Spanning 391.9 miles across Virginia, this trip from Leesburg to Big Stone Gap typically requires about 7 hours and 42 minutes of driving time. While technically manageable in a single long day, the 391.9-mile distance makes it a demanding trek that you might prefer to break up if you want to avoid exhaustion. You should budget approximately $63 for fuel to cover the journey. The route transitions from the Northern Virginia area into the heart of the Southeast, utilizing a mix of Leesburg Pike, I-81, and US Highway 58. Since you will be spending the vast majority of your time on major corridors, it is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that prioritizes efficiency over local backroads.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
196 miles from Leesburg, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 47m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
296.9 mi
5h 24m
Leesburg Pike
15.5 mi
21m
US Highway 58
14.7 mi
20m
Harry Byrd Highway
13.6 mi
18m
Castlewood Drive
12.5 mi
17m
Porterfield Highway
10.3 mi
14m
Orby Cantrell Highway
8.5 mi
10m
Norton Coeburn Road
8 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 296.9 mi, about 5h 24m
Traffic on I-81
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 135 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,726 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,281
Quietest
2 AM
~247 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Leesburg, VA and Big Stone Gap, VA.
1
Start on VA 7 BUS
1.0 mi·3 min·East Market Street
2
Take the ramp onto VA 7 BUS
0.2 mi·29 sec·VA 7 BUS
Toward VA 7 West: Winchester
3
Merge onto VA 7
16 mi·21 min·Leesburg Pike
4
Continue on VA 7
14 mi·18 min·Harry Byrd Highway
5
Continue on VA 7
3.6 mi·5 min·Berryville Pike
6
Take the exit
0.3 mi·1 min
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
7
Merge onto I 81
124 mi·2 hr 14 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
117 mi·2 hr 9 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on I 77; I 81; US 52
1.3 mi·1 min·I 77; I 81; US 52
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 52
56 mi·59 min·I 81; US 52
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit onto US 58 ALT
0.2 mi·25 sec·US 58 ALT
Toward US 58 Alternate, VA 75: Abingdon, South Holston Dam
12
Turn right onto US 58 ALT; VA 75
0.8 mi·2 min·Cummings Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
13
At end of road, turn left onto Valley Street Northwest
0.3 mi·48 sec·Valley Street Northwest
Use the left lane.
14
At end of road, turn right onto US 58 ALT
0.9 mi·2 min·Russell Road Northwest
Use the right lane.
15
Turn slight right onto US 19; US 58 ALT
10 mi·14 min·Porterfield Highway
16
Continue on US 19; US 58 ALT
1.9 mi·2 min·US 19; US 58 ALT
17
Turn left onto US 58 ALT
15 mi·20 min·US Highway 58
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on US 58 ALT
348 ft·6 sec·Trail of the Lonesome Pine
19
Continue on US 58 ALT
13 mi·17 min·Castlewood Drive
20
Continue on US 58 ALT
8.0 mi·11 min·Norton Coeburn Road
21
Take the exit onto US 58 ALT
0.3 mi·33 sec·US 58 ALT
Toward VA 23 South, VA 58 West Alternate
22
Merge onto US 23; US 58 ALT
8.5 mi·10 min·Orby Cantrell Highway
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward SR 610: Big Stone Gap
24
Turn right onto SR 610
0.2 mi·35 sec·Powell Valley Road
25
Enter roundabout onto SR 610
67 ft·1 sec·Powell Valley Road
26
Continue on SR 610
0.3 mi·32 sec·Powell Valley Road
27
Continue on SR 610
0.2 mi·29 sec·4th Avenue East
28
Arrive at destination
SR 610
Trip Plan
To tackle this 7-hour and 42-minute drive effectively, aim to depart early in the morning to beat potential congestion on the northern end of your route. Plan for at least two strategic stops to break up the monotony of the 296.9-mile I-81 stretch, ensuring you stay alert behind the wheel. Given the $63 estimated fuel cost, keep an eye on your tank levels during the highway portion, as prices can fluctuate significantly between urban and rural segments. Since this trip is highly highway-focused, your greatest advantage is the ability to maintain a steady pace, but do not underestimate the fatigue that comes with such a long day of driving. If you find the 391.9-mile distance too taxing for a single session, consider finding a mid-point rest stop along the I-81 corridor to split the mileage.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 196 miles from Leesburg, VA, or about 3h 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 296.9 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 86 miles or 1h 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 196 miles or 3h 47m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 15m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Big Stone Gap, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Leesburg, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Leesburg, VA
This is one driving day of about 391.9 miles and 7h 42m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 86 miles from Leesburg, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 296.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 34.3 and 333.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
34.3 mi into trip|~50m in|I 81
Merge onto I 81
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
158.3 mi into trip|~3h 5m in|I 81
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
276.7 mi into trip|~5h 16m in|I 81; US 52
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 52
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
333.5 mi into trip|~6h 18m in|Valley Street Northwest
At end of road, turn left onto Valley Street Northwest
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
333.8 mi into trip|~6h 19m in|US 58 ALT / Russell Road Northwest
At end of road, turn right onto US 58 ALT / Russell Road Northwest
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$57.86 one way
$115.72 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg137 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$63.58
$127.17
premium
$4.49
$69.31
$138.62
diesel
$4.80
$74.00
$148.00
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$58
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 137.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $41 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
117.6
1
$41.15
$18.81
Efficient EV
98
1
$34.29
$15.68
EV Truck/SUV
156.8
1
$54.87
$25.08
Gas CO2
137 kg
EV CO2
46 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jul 15, 2026
Origin
Leesburg, VA
Late night
in Leesburg on Sunday
Local time
3:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Clear
W 7 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 15 at 12:49AM EDT until July 15 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 15 at 12:49AM EDT until July 15 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Destination
Big Stone Gap, VA
Late night
in Big Stone Gap on Sunday
Local time
3:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Clear
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 15 at 12:49AM EDT until July 15 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 15 at 12:49AM EDT until July 15 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
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
10 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
7h 42m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
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!
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
Caution: Great Allegheny Passage Erosion Near Confluence, Pennsylvania (Mile Marker 56)
Park Closure: Trail Closure at Veterans Park at Balls Bluff (Leesburg, Virginia)
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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 54.1
At the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, on the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people, lies Harpers Ferry. Here you can explore John Brown's Raid against slavery. Find your...
14 mi from route
~34 min detour
$20
near mile 13.5
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...
17 mi from route
~41 min detour
$30
near mile 94.6
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 202.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a drive defined by significant highway travel, as 81% of your journey stays on major thoroughfares. The core of your trip is a long, uninterrupted 296.9-mile stretch on I-81, which serves as the primary artery for the majority of the distance. As you transition off the interstate and onto US Highway 58, the personality of the road shifts, requiring more focused attention than the steady cruising of the highway portion. While the highway-heavy profile makes for consistent progress, be prepared for the repetitive nature of a nearly 300-mile interstate stint. It is a functional, no-nonsense route that gets you from the northern part of the state to the far southwest efficiently.
81% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 296.9 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Leesburg Pike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 34.3 miles in near I 81.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 391.9 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 34.3 miles (I 81): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 158.3 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 276.7 miles (I 81; US 52): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,420 ft339 ft
Total Climb
2,562 ft
Total Descent
1,363 ft
Highest Point
2,420 ft
~279.9 mi in
Elevation Range
2,081 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Leesburg, VA to Big Stone Gap, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Holston Dam along the way.
Leesburg is in Loudoun County, Virginia. During the War of 1812, Leesburg was used as a temporary capital of the United States when the British occupied Washington.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 42m. Total distance: 391.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 42m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 296.9 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 35 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Big Stone Gap, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 35 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 34.3 miles (I 81): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 158.3 miles (I 81): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 276.7 miles (I 81; US 52): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.7 hours each way, a round trip means 15.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Big Stone Gap, VA before the return drive.
