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Trip from Montgomery, WV to Dunbar, WV

Data updated 5 hours ago

Drive Time

49m

Distance

34.7 mi

56 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$5

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 12 min
4 AM
0h 45m ★
6 AM
0h 49m
8 AM
0h 57m
10 AM
0h 52m
12 PM
0h 51m
3 PM
0h 52m
5 PM
0h 57m
8 PM
0h 47m

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

city on the border of Fayette and Kanawha Counties in West Virginia, United States

Montgomery, WV

Wikimedia Commons

town in East Lothian, Scotland, UK

Dunbar, WV

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

If you are looking for a quick and straightforward transit across West Virginia, the 34.7-mile connection from Montgomery to Dunbar is an efficient choice. Taking about 49 minutes to complete, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about overnight logistics. You will primarily navigate via the West Virginia Turnpike, 3rd Avenue, and I-64 as you move through the Southeast region. With a fuel budget of just $6, this is a very budget-friendly commute that minimizes your time behind the wheel. Because the drive is short and direct, it serves as a reliable link rather than a destination-heavy excursion. Expect a practical, no-nonsense travel experience that gets you to your destination with minimal fuss.

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

17.4 miles from Montgomery, WV

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 27m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 64% of your travel occurring on major thoroughfares. You will spend a significant portion of your time on the West Virginia Turnpike, which features the longest uninterrupted stretch of the journey at 15.9 miles. The experience is largely defined by the steady pace of interstate driving, offering a consistent rhythm for the driver. As you transition from the turnpike onto local arteries like 3rd Avenue and I-64, the environment shifts toward more standard regional transit. It is a functional, efficient drive that prioritizes speed and directness over winding scenic detours.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 12 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
West Virginia Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 15.9 miles.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

728 ft 565 ft

Total Climb

465 ft

Total Descent

505 ft

Highest Point

728 ft

~7.2 mi in

Elevation Range

163 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on West Virginia Turnpike and 3rd Avenue. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 11.5 miles in.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 34.7 miles you will encounter 9 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 11.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 27.8 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 9 key points

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

7
11.5 mi into trip | ~20m in

At end of road, turn left

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
8
27.8 mi into trip | ~39m in | I 64

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 West: Huntington

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 101 Toward I 64 West: Huntington
5
34.3 mi into trip | ~48m in

Take the exit toward CR 25/25: Roxalana Road, Dunbar

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

Toward CR 25/25: Roxalana Road, Dunbar
5
34.4 mi into trip | ~48m in

Keep slight left at fork

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

6
34.7 mi into trip | ~49m in

Take the ramp toward I 64 East: Charleston

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

Toward I 64 East: Charleston

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
West Virginia Turnpike 15.9 mi 18m
3rd Avenue 8.4 mi 14m
I 64 6.5 mi 8m
2nd Avenue 2.8 mi 4m
10th Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: West Virginia Turnpike — 15.9 mi, about 18m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Montgomery, WV and Dunbar, WV.

1

Start on WV 61

2.8 mi · 4 min · 2nd Avenue
2

Continue on WV 61

8.4 mi · 14 min · 3rd Avenue
3

Turn right

0.2 mi · 48 sec
4

At end of road, turn left

0.2 mi · 18 sec
Use the left lane.
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 34 sec
6

Merge onto I 64; I 77

16 mi · 18 min · West Virginia Turnpike
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 64

6.5 mi · 8 min · I 64
Exit 101 Toward I 64 West: Huntington Use the slight left lane.
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 19 sec
Toward CR 25/25: Roxalana Road, Dunbar
9

Keep slight left at fork

72 ft · 2 sec
10

Turn right onto CR 25/25

0.3 mi · 35 sec · 10th Street
11

Take the ramp

73 ft · 1 sec
Toward I 64 East: Charleston
12

Arrive at destination

Toward I 64 East: Charleston

Trip Plan

Since this is a brief 49-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, as traffic is unlikely to demand a specific strategy. You won't need to plan for any mandatory stops, but keeping your fuel levels monitored is wise, especially given the modest $6 estimated cost for the trip. Focus your attention on the transition points when moving from the turnpike onto the urban sections of the route. Because there are zero planned stops in the data, try to handle any personal errands before you leave Montgomery to ensure a smooth, non-stop arrival in Dunbar. Taking advantage of the route's simplicity allows you to plan your arrival with high precision.

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 17.4 miles from Montgomery, WV, or about 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 15.9 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 34.7 miles or 49m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 17.4 miles or 27m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 42m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Montgomery, WV 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 Montgomery, WV

This is one driving day of about 34.7 miles and 49m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Montgomery, WV.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on West Virginia Turnpike for about 15.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 17.4 mi from Montgomery, WV · 27m into the drive

suburb in Eastbourne, East Sussex, England, UK

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Meads, KY

17 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

Meads, KY

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Meads, KY

Meal break

The midpoint is around 17.4 miles from Montgomery, WV, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Dunbar, WV

The final approach into Dunbar, WV 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 Dunbar, WV.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$5.43 one way

$10.85 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 12 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $5.93 $11.87
premium $4.70 $6.42 $12.84
diesel $5.61 $7.66 $15.32

Estimated Tolls: $1.11

West Virginia Turnpike (15.9 mi) $1.11

Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$5

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$32–$57

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 12.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 10.4 0 $3.64 $1.67
Efficient EV 8.7 0 $3.04 $1.39
EV Truck/SUV 13.9 0 $4.86 $2.22

Gas CO2

12 kg

EV CO2

4 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 1 hour from now

Origin

Montgomery, WV

Late night in Montgomery on Wednesday

Local time

4:40 AM

EDT

Current temp

74°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Dunbar, WV

Late night in Dunbar on Wednesday

Local time

4:40 AM

EDT

Current temp

69°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

49m 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 Montgomery, WV to Dunbar, WV covers 34.7 miles and takes about 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are West Virginia Turnpike, 3rd Avenue, I 64. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 17.4 miles from Montgomery, WV. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.43 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 34.7 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 11.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 27.8 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Montgomery, WV to Dunbar, WV does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Mostly flat terrain. The route ranges from 565 ft to 728 ft elevation with about 465 ft of total climbing.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Dunbar, WV to Montgomery, WV

Plan the drive back the other way.

36.2 mi 48m

Explore more options from Montgomery, WV or browse trips ending in Dunbar, WV.

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