
6 AM
2h 41m
8 AM
3h 2m
10 AM
2h 49m
12 PM
2h 46m
3 PM
2h 50m
5 PM
3h 1m
8 PM
2h 35m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Forest, VA
Alexa Kei
Trip Overview
This 120-mile drive from Forest, VA, to Richmond, VA, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes. With a fuel cost estimated at $19, it's an economical option for exploring more of the Southeast region. The route primarily utilizes Anderson Highway, US 501, and VA 24, offering a mixed driving experience. The longest continuous stretch on Anderson Highway is about 36.7 miles, providing a good opportunity to settle in. This journey is straightforward and well-suited for a day trip without needing an overnight stay.
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
60 miles from Forest, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 18m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mixed drive on this 120-mile route, with 46% of it being highway driving. While there are some faster highway sections, you'll also navigate through local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 36.7 miles on Anderson Highway, allowing for a consistent pace. This variety means the road's personality shifts, moving from more open highway to potentially tighter local routes as you approach Richmond. It's not a purely monotonous interstate cruise but offers a blend of speeds and road types.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 32 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Anderson Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 36.7 miles.
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 2.8 miles in near Graves Mill Road.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 120 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 2.8 miles (Graves Mill Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.9 miles (US 501): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
2.8 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
Graves Mill Road
Turn right onto Graves Mill Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
7.1 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Take the exit toward US 501 South, VA 128 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 501 South, VA 128 East
8
7.9 mi into trip
|
~14m in
|
US 501
Keep slight left at fork onto US 501 toward US 29 North, US 460 East, US 501 South: Charlottesville, Appomattox, South Boston
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 29 North, US 460 East, US 501 South:...
6
100.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 11m in
|
SR 652 / Old Hundred Road
Turn right onto SR 652 / Old Hundred Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
118.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 36m in
|
Idlewood Avenue
Turn right onto Idlewood Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Forest, VA and Richmond, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox and Boston.
Appomattox
7.9 mi in
|
~14m
|
via US 501
Boston
7.9 mi in
|
~14m
|
via US 501
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson Highway | 36.7 mi | 48m |
| US 501 | 20.6 mi | 27m |
| VA 24 | 18.9 mi | 21m |
| Powhite Parkway | 11.5 mi | 15m |
| East James Anderson Highway | 8.1 mi | 9m |
| West James Anderson Highway | 7.7 mi | 9m |
| Old Hundred Road | 5.1 mi | 8m |
| Forest Road | 2.8 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Anderson Highway
— 36.7 mi, about 48m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Forest, VA and Richmond, VA.
1
Start on this road
94 ft
·
13 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
105 ft
·
8 sec
3
At end of road, turn right onto US 221
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
Forest Road
4
Turn right onto Graves Mill Road
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Graves Mill Road
Use the straight lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Use the right lane.
6
Merge onto US 501
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Lynchburg Expressway
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
42 sec
Toward US 501 South, VA 128 East
Use the right lane.
8
Merge onto US 501; VA 128
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Candlers Mountain Road
9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 501
21 mi
·
27 min
·
US 501
Toward US 29 North, US 460 East, US 501 South: Charlottesville, Appomattox, South Boston
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit onto VA 24
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
VA 24
Toward VA 24 East, VA 131 South: To Route 60, Appomattox
11
Turn slight left onto VA 24
19 mi
·
21 min
·
VA 24
12
Continue on US 60
7.7 mi
·
9 min
·
West James Anderson Highway
13
Continue on US 60
8.1 mi
·
9 min
·
East James Anderson Highway
14
Continue on US 60
37 mi
·
48 min
·
Anderson Highway
15
Continue on US 60
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Midlothian Turnpike
16
Turn right onto SR 652
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
17
Enter roundabout onto SR 652
147 ft
·
5 sec
·
Old Hundred Road
18
Continue on SR 652
2.5 mi
·
4 min
·
Old Hundred Road
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on VA 76
9.7 mi
·
12 min
·
Powhite Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Powhite Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 146
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
·
VA 146
Use the slight right lane.
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Toward Maplewood Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork
230 ft
·
5 sec
Toward Maplewood Avenue
24
Turn straight onto Maplewood Avenue
0.1 mi
·
32 sec
·
Maplewood Avenue
25
At end of road, turn left onto South Sheppard Street
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
South Sheppard Street
26
Turn right onto Idlewood Avenue
0.3 mi
·
57 sec
·
Idlewood Avenue
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
27
Turn right onto South Robinson Street
305 ft
·
11 sec
·
South Robinson Street
Use the right lane.
28
Turn left onto Grayland Avenue
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Grayland Avenue
29
Turn left onto South Meadow Street
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
South Meadow Street
Use the straight lane.
30
Turn right onto Monument Avenue
0.1 mi
·
19 sec
·
Monument Avenue
31
Enter roundabout onto Marcus-David Peters Circle
81 ft
·
2 sec
·
Marcus-David Peters Circle
32
Arrive at destination
Marcus-David Peters Circle
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 2 hours and 41 minutes for this 120-mile trip, you have flexibility with your departure time. Aiming to leave Forest, VA, in the morning, perhaps before 9 AM, can help you avoid heavier traffic as you get closer to Richmond. With only one recommended stop, you can choose to make it brief or extend it slightly. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially with the estimated $19 cost; while it's not a long haul, knowing the longest stretch is 36.7 miles on Anderson Highway can help you plan your refueling.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 60 miles from Forest, VA, or about 1h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 36.7 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 26 miles or 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60 miles or 1h 18m 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 7m
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 Forest, 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 Forest, VA
This is one driving day of about 120 miles and 2h 41m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Forest, 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 Anderson Highway for about 36.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 60 mi from Forest, VA · 1h 18m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
60 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 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 60 miles from Forest, 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
$18.77 one way
$37.53 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
42 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $20.52 | $41.04 |
| premium | $4.70 | $22.21 | $44.42 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $26.49 | $52.99 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.07
Midlothian Turnpike
(0.9 mi)
$0.07
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
$19
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36 | 0 | $12.60 | $5.76 |
| Efficient EV | 30 | 0 | $10.50 | $4.80 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 48 | 0 | $16.80 | $7.68 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 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
Richmond, VA
Night in Richmond on Wednesday
Local time
10:54 PM
EDT
Current temp
72°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
25 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
2h 41m 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 Forest, VA to Richmond, VA covers 120 miles and takes about 2h 41m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Anderson Highway, US 501, VA 24. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 60 miles from Forest, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.77 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 120 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 2.8 miles (Graves Mill Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.9 miles (US 501): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Forest, VA and Richmond, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox and Boston.
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