Origin
Danville, VA
Late night in Danville on Sunday
Local time
5:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Danville, VA to Falls Church, VA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 11m
Distance
245.4 mi
395 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$38
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 58m
★
6 AM
5h 11m
8 AM
5h 38m
10 AM
5h 20m
12 PM
5h 18m
3 PM
5h 22m
5 PM
5h 37m
8 PM
5h 3m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Danville, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Falls Church, VA
Pavan Sai .D
Trip Overview
Danville, VA to Falls Church, VA is 245.4 miles and takes about 5h 11m via Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and I-95, with a fuel budget near $38 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you entirely within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. Expect a mixed drive with a significant portion on major highways. With only one recommended stop and a duration under six hours, this route is well-suited for a single-day journey. It's a practical option if you need to get between these two points efficiently.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
122.7 miles from Danville, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 40m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike | 51.8 mi | 57m |
| Kings Highway | 39.7 mi | 47m |
| I 95 | 36.6 mi | 43m |
| West Patrick Henry Highway | 24.6 mi | 31m |
| Philpott Road | 19.7 mi | 25m |
| James D Hagood Highway | 14.5 mi | 18m |
| Hull Street Road | 14.2 mi | 20m |
| Powhite Parkway | 11.2 mi | 14m |
Longest stretch:
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
— 51.8 mi, about 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Danville, VA and Falls Church, VA.
1
Start on VA 293
415 ft
·
15 sec
·
South Ridge Street
2
Turn left onto VA 293
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Patton Street
3
Turn right onto US 360; US 58 BUS
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
River Street
4
Continue on US 360; US 58 BUS
4.2 mi
·
7 min
·
South Boston Road
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on US 58; US 360
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
South Boston Highway
6
Continue on US 58; US 360
20 mi
·
25 min
·
Philpott Road
7
Continue on US 58; US 360
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Bill Tuck Highway
8
Turn left onto US 360
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
John Randolph Boulevard
Use the left lane.
9
Continue on US 360
15 mi
·
18 min
·
James D Hagood Highway
10
Continue on US 360
40 mi
·
47 min
·
Kings Highway
11
Merge onto US 360; US 460
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
West Colonial Trail Highway
12
Keep slight left at fork onto US 360
25 mi
·
31 min
·
West Patrick Henry Highway
13
Continue on US 360
14 mi
·
20 min
·
Hull Street Road
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward VA 288 North: Powhite Parkway
15
Merge onto VA 288
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward VA 76: Lucks Lane, Old Hundred Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway, Richmond
Use the slight right lane.
18
Merge onto VA 76
8.5 mi
·
10 min
·
Powhite Parkway
Use the straight lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Powhite Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 76
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Powhite Parkway
Use the straight lane.
21
Merge onto I 195
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Beltline Expressway
Use the straight lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork
502 ft
·
12 sec
Toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, Norfolk
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 95 North: Washington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 95
52 mi
·
57 min
·
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
I 95; US 17
26
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
27
Merge onto I 95
35 mi
·
41 min
·
I 95
Use the slight left lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork onto I 395
0.6 mi
·
52 sec
·
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 170A; 170B
Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
29
Take the exit
1.4 mi
·
1 min
Exit 170B
Toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner
Use the slight right lane.
30
Merge onto I 495
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Capital Beltway
31
Keep slight right at fork onto I 495
3.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Capital Beltway
Use the straight lane.
32
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Exit 50B-A
Toward US 50: Fairfax, Arlington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 50B
Toward US 50 East: Arlington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Toward US 50 East: Arlington
35
Merge onto US 50
1.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Arlington Boulevard
Use the right lane.
36
Turn left onto SR 649
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Annandale Road
Use the left lane.
37
Turn right onto US 29; VA 237
0.2 mi
·
45 sec
·
South Washington Street
38
Continue on US 29; VA 237
359 ft
·
17 sec
·
North Washington Street
39
Arrive at destination
US 29; VA 237
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 11m estimated duration, starting your drive in the morning will allow you to reach Falls Church with plenty of daylight. You'll only need about one planned stop for this 245.4-mile trip, so consider making it a substantial one for fuel and a break. The longest stretch without a major road change is 51.8 miles on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, so plan your break before or after that segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $38, it's a budget-friendly trip for a single day's travel.
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 122.7 miles from Danville, VA, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.8 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 54 miles or 1h 13m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.7 miles or 2h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Falls Church, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Danville, 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 Danville, VA
This is one driving day of about 245.4 miles and 5h 11m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Danville, 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 Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike for about 51.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
123 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 54 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 122.7 miles from Danville, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 305 decision points cluster between mile 129.9 and 241.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
129.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 50m 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...
8
143.8 mi into trip
|
~3h 9m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, Norfolk
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, Norfolk
9
234.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 52m in
|
I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 170A; 170B
Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Ty...
8
241 mi into trip
|
~5h 2m in
Take the exit toward US 50: Fairfax, Arlington
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.
Exit 50B-A
Toward US 50: Fairfax, Arlington
8
241.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 3m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 50 East: Arlington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 50B
Toward US 50 East: Arlington
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.38 one way
$76.75 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
86 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $41.96 | $83.92 |
| premium | $4.70 | $45.42 | $90.84 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $54.18 | $108.36 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.63
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(51.8 mi)
$3.63
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
$38
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 73.6 | 0 | $25.77 | $11.78 |
| Efficient EV | 61.4 | 0 | $21.47 | $9.82 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 98.2 | 1 | $34.36 | $15.71 |
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Destination
Falls Church, VA
Late night in Falls Church on Sunday
Local time
5:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
72°F
Victoria, VA
123 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
9 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
5h 11m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Petersburg National Battlefield
National Battlefield
Two hundred ninety-two days, eight offensives, over 70,000 casualties, U. S. Colored Troops, and the decline of Gen. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia all describe the Siege of Petersburg. U.S. forces c...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
Free
near mile 126.9
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
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!
26 mi from route
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 245.4
View on nps.gov
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...
30 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 67.7
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive offers a mixed experience, with 42% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter stretches like the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, where the longest uninterrupted drive is 51.8 miles. While there are moments on roads like Kings Highway, the overall character leans towards efficient travel on major thoroughfares. Expect a profile that balances faster highway driving with some transitions onto other significant roads, keeping you moving steadily towards your destination.
42% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 51.8 mi on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 129.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 30 significant decision points across 245.4 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 129.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 143.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 234.1 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Danville, VA and Falls Church, VA, road signs point toward Richmond and Norfolk.
Richmond
129.9 mi in
|
~2h 50m
Norfolk
143.8 mi in
|
~3h 9m
About the Cities
Starting in Danville, VA
Full guide →Danville is a city of 40,000 people (2018) in the state of Virginia on the Banks of the Dan River close to the border with North Carolina. Founded in 1793 , Danville is perhaps best known for its role in the Civil War, when it was an important railroad stop for the Confederacy and became the last Confederate capital after Richmond fell to the North.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 11m. Total distance: 245.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 51.8 miles on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.63 in tolls one way, starting with Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Falls Church, VA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 129.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 143.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 234.1 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Falls Church, VA before the return drive.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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