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Trip from Lynchburg, VA to Fairfax Station, VA

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

3h 42m

Distance

163.9 mi

264 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 30m ★
6 AM
3h 42m
8 AM
4h 7m
10 AM
3h 51m
12 PM
3h 49m
3 PM
3h 52m
5 PM
4h 6m
8 PM
3h 35m

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

Lynchburg, VA

Wikimedia Commons

census-designated place in Virginia, United States

Fairfax Station, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Lynchburg, VA to Fairfax Station, VA covers 163.9 miles and takes about 3h 42m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Seminole Trail, James Madison Highway, Thomas Nelson Highway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 33.9 miles on Seminole Trail. At current regular gas prices, budget about $25.63 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

81.9 miles from Lynchburg, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 49m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 42m. Total distance: 163.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 42m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

Expect a 3h 42m drive with frequent turns across 163.9 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 28 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Seminole Trail is the longest continuous segment at about 33.9 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.1 miles in near VA 130 / Amelon Expressway.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 13 significant decision points across 163.9 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 5.1 miles (VA 130 / Amelon Expressway): Lane positioning matters here; at 133.3 miles (US 15; US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 145 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

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

6
5.1 mi into trip | ~8m in | VA 130 / Amelon Expressway

Turn right onto VA 130 / Amelon Expressway

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.
8
133.3 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in | US 15; US 29

Keep slight left at fork onto US 15; US 29 toward US 15 North, US 29 North

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

Use the left / straight lanes. Toward US 15 North, US 29 North
6
145 mi into trip | ~3h 15m in

Take the exit toward I 66 East: Washington

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 66 East: Washington
8
156.6 mi into trip | ~3h 29m in

Take the exit toward VA 286: Fairfax County Parkway, Springfield Herndon

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 55B-A Toward VA 286: Fairfax County Parkway, Springfi...
8
157.5 mi into trip | ~3h 31m in

Keep slight right at fork toward VA 286 South: Springfield

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes. Exit 55A Toward VA 286 South: Springfield

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Seminole Trail 33.9 mi 48m
James Madison Highway 23.3 mi 30m
Thomas Nelson Highway 21.6 mi 27m
Monacan Trail 20.2 mi 25m
US 15 11.7 mi 17m
I 66 10.7 mi 12m
South Amherst Highway 8.8 mi 10m
James Monroe Highway 7.7 mi 9m
Longest stretch: Seminole Trail — 33.9 mi, about 48m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lynchburg, VA and Fairfax Station, VA.

1

Start on 10th Street

221 ft · 13 sec · 10th Street
2

Turn right onto Main Street

0.5 mi · 1 min · Main Street
3

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 15 sec
4

Merge onto US 29 BUS

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Lynchburg Expressway
5

Continue on US 29 BUS

4.2 mi · 6 min · Amherst Highway
6

Turn right onto VA 130

2.2 mi · 3 min · Amelon Expressway
Use the right lane.
7

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward US 29 North
8

Merge onto US 29

7.1 mi · 7 min · Monacan Parkway
Toward US 29 North: Amherst
9

Continue on US 29

8.8 mi · 10 min · South Amherst Highway
10

Continue on US 29

22 mi · 27 min · Thomas Nelson Highway
11

Continue on US 29

20 mi · 25 min · Monacan Trail
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 25 sec
13

Turn slight right onto US 29 BUS

144 ft · 10 sec · Emmet Street North
14

Continue on US 29 BUS

0.5 mi · 1 min · Emmet Street North
15

Continue on US 29

34 mi · 48 min · Seminole Trail
Use the straight / right lanes.
16

Continue on US 29

7.7 mi · 9 min · James Monroe Highway
17

Continue on US 15; US 29

23 mi · 30 min · James Madison Highway
18

Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29

2.4 mi · 3 min · Eastern Bypass
19

Keep slight left at fork onto US 15; US 29

12 mi · 17 min · US 15; US 29
Toward US 15 North, US 29 North Use the left / straight lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Toward I 66 East: Washington Use the slight right lane.
21

Merge onto I 66

11 mi · 12 min · I 66
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
22

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 2 min
Exit 55B-A Toward VA 286: Fairfax County Parkway, Springfield Herndon Use the slight right lane.
23

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Exit 55A Toward VA 286 South: Springfield Use the straight / right lanes.
24

Merge onto VA 286

5.1 mi · 7 min · Fairfax County Parkway
Use the right lane.
25

Turn left onto SR 643

0.7 mi · 1 min · Burke Centre Parkway
26

Turn left onto VA 123

0.2 mi · 35 sec · Ox Road
27

Continue on VA 123

287 ft · 15 sec · Ox Road
28

Arrive at destination

VA 123

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 81.9 miles from Lynchburg, VA, or about 1h 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 33.9 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 36 miles or 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 81.9 miles or 1h 49m 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 59m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fairfax Station, VA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lynchburg, 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 Lynchburg, VA

This is one driving day of about 163.9 miles and 3h 42m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 36 miles from Lynchburg, 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 Seminole Trail for about 33.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 81.9 mi from Lynchburg, VA · 1h 49m into the drive

Downtown Franklin, VA, VA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Franklin, VA

82 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

Waynesboro, VA

Fuel and coffee

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

Lexington, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81.9 miles from Lynchburg, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Fairfax Station, VA

The final approach into Fairfax Station, 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 Fairfax Station, VA.

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

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

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...

14 mi from route ~35 min detour $30 near mile 90.4
View on nps.gov
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

National Historical Park

On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Question...

17 mi from route ~43 min detour Free near mile 11.3
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

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 ~56 min detour Free near mile 158.2
View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$25.63 one way

$51.26 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $28.02 $56.05
premium $4.70 $30.33 $60.67
diesel $5.61 $36.19 $72.37

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$26

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$51–$76

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 57.3 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 49.2 0 $17.21 $7.87
Efficient EV 41 0 $14.34 $6.56
EV Truck/SUV 65.6 0 $22.95 $10.49

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

Lynchburg, VA

Night in Lynchburg on Thursday

Local time

10:18 PM

EDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fairfax Station, VA

Night in Fairfax Station on Thursday

Local time

10:18 PM

EDT

Current temp

50°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 42m 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 Lynchburg, VA to Fairfax Station, VA covers 163.9 miles and takes about 3h 42m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Seminole Trail, James Madison Highway, Thomas Nelson Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 81.9 miles from Lynchburg, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $25.63 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
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 13 significant decision points across 163.9 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.1 miles (VA 130 / Amelon Expressway): Lane positioning matters here; at 133.3 miles (US 15; US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 145 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Lynchburg, VA to Fairfax Station, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Shenandoah National Park, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

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