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Trip from Harrisonburg, VA to Martinsville, VA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 21m

Distance

161.9 mi

261 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$25

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 10m ★
6 AM
3h 22m
8 AM
3h 46m
10 AM
3h 30m
12 PM
3h 28m
3 PM
3h 32m
5 PM
3h 45m
8 PM
3h 15m

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

Harrisonburg, VA

Wikimedia Commons

independent city in Virginia, United States

Martinsville, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Harrisonburg, VA to Martinsville, VA covers 161.9 miles and takes about 3h 21m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 81, US 220, US 220 BUS for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 102 miles on I 81. At current regular gas prices, budget about $25.32 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

81 miles from Harrisonburg, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 31m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 102 mi 1h 51m
US 220 51.7 mi 1h 14m
US 220 BUS 4.4 mi 7m
Commonwealth Boulevard 1.4 mi 2m
South High Street 0.9 mi 2m
Port Republic Road 0.5 mi 1m
Maryland Avenue 0.4 mi 1m
Liberty Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 102 mi, about 1h 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Harrisonburg, VA and Martinsville, VA.

1

Start on US 11; US 33

114 ft · 9 sec · North Main Street
2

Turn left onto US 33

260 ft · 7 sec · Court Square
3

Continue on US 33

169 ft · 5 sec · Court Square
4

Turn right onto US 33

0.2 mi · 18 sec · West Market Street
5

Turn left onto VA 42

0.9 mi · 2 min · South High Street
6

Turn left onto Maryland Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · Maryland Avenue
7

Continue on VA 253

0.5 mi · 1 min · Port Republic Road
8

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 24 sec
9

Merge onto I 81

54 mi · 59 min · I 81
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

48 mi · 52 min · I 81
Use the straight lane.
11

Take the exit onto US 220

52 mi · 1 hr 14 min · US 220
Exit 143 Toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke Use the slight left lane.
12

Take the exit onto US 220 BUS

4.4 mi · 7 min · US 220 BUS
Toward US 220 Business South: Collinsville, Martinsville
13

Turn left onto Commonwealth Boulevard

1.4 mi · 2 min · Commonwealth Boulevard
14

Turn right onto Liberty Street

0.2 mi · 27 sec · Liberty Street
15

Turn right onto Franklin Street

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Franklin Street
16

Arrive at destination

Walnut Street

Trip Plan

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 81 miles from Harrisonburg, VA, or about 1h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 102 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 36 miles or 42m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 81 miles or 1h 31m 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 38m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Martinsville, 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 161.9 miles and 3h 21m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 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 81 for about 102 miles.

Where to Stop

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

independent city in Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Roanoke, VA

81 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

Stuarts Draft, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 36 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Blue Ridge, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81 miles from Harrisonburg, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 102 miles.

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

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Mrs. B’s Restaurant and Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Buchanan, Virginia

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 81

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15402548048

Visit website

La Bendicion Restaurant

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Harrisonburg, Virginia

0.9 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Maple Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15404800662

Visit website

Mrs. B’s Restaurant and Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 81

Buchanan, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15402548048

Visit website

La Bendicion Restaurant

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15407422253

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $50 to $10 mile 115.7

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15405663891

Visit website

The Maple Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15404800662

Visit website

The Albemarle Bakery & Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $1 to $10 mile 115.7

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15409823842

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 92.5

Fincastle, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 57.8

Lexington, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Rivian Waypoints

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 115.7

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 104.1

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18776642738

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 115.7

Cave Spring, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 57.8

Lexington, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19499452000

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 115.7

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 104.1

Hollins, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Virginia Museum of Transportation

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 115.7

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15403425670

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 155.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 33 / Court Square

Turn left onto US 33 / Court Square

Navigation decision point

4
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 33 / West Market Street

Turn right onto US 33 / West Market Street

Navigation decision point

6
56.5 mi into trip | ~1h 4m in | I 81

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
8
104.2 mi into trip | ~1h 57m in | US 220

Take the exit onto US 220 toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 143 Toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke
5
155.9 mi into trip | ~3h 11m in | US 220 BUS

Take the exit onto US 220 BUS toward US 220 Business South: Collinsville, Martinsville

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 220 Business South: Collinsville, Mar...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.32 one way

$50.64 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $27.68 $55.36
premium $4.70 $29.96 $59.93
diesel $5.61 $35.75 $71.49

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$25

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$50–$75

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 56.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 48.6 0 $17.00 $7.77
Efficient EV 40.5 0 $14.17 $6.48
EV Truck/SUV 64.8 0 $22.67 $10.36

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 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

Harrisonburg, VA

Afternoon in Harrisonburg on Saturday

Local time

2:55 PM

EDT

Current temp

70°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Martinsville, VA

Afternoon in Martinsville on Saturday

Local time

2:55 PM

EDT

Current temp

47°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

23 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 21m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Booker T Washington National Monument

Booker T Washington National Monument

National Monument

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...

10 mi from route ~26 min detour Free near mile 128.4
View on nps.gov
Shenandoah National Park

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...

22 mi from route ~55 min detour $30
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

161.9 mi in 3h 21m, mostly highway — 102 mi of that is on I 81.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 102 mi on I 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

3/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and US 220. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 33 / Court Square.

Driving Effort 3/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 3h 21m drive. You will face about 11 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 33 / Court Square): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (US 33 / West Market Street): Navigation decision point; at 56.5 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

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 Harrisonburg, VA to Martinsville, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Roanoke along the way.

Roanoke

104.2 mi in | ~1h 57m | via US 220

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 21m. Total distance: 161.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Straightforward navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 102 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (US 33 / Court Square): Navigation decision point; at 0.1 miles (US 33 / West Market Street): Navigation decision point; at 56.5 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Booker T Washington National Monument and Shenandoah National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Martinsville, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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.

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