Drive Time
1h 32m
Distance
71.7 mi
115 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$11
one way
Photo: Kelly
Traveling from Lawrenceville to Richmond, Virginia, is a straightforward 71.7-mile journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 32 minutes. Because the trip is relatively short, it is easily completed as a quick day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay. Expect to spend approximately $11 on fuel for the one-way trek. You will remain within the Southeast region for the duration of the drive as you transition between these two Virginia hubs. This route is ideal for those who prefer an efficient, highway-focused path rather than a winding backroads excursion.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
35.9 miles from Lawrenceville, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 48m into the drive .
Expect a trip dominated by highway travel, as 78% of your time on the road will be spent on major thoroughfares. You will navigate a mix of I-85, Old Stage Road, and Governor Harrison Parkway to reach your destination. The most significant portion of your drive occurs on I-85, which accounts for a 51.2-mile uninterrupted stretch. While the highway-heavy profile keeps the pace moving, the transition between the interstate and local roads like Old Stage Road provides a shift in scenery and driving intensity. You should be prepared for a consistent, functional drive that prioritizes speed and directness over technical or winding terrain.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 85 and Old Stage Road. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 17.2 miles in near I 85.
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 71.7 miles you will encounter 11 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 17.2 miles (I 85): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 68.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 70.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
Merge onto I 85
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward VA 195 Toll: Downtown Expressway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
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
Keep slight right at fork toward Meadow Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Enter roundabout onto Marcus-David Peters Circle
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 85 | 51.2 mi | 1h |
| Old Stage Road | 12.2 mi | 17m |
| Governor Harrison Parkway | 2.9 mi | 3m |
| Downtown Expressway | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| Lawrenceville Plank Road | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| South Meadow Street | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| North Main Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| US 58 Business | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Lawrenceville, VA and Richmond, VA.
Start on US 58 Business; VA 46
Turn left onto US 58 Business; VA 46
Continue on US 58 Business
Take the ramp onto US 58 Business
Merge onto US 58
Turn left onto SR 712
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 85
Take the exit
Continue on VA 195
Take the exit
Continue on this road
Keep slight right at fork
Turn right onto South Meadow Street
Turn right onto Monument Avenue
Enter roundabout onto Marcus-David Peters Circle
Arrive at destination
Since this is a short, 1.5-hour drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time and pace. You won't need to plan for any major stops along the way, as the route is short enough to drive straight through without a scheduled break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before leaving Lawrenceville to ensure you stay within your $11 budget, as gas prices can fluctuate. To make the most of your trip, try to avoid peak rush hour traffic when entering Richmond to ensure you maintain your estimated travel time. Having the ability to complete the drive in under two hours makes this an excellent option for those who value efficiency in their travel plans.
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.
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 71.7 miles or 1h 32m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 35.9 miles or 48m 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richmond, VA than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Lawrenceville, 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 Lawrenceville, VA
This is one driving day of about 71.7 miles and 1h 32m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 35.9 mi from Lawrenceville, VA · 48m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
36 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.
A short stop after about 71.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 35.9 miles from Lawrenceville, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
Regular Gas
$11.47 one way
$22.95 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $12.50 | $25.00 |
| premium | $4.78 | $13.49 | $26.98 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $15.93 | $31.86 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$11
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$36–$61
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 25.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 21.5 | 0 | $7.53 | $3.44 |
| Efficient EV | 17.9 | 0 | $6.27 | $2.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 28.7 | 0 | $10.04 | $4.59 |
Gas CO2
25 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (68% 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. If you're planning ahead, check the forecast closer to your travel date.
Origin
Night in Lawrenceville on Saturday
Local time
9:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
65°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Destination
Night in Richmond on Saturday
Local time
9:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Forecast unavailable right now
Along the Route
88°F
Middletown, MD
36 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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore more options from Lawrenceville, VA or browse trips ending in Richmond, VA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.
Explore maps for Lawrenceville, VA or Richmond, VA on MapSof.net.
