Trip from Franklin, VA to Richmond, VA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

1h 49m

Distance

78.5 mi

126 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min

4 AM

1h 41m ★

6 AM

1h 49m

8 AM

2h 5m

10 AM

1h 55m

12 PM

1h 53m

3 PM

1h 56m

5 PM

2h 4m

8 PM

1h 44m

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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independent city in Virginia, United States

Franklin, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This straightforward 78.5-mile drive from Franklin, VA, to Richmond, VA, is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 1 hour and 49 minutes. The route utilizes a mix of major highways and local roads, with about 50% of the journey on highways. Given the relatively short distance and estimated fuel cost of $12, it’s an economical option for a quick excursion. You'll be traveling within the Southeast region of Virginia for the entire trip, making for a consistent regional experience. This drive is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B without needing an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

39.3 miles from Franklin, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 58m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 49m. Total distance: 78.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (50%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

The drive presents a mixed profile, balancing interstate travel with more local road segments. You'll spend approximately 50% of your time on highways, including a notable stretch of 32.8 miles on I-95, which offers faster travel. Beyond the interstate, expect to navigate roads like Jerusalem Plank Road and Plank Road, which will likely offer a different driving experience. This blend means you'll encounter both quicker, more direct travel and potentially slower, more varied scenery as you transition between road types. The character of the drive shifts as you progress, offering a dynamic journey.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 32.8 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 0.1 miles in near US 58 BUS; US 258 BUS / West 4th Avenue.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 78.5 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (US 58 BUS; US 258 BUS / West 4th Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 47.6 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 75.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

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

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 58 BUS; US 258 BUS / West 4th Avenue

Turn left onto US 58 BUS; US 258 BUS / West 4th Avenue

Navigation decision point

47.6 mi into trip | ~1h 8m in | I 95

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 toward I 95 North: Petersburg, Richmond

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 North: Petersburg, Richmond

75.3 mi into trip | ~1h 43m 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

77.2 mi into trip | ~1h 46m 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

77.6 mi into trip | ~1h 46m 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

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 95	32.8 mi	40m
Jerusalem Plank Road	17.7 mi	24m
Plank Road	10.2 mi	13m
Courtland Road	4.1 mi	5m
Clay Street	2.4 mi	5m
Southampton Parkway	2.3 mi	3m
Camp Parkway	2.2 mi	3m
Main Street	1.9 mi	4m

Longest stretch: I 95 — 32.8 mi, about 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on North Main Street

0.1 mi · 29 sec · North Main Street

Turn left onto US 58 BUS; US 258 BUS

0.2 mi · 35 sec · West 4th Avenue

Turn right onto US 58 BUS

2.4 mi · 5 min · Clay Street

Continue on US 58 BUS

2.1 mi · 2 min · Camp Parkway

Continue on Camp Parkway

406 ft · 9 sec · Camp Parkway

Turn right onto US 58

2.3 mi · 3 min · Southampton Parkway

Take the exit onto US 58 BUS

0.2 mi · 33 sec · US 58 BUS

Enter roundabout onto US 58 BUS

80 ft · 1 sec · Jerusalem Road

Continue on US 58 BUS

0.8 mi · 1 min · Jerusalem Road

Continue on US 58 BUS

1.9 mi · 4 min · Main Street

Continue on VA 35

10 mi · 13 min · Plank Road

Continue on VA 35

18 mi · 24 min · Jerusalem Plank Road

Continue on VA 35

4.1 mi · 5 min · Courtland Road

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 28 sec

Toward I 95 North: Petersburg

Merge onto I 95

5.1 mi · 5 min · I 95

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

28 mi · 34 min · I 95

Toward I 95 North: Petersburg, Richmond Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec

Exit 74A Toward VA 195 Toll: Downtown Expressway Use the slight right lane.

Continue on VA 195

1.6 mi · 2 min · Downtown Expressway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec

Toward Cash Toll, Meadow Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on this road

373 ft · 9 sec · this road

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Toward Meadow Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn right onto South Meadow Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Meadow Street

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

For this 1-hour and 49-minute drive, flexibility is key. You can easily depart at your convenience, but consider avoiding peak rush hour times in and around Richmond. With only 78.5 miles and an estimated fuel cost of $12, you won't need many stops, but it's always wise to take breaks as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on the 32.8-mile stretch on I-95, as services might be less frequent than on local roads. A practical tip: ensure your vehicle is in good condition before you leave, as the mixed drive profile means you'll encounter varied road surfaces and conditions.

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 39.3 miles from Franklin, VA, or about 58m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.8 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 17 miles or 27m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 39.3 miles or 58m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 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 Franklin, VA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Franklin, VA

This is one driving day of about 78.5 miles and 1h 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Franklin, VA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 32.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 39.3 mi from Franklin, VA · 58m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Waverly, VA

39 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

Courtland, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Waverly, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 39.3 miles from Franklin, 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.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$12.28 one way

$24.55 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 28 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$13.42	$26.84
premium	$4.70	$14.53	$29.06
diesel	$5.61	$17.33	$34.66

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$12

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 27.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	23.6	$8.24	$3.77
Efficient EV	19.6	$6.87	$3.14
EV Truck/SUV	31.4	$10.99	$5.02

Gas CO2

27 kg

EV CO2

9 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Franklin, VA

Night in Franklin on Thursday

Local time

10:03 PM

EDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Richmond, VA

Night in Richmond on Thursday

Local time

10:03 PM

EDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

52°F

Waverly, VA

39 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

22 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

1h 49m 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 Franklin, VA to Richmond, VA covers 78.5 miles and takes about 1h 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 95, Jerusalem Plank Road, Plank Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 39.3 miles from Franklin, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $12.28 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.