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Trip from South Riding, VA to Harrisonburg, VA

Data updated 4 hours ago

Drive Time

2h 12m

Distance

115.4 mi

186 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

11 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 28 min
4 AM
2h 3m ★
6 AM
2h 12m
8 AM
2h 31m
10 AM
2h 19m
12 PM
2h 17m
3 PM
2h 20m
5 PM
2h 30m
8 PM
2h 7m

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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census-designated place and planned community in Loudoun County, Virginia, United States

South Riding, VA

Wikimedia Commons

independent city in Virginia, United States

Harrisonburg, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 115.4-mile drive from South Riding, VA, to Harrisonburg, VA, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 12 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-66 and I-81, this route is almost entirely highway, making it an efficient option for a single-day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $18, it's an economical choice for travelers looking to get from point A to point B without extensive planning. The direct nature of this drive makes it ideal for those who prefer to reach their destination promptly, offering a smooth transition between the Southeast regions of Virginia. No specific stops are recommended, emphasizing its purpose as a transit route.

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

57.7 miles from South Riding, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this 115.4-mile trip, with 94% of the journey taking place on major interstates like I-81 and I-66. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 52.5 miles on I-81, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your travel. The route begins with a brief segment on Sully Road before merging onto the interstate system. This highway-centric profile means you'll experience a predictable driving environment with minimal local road navigation, allowing you to maintain speed and efficiency throughout the 2-hour, 12-minute travel time.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 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 52.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 66. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.9 miles in.

Route Complexity 9/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 115.4 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 3.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 12 key points

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

6
3.9 mi into trip | ~6m in

Take the exit toward VA 28 South: Centreville

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward VA 28 South: Centreville
6
7.5 mi into trip | ~11m in

Take the exit toward I 66 West: Front Royal

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 66 West: Front Royal
5
7.7 mi into trip | ~12m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 66 West: Front Royal

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 66 West: Front Royal
5
8 mi into trip | ~13m in | I 66

Merge onto I 66

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

Use the straight / right lanes.
8
60.5 mi into trip | ~1h 10m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 81 South: Roanoke

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Exit 1A Toward I 81 South: Roanoke

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 52.5 mi 56m
I 66 52.4 mi 57m
Sully Road 3.1 mi 4m
Little River Turnpike 1.9 mi 2m
Route 50 1.7 mi 2m
East Market Street 1.5 mi 3m
Defender Drive 0.1 mi <1m
South Riding Boulevard <0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 52.5 mi, about 56m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between South Riding, VA and Harrisonburg, VA.

1

Start on this road

34 ft · 7 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto Defender Drive

0.1 mi · 28 sec · Defender Drive
3

Turn right onto SR 2201

396 ft · 10 sec · South Riding Boulevard
4

Turn right onto US 50

1.9 mi · 2 min · Little River Turnpike
Use the right lane.
5

Continue on US 50

1.7 mi · 2 min · Route 50
Use the left lane.
6

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward VA 28 South: Centreville Use the slight right lane.
7

Merge onto VA 28

3.1 mi · 4 min · Sully Road
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Toward I 66 West: Front Royal Use the slight right lane.
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 46 sec
Toward I 66 West: Front Royal
10

Merge onto I 66

52 mi · 57 min · I 66
Use the straight / right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 1A Toward I 81 South: Roanoke Use the straight lane.
12

Merge onto I 81

53 mi · 56 min · I 81
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward US 33 West: Harrisonburg
14

Turn straight onto US 33

1.5 mi · 3 min · East Market Street
15

At end of road, turn right onto US 11; US 33

49 ft · 1 sec · North Main Street
16

Arrive at destination

US 11; US 33

Trip Plan

Given the relatively short 2-hour, 12-minute duration and the highway-focused nature of this 115.4-mile route, you have plenty of flexibility. Departing in the morning, perhaps after the initial rush hour traffic around South Riding, is advisable to maximize your daylight. The low estimated fuel cost of $18 means you likely won't need frequent fuel stops, but it's always wise to be aware of your gauge, especially during the 52.5-mile stretch on I-81. Since this is a direct drive with no planned stops, consider packing snacks and drinks to ensure comfort during your journey to Harrisonburg.

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 57.7 miles from South Riding, VA, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.5 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 31m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 57.7 miles or 1h 7m 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 47m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving South Riding, 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 South Riding, VA

This is one driving day of about 115.4 miles and 2h 12m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from South Riding, VA.
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 I 81 for about 52.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 57.7 mi from South Riding, VA · 1h 7m into the drive

Downtown Poolesville, MD, MD

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Poolesville, MD

58 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Cumberland, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 57.7 miles from South Riding, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Harrisonburg, VA

The final approach into Harrisonburg, 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 Harrisonburg, 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.

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires today. Native Americans first shaped the land, followed by colonists and settlers. The fertile valley became an important...

1 mi from route ~4 min detour Free near mile 59.7
View on nps.gov
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...

15 mi from route ~39 min detour $30 near mile 99.5
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!

16 mi from route ~40 min detour Free
View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.05 one way

$36.09 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 40 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $19.73 $39.46
premium $4.70 $21.36 $42.72
diesel $5.61 $25.48 $50.96

Estimated Tolls: $0.13

Little River Turnpike (1.9 mi) $0.13

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

$18

Tolls

$0

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 40.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

11 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Royal Farms - Tesla Supercharger

South Riding, VA

Tesla

8 DCFC

Fair Oaks Mall (Fairfax, VA)

Fairfax, VA

Electrify America

6 DCFC

Walmart 3639 (Dulles, VA)

Dulles, VA

Electrify America

4 DCFC

Sheetz #304

Chantilly, VA

eVgo Network

4 DCFC

Sheetz Herndon #726

Herndon, VA

eVgo Network

4 DCFC

Village Center at Dulles

Herndon, VA

eVgo Network

4 DCFC

Fox Mill Shopping Center

Herndon, VA

eVgo Network

4 DCFC

Walmart 5969 (Chantilly, VA)

Chantilly, VA

Electrify America

4 DCFC

eVgo Network: 5 Electrify America: 3 Tesla: 1 FORD_CHARGE: 1 Non-Networked: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 34.6 0 $12.12 $5.54
Efficient EV 28.9 0 $10.10 $4.62
EV Truck/SUV 46.2 0 $16.16 $7.39

Gas CO2

40 kg

EV CO2

14 kg (65% 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 5 days ago

Origin

South Riding, VA

Morning in South Riding on Wednesday

Local time

7:29 AM

EDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Harrisonburg, VA

Morning in Harrisonburg on Wednesday

Local time

7:29 AM

EDT

Current temp

70°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

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

2h 12m 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 South Riding, VA to Harrisonburg, VA covers 115.4 miles and takes about 2h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, I 66, Sully Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 57.7 miles from South Riding, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $18.05 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 is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 115.4 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 3.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
The route from South Riding, VA to Harrisonburg, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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