Trip from Leesburg, VA to Big Stone Gap, VA

Drive Time

7h 42m

Distance

391.9 mi

631 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$63

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min

4 AM

7h 33m ★

6 AM

7h 43m

8 AM

8h 2m

10 AM

7h 50m

12 PM

7h 48m

3 PM

7h 51m

5 PM

8h 1m

8 PM

7h 37m

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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Leesburg, VA

Eric Joseph

Big Stone Gap, VA

El Capra

Trip Overview

Spanning 391.9 miles across Virginia, this trip from Leesburg to Big Stone Gap typically requires about 7 hours and 42 minutes of driving time. While technically manageable in a single long day, the 391.9-mile distance makes it a demanding trek that you might prefer to break up if you want to avoid exhaustion. You should budget approximately $63 for fuel to cover the journey. The route transitions from the Northern Virginia area into the heart of the Southeast, utilizing a mix of Leesburg Pike, I-81, and US Highway 58. Since you will be spending the vast majority of your time on major corridors, it is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that prioritizes efficiency over local backroads.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

196 miles from Leesburg, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 47m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a drive defined by significant highway travel, as 81% of your journey stays on major thoroughfares. The core of your trip is a long, uninterrupted 296.9-mile stretch on I-81, which serves as the primary artery for the majority of the distance. As you transition off the interstate and onto US Highway 58, the personality of the road shifts, requiring more focused attention than the steady cruising of the highway portion. While the highway-heavy profile makes for consistent progress, be prepared for the repetitive nature of a nearly 300-mile interstate stint. It is a functional, no-nonsense route that gets you from the northern part of the state to the far southwest efficiently.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 296.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Leesburg Pike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in near VA 7 / Leesburg Pike.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 391.9 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 1.2 miles (VA 7 / Leesburg Pike): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 158.3 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 276.7 miles (I 81; US 52): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

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

1.2 mi into trip | ~3m in | VA 7 / Leesburg Pike

Merge onto VA 7 / Leesburg Pike

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

158.3 mi into trip | ~3h 5m in | I 81

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

276.7 mi into trip | ~5h 16m in | I 81; US 52

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 52

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

333.5 mi into trip | ~6h 18m in | Valley Street Northwest

At end of road, turn left onto Valley Street Northwest

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

333.8 mi into trip | ~6h 19m in | US 58 ALT / Russell Road Northwest

At end of road, turn right onto US 58 ALT / Russell Road Northwest

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Leesburg, VA to Big Stone Gap, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Holston Dam along the way.

Holston Dam

332.6 mi in | ~6h 16m | via US 58 ALT

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 81	296.9 mi	5h 24m
Leesburg Pike	15.5 mi	21m
US Highway 58	14.7 mi	20m
Harry Byrd Highway	13.6 mi	18m
Castlewood Drive	12.5 mi	17m
Porterfield Highway	10.3 mi	14m
Orby Cantrell Highway	8.5 mi	10m
Norton Coeburn Road	8 mi	11m

Longest stretch: I 81 — 296.9 mi, about 5h 24m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Leesburg, VA and Big Stone Gap, VA.

Start on VA 7 BUS

1.0 mi · 3 min · East Market Street

Use the none lane.

Take the ramp onto VA 7 BUS

0.2 mi · 29 sec · VA 7 BUS

Toward VA 7 West: Winchester

Merge onto VA 7

16 mi · 21 min · Leesburg Pike

Use the none lane.

Continue on VA 7

14 mi · 18 min · Harry Byrd Highway

Continue on VA 7

3.6 mi · 5 min · Berryville Pike

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 1 min

Toward I 81 South: Roanoke

Merge onto I 81

124 mi · 2 hr 14 min · I 81

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

117 mi · 2 hr 9 min · I 81

Use the straight lane.

Continue on I 77; I 81; US 52

1.3 mi · 1 min · I 77; I 81; US 52

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 52

56 mi · 59 min · I 81; US 52

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit onto US 58 ALT

0.2 mi · 25 sec · US 58 ALT

Toward US 58 Alternate, VA 75: Abingdon, South Holston Dam

Turn right onto US 58 ALT; VA 75

0.8 mi · 2 min · Cummings Street

Use the none lane.

At end of road, turn left onto Valley Street Northwest

0.3 mi · 48 sec · Valley Street Northwest

Use the left lane.

At end of road, turn right onto US 58 ALT

0.9 mi · 2 min · Russell Road Northwest

Use the right lane.

Turn slight right onto US 19; US 58 ALT

10 mi · 14 min · Porterfield Highway

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 19; US 58 ALT

1.9 mi · 2 min · US 19; US 58 ALT

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto US 58 ALT

15 mi · 20 min · US Highway 58

Use the left lane.

Continue on US 58 ALT

348 ft · 6 sec · Trail of the Lonesome Pine

Continue on US 58 ALT

13 mi · 17 min · Castlewood Drive

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 58 ALT

8.0 mi · 11 min · Norton Coeburn Road

Use the none lane.

Take the exit onto US 58 ALT

0.3 mi · 33 sec · US 58 ALT

Toward VA 23 South, VA 58 West Alternate

Merge onto US 23; US 58 ALT

8.5 mi · 10 min · Orby Cantrell Highway

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Toward SR 610: Big Stone Gap

Turn right onto SR 610

0.2 mi · 35 sec · Powell Valley Road

Enter roundabout onto SR 610

67 ft · 1 sec · Powell Valley Road

Continue on SR 610

0.3 mi · 32 sec · Powell Valley Road

Continue on SR 610

0.2 mi · 29 sec · 4th Avenue East

Arrive at destination

SR 610

Trip Plan

To tackle this 7-hour and 42-minute drive effectively, aim to depart early in the morning to beat potential congestion on the northern end of your route. Plan for at least two strategic stops to break up the monotony of the 296.9-mile I-81 stretch, ensuring you stay alert behind the wheel. Given the $63 estimated fuel cost, keep an eye on your tank levels during the highway portion, as prices can fluctuate significantly between urban and rural segments. Since this trip is highly highway-focused, your greatest advantage is the ability to maintain a steady pace, but do not underestimate the fatigue that comes with such a long day of driving. If you find the 391.9-mile distance too taxing for a single session, consider finding a mid-point rest stop along the I-81 corridor to split the mileage.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 196 miles from Leesburg, VA, or about 3h 47m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 296.9 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 86 miles or 1h 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 196 miles or 3h 47m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 15m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Big Stone Gap, VA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Leesburg, 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.

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Leesburg, VA

This is one driving day of about 391.9 miles and 7h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 86 miles from Leesburg, VA.

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

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 296.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 196 mi from Leesburg, VA · 3h 47m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Winston-Salem, NC

196 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

Cumberland, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 86 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Winston-Salem, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 196 miles from Leesburg, 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 296.9 miles.

Arriving in Big Stone Gap, VA

The final approach into Big Stone Gap, 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 Big Stone Gap, VA.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$62.72 one way

$125.44 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 137 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$68.34	$136.67
premium	$4.78	$73.72	$147.44
diesel	$5.64	$87.07	$174.13

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$63

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$88–$113

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 137.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $41 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	117.6	1	$41.15	$18.81
Efficient EV	98	1	$34.29	$15.68
EV Truck/SUV	156.8	1	$54.87	$25.08

Gas CO2

137 kg

EV CO2

46 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Leesburg, VA

Evening in Leesburg on Sunday

Local time

8:52 PM

EDT

Current temp

65°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Big Stone Gap, VA

Evening in Big Stone Gap on Sunday

Local time

8:52 PM

EDT

Current temp

60°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

5 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

7h 42m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Leesburg, VA to Big Stone Gap, VA covers 391.9 miles and takes about 7h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 81, Leesburg Pike, US Highway 58. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 196 miles from Leesburg, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $62.72 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

On the drive from Leesburg, VA to Big Stone Gap, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Holston Dam along the way.

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Trip from Leesburg, VA to Big Stone Gap, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Big Stone Gap, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Leesburg, VA

Big Stone Gap, VA

Same local time

5 degrees cooler at arrival

7h 42m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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