Trip from Martinsville, VA to Richmond, VA

Drive Time

3h 53m

Distance

175.1 mi

282 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$28

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

3h 40m ★

6 AM

3h 53m

8 AM

4h 19m

10 AM

4h 2m

12 PM

3h 59m

3 PM

4h 3m

5 PM

4h 17m

8 PM

3h 45m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Martinsville, VA

Mark Stebnicki

Trip Overview

Traveling from Martinsville to Richmond covers 175.1 miles through the Southeast, making for a manageable 3-hour and 53-minute journey. Because the route stays within Virginia and is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day trip, requiring no overnight stays. You should budget approximately $28 for fuel to complete the transit. The path primarily utilizes local roads like Kings Highway, West Patrick Henry Highway, and Philpott Road rather than major interstates. Expect a turn-heavy local drive that favors rural exploration over high-speed transit. This trip is an excellent choice if you prefer a slower pace and want to avoid the typical congestion found on larger, more heavily trafficked highways.

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

87.6 miles from Martinsville, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 57m into the drive .

Drive Character

Prepare for a hands-on driving experience, as this route is characterized by its turn-heavy local layout rather than a monotonous interstate grind. With only 14% of the trip spent on highways, you will spend the vast majority of your time navigating secondary roads that demand your full attention. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 39.7-mile segment along Kings Highway, offering a brief window of steady driving. As you transition between these local arteries, the road conditions shift frequently, requiring you to stay alert through winding sections. It is a technical drive that rewards those who enjoy navigating the landscape rather than simply watching it blur by at highway speeds.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 34 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Kings Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 39.7 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 34.4 miles in near US 58; US 360 / South Boston Road.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 175.1 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 34.4 miles (US 58; US 360 / South Boston Road): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 161.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 161.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 23 key points

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

34.4 mi into trip | ~46m in | US 58; US 360 / South Boston Road

Merge onto US 58; US 360 / South Boston Road

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

Use the none lane.

161.6 mi into trip | ~3h 31m in

Take the exit toward VA 76: Lucks Lane, Old Hundred Road

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward VA 76: Lucks Lane, Old Hundred Road

161.8 mi into trip | ~3h 32m in

Keep slight right at fork toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway, Richmond

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway, Richm...

173.2 mi into trip | ~3h 47m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Maplewood Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward Maplewood Avenue

173.5 mi into trip | ~3h 48m in | Idlewood Avenue

Turn right onto Idlewood Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight / right lanes.

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Kings Highway	39.7 mi	47m
West Patrick Henry Highway	24.6 mi	31m
Philpott Road	19.7 mi	25m
James D Hagood Highway	14.5 mi	18m
US 58	14.5 mi	17m
Hull Street Road	14.2 mi	20m
Powhite Parkway	10.3 mi	13m
A L Philpott Highway	9 mi	12m

Longest stretch: Kings Highway — 39.7 mi, about 47m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on Walnut Street

255 ft · 14 sec · Walnut Street

At end of road, turn left onto East Church Street

2.0 mi · 5 min · East Church Street

Continue on US 58 BUS; VA 57

9.0 mi · 12 min · A L Philpott Highway

Continue on US 58

8.9 mi · 11 min · Martinsville Highway

Take the exit onto US 58

14 mi · 17 min · US 58

Toward US 58 East

Take the exit onto US 58

0.3 mi · 38 sec · US 58

Toward US 58 East, US 360 East: South Boston

Merge onto US 58; US 360

2.9 mi · 5 min · South Boston Road

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 58; US 360

5.3 mi · 7 min · South Boston Highway

Continue on US 58; US 360

20 mi · 25 min · Philpott Road

Continue on US 58; US 360

0.7 mi · 1 min · Bill Tuck Highway

Use the none lane.

Turn left onto US 360

1.7 mi · 2 min · John Randolph Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Continue on US 360

15 mi · 18 min · James D Hagood Highway

Continue on US 360

40 mi · 47 min · Kings Highway

Merge onto US 360; US 460

1.5 mi · 2 min · West Colonial Trail Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto US 360

25 mi · 31 min · West Patrick Henry Highway

Continue on US 360

14 mi · 20 min · Hull Street Road

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Toward VA 288 North: Powhite Parkway

Merge onto VA 288

2.1 mi · 2 min · World War II Veterans Memorial Highway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Toward VA 76: Lucks Lane, Old Hundred Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway, Richmond Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto VA 76

8.5 mi · 10 min · Powhite Parkway

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76

1.8 mi · 2 min · Powhite Parkway

Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto VA 146

0.4 mi · 36 sec · VA 146

Use the slight right lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Toward Maplewood Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

230 ft · 5 sec

Toward Maplewood Avenue Use the none lane.

Turn straight onto Maplewood Avenue

0.1 mi · 32 sec · Maplewood Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto South Sheppard Street

0.1 mi · 29 sec · South Sheppard Street

Turn right onto Idlewood Avenue

0.3 mi · 57 sec · Idlewood Avenue

Use the left / straight / right lanes.

Turn right onto South Robinson Street

305 ft · 11 sec · South Robinson Street

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto Grayland Avenue

0.4 mi · 1 min · Grayland Avenue

Turn left onto South Meadow Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · South Meadow Street

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto Monument Avenue

0.1 mi · 19 sec · Monument Avenue

Enter roundabout onto Marcus-David Peters Circle

81 ft · 2 sec · Marcus-David Peters Circle

Arrive at destination

Marcus-David Peters Circle

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 53-minute duration, you have plenty of flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule without needing an early dawn start. Since the route includes one recommended stop, use that break to stretch your legs and refuel, keeping your $28 gas budget in mind. Because this is a turn-heavy route, rely on your navigation system to monitor your path through the various local road transitions. Avoid rushing the technical sections, as the winding nature of the roads makes steady pacing much more comfortable for both the driver and passengers. Take advantage of the trip's manageable length to enjoy a relaxed pace that allows you to arrive in Richmond refreshed rather than fatigued.

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 87.6 miles from Martinsville, VA, or about 1h 57m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 39.7 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 80 miles or 1h 47m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 87.6 miles or 1h 57m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 3h 6m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Martinsville, 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 Martinsville, VA

This is one driving day of about 175.1 miles and 3h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Martinsville, 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 Kings Highway for about 39.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 87.6 mi from Martinsville, VA · 1h 57m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

88 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

Middletown, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Middletown, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 87.6 miles from Martinsville, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Richmond, VA

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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$28.02 one way

$56.05 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 61 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$30.53	$61.06
premium	$4.78	$32.94	$65.88
diesel	$5.64	$38.90	$77.80

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$28

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$53–$78

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 61.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	52.5	$18.39	$8.40
Efficient EV	43.8	$15.32	$7.00
EV Truck/SUV	70	$24.51	$11.21

Gas CO2

61 kg

EV CO2

20 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 data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Martinsville, VA

Evening in Martinsville on Sunday

Local time

5:08 PM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Richmond, VA

Evening in Richmond on Sunday

Local time

5:08 PM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

86°F

Middletown, MD

88 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

4 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

3h 53m 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 Martinsville, VA to Richmond, VA covers 175.1 miles and takes about 3h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Kings Highway, West Patrick Henry Highway, Philpott Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 87.6 miles from Martinsville, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $28.02 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.

The route from Martinsville, VA to Richmond, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Martinsville, VA or browse trips ending in Richmond, VA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.

Explore maps for Martinsville, VA or Richmond, VA on MapSof.net.

Trip from Martinsville, VA to Richmond, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Richmond, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Martinsville, VA

Richmond, VA

Same local time

4 degrees warmer at arrival

3h 53m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Richmond, VA

More from Martinsville, VA

More trips to Richmond, VA