This 133.5-mile drive from Harrisonburg, VA to Huntington, VA is best tackled as a single-day adventure, taking approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes. You'll primarily be on major interstates, with 88% of the journey utilizing highways like I-66 and I-81, including a portion of the Capital Beltway. Given the relatively short duration and highway-focused profile, it's an efficient trip. The estimated fuel cost is around $21, making it an economical option for a quick getaway within the Southeast region. This route is straightforward, designed for covering ground effectively.
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
66.8 miles from Harrisonburg, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 15m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 34m. Total distance: 133.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 88% of the route on interstates. You'll experience a significant stretch of 64.1 miles on I-66 without needing to exit, allowing for consistent travel. While primarily interstate driving, the journey incorporates key arteries like I-81 and the Capital Beltway, meaning you'll encounter varying traffic patterns as you approach more populated areas. The road character is predominantly that of an efficient, high-speed corridor designed for direct travel between destinations.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 66 is the longest continuous segment at about 64.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 66 and I 81. 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 East Elizabeth Street.
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 133.5 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 0.1 miles (East Elizabeth Street): Navigation decision point; at 97.9 miles (I 66): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 119.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|East Elizabeth Street
Turn right onto East Elizabeth Street
Navigation decision point
6
97.9 mi into trip|~1h 48m in|I 66
Keep slight right at fork onto I 66
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
119.2 mi into trip|~2h 14m in
Take the exit toward I 495 South: Richmond, Alexandria
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 64A
Toward I 495 South: Richmond, Alexandria
8
131.8 mi into trip|~2h 30m in|I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local)
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local) toward I 95, I 495: Alexandria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 95, I 495: Alexandria
8
132.3 mi into trip|~2h 31m in
Take the exit toward VA 241 South, SR 611 South: North Kings Highway, Telegraph Road
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 176A
Toward VA 241 South, SR 611 South: North Kings...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Harrisonburg, VA and Huntington, VA, road signs point toward Washington and Alexandria.
Washington
54.8 mi in|~1h 1m
Alexandria
119.2 mi in|~2h 14m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 66
64.1 mi
1h 11m
I 81
52.8 mi
56m
Capital Beltway
12.1 mi
15m
East Market Street
1.5 mi
3m
Huntington Avenue
0.6 mi
1m
Capital Beltway (Local)
0.5 mi
<1m
Blaine Drive
0.1 mi
<1m
East Elizabeth Street
0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 66
— 64.1 mi, about 1h 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Harrisonburg, VA and Huntington, VA.
1
Start on US 11; US 33
335 ft·15 sec·North Main Street
2
Turn right onto East Elizabeth Street
0.1 mi·28 sec·East Elizabeth Street
3
Turn right onto North Mason Street
382 ft·15 sec·North Mason Street
4
Turn left onto US 33
1.5 mi·3 min·East Market Street
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward I 81 North: Elkton
6
Merge onto I 81
53 mi·56 min·I 81
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
8
Continue on I 66
43 mi·46 min·I 66
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 66
21 mi·25 min·I 66
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·41 sec
Exit 64AToward I 495 South: Richmond, AlexandriaUse the right lane.
11
Merge onto I 495
12 mi·15 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; I 495
0.5 mi·41 sec·Capital Beltway (Local)
Toward I 95, I 495: AlexandriaUse the slight right lane.
13
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Exit 176AToward VA 241 South, SR 611 South: North Kings Highway, Telegraph RoadUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·1 min
Toward Huntington Avenue
15
Turn straight onto SR 1332
0.6 mi·1 min·Huntington Avenue
16
Turn right onto Blaine Drive
0.1 mi·28 sec·Blaine Drive
17
Turn right onto Fairview Terrace
13 ft·0 sec·Fairview Terrace
18
Arrive at destination
Fairview Terrace
Trip Plan
This 2-hour and 34-minute drive is easily manageable in one day, offering flexibility in your departure time. Consider leaving early to avoid potential traffic on the Capital Beltway. With only one suggested stop and a manageable 133.5 miles, you can afford to be spontaneous. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 64.1 miles on I-66, so plan your fuel and restroom breaks accordingly before you embark on that segment. The $21 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always factor in a little extra for unexpected detours or traffic delays.
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 66.8 miles from Harrisonburg, VA, or about 1h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 64.1 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 29 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 66.8 miles or 1h 15m 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 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Huntington, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Harrisonburg, 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 Harrisonburg, VA
This is one driving day of about 133.5 miles and 2h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from Harrisonburg, 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 I 66 for about 64.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 66.8 mi from Harrisonburg, VA
· 1h 15m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires today. Native Americans first shaped the land, followed by colonists and settlers. The fertile valley became an important...
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
~38 min detour
$30
near mile 18.4
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
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 110.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.88 one way
$41.75 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg47 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$22.83
$45.65
premium
$4.70
$24.71
$49.42
diesel
$5.61
$29.48
$58.95
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 46.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
40.1
0
$14.02
$6.41
Efficient EV
33.4
0
$11.68
$5.34
EV Truck/SUV
53.4
0
$18.69
$8.54
Gas CO2
47 kg
EV CO2
16 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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Harrisonburg, VA
Night
in Harrisonburg on Friday
Local time
9:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Huntington, VA
Night
in Huntington on Friday
Local time
9:49 PM
EDT
Current temp
78°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
48°F
Petersburg, VA
67 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
8 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 34m 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 Harrisonburg, VA to Huntington, VA covers 133.5 miles and takes about 2h 34m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 66, I 81, Capital Beltway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 66.8 miles from Harrisonburg, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.88 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 14 significant decision points across 133.5 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 0.1 miles (East Elizabeth Street): Navigation decision point; at 97.9 miles (I 66): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 119.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Harrisonburg, VA and Huntington, VA, road signs point toward Washington and Alexandria.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Shenandoah National Park and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
