Pearisburg, VA to Richmond, VA is 230.2 miles and takes about 4h 36m via I 81 and I 64, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, starting in the Southeast region and ending in the same region. The route is predominantly highway driving, making it a straightforward option for a single-day trip. Given its manageable distance and duration, it's a practical choice for a quick transition between these two areas of the state.
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
115.1 miles from Pearisburg, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
99.3 mi
1h 49m
I 81
79.8 mi
1h 27m
Virginia Avenue
13.5 mi
17m
Mount Tabor Road
9.1 mi
15m
Catawba Valley Drive
9 mi
12m
Newport Road
7.7 mi
12m
Pandapas Pond Road
3.4 mi
4m
Wenonah Avenue
2.4 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 64
— 99.3 mi, about 1h 49m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 77 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,245 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,646
Quietest
2 AM
~100 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
22.5×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 Pearisburg, VA and Richmond, VA.
1
Start on Montgomery Street
329 ft·19 sec·Montgomery Street
2
Turn left onto Wenonah Avenue
2.4 mi·4 min·Wenonah Avenue
3
Take the ramp onto US 460 BUS
0.3 mi·41 sec·US 460 BUS
Toward US 460 East
4
Merge onto US 460
14 mi·17 min·Virginia Avenue
5
Continue on US 460
3.4 mi·4 min·Pandapas Pond Road
6
Turn left onto SR 649
392 ft·8 sec·Coal Bank Hollow Road
7
Continue on SR 649
1.4 mi·2 min·Coal Bank Hollow Road
8
At end of road, turn left onto SR 624
9.1 mi·15 min·Mount Tabor Road
9
Continue on SR 624
7.7 mi·12 min·Newport Road
10
At end of road, turn right onto VA 311
9.0 mi·12 min·Catawba Valley Drive
11
Enter roundabout onto VA 419
163 ft·2 sec·North Electric Road
12
Continue on VA 419
0.6 mi·1 min·North Electric Road
Use the straight lane.
13
Turn left
0.3 mi·38 sec
Use the left lane.
14
Merge onto I 81
80 mi·1 hr 27 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
99 mi·1 hr 49 min·I 64
Toward I 64 East: RichmondUse the straight lane.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 186Toward I 195 South: Laburnum AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·16 sec
Toward I 195 SouthUse the straight lane.
18
Continue on I 195
0.7 mi·1 min·Beltline Expressway
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward US 33, US 250: Broad Street, Hamilton StreetUse the slight right lane.
20
Turn straight onto North Hamilton Street
0.2 mi·31 sec·North Hamilton Street
21
Turn left onto US 33; US 250
1.5 mi·3 min·West Broad Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
22
Turn right onto North Allen Avenue
0.1 mi·17 sec·North Allen Avenue
23
Enter roundabout onto Marcus-David Peters Circle
274 ft·7 sec·Marcus-David Peters Circle
24
Arrive at destination
Marcus-David Peters Circle
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 4.5-hour drive, consider leaving Pearisburg in the morning to arrive in Richmond with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $35, you have flexibility. The longest continuous stretch is nearly 100 miles on I 64, so ensure you're fueled up before that segment. Keep an eye on traffic as you get closer to Richmond, as congestion can build during peak hours.
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 115.1 miles from Pearisburg, VA, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 99.3 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 51 miles or 1h 16m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115.1 miles or 2h 26m 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 47m
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 Pearisburg, 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 Pearisburg, VA
This is one driving day of about 230.2 miles and 4h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 51 miles from Pearisburg, 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 I 64 for about 99.3 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 47.6 and 228.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
47.6 mi into trip|~1h 12m in
Turn left
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
127.7 mi into trip|~2h 40m in|I 64
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 East: Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 64 East: Richmond
7
227 mi into trip|~4h 29m in
Take the exit toward I 195 South: Laburnum Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 186
Toward I 195 South: Laburnum Avenue
8
227.2 mi into trip|~4h 30m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 195 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 195 South
7
228.1 mi into trip|~4h 31m in
Take the exit toward US 33, US 250: Broad Street, Hamilton Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 33, US 250: Broad Street, Hamilton St...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.99 one way
$67.97 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg81 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$37.35
$74.70
premium
$4.49
$40.71
$81.42
diesel
$4.80
$43.47
$86.93
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
69.1
0
$24.17
$11.05
Efficient EV
57.6
0
$20.14
$9.21
EV Truck/SUV
92.1
1
$32.23
$14.73
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% 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.
Forecast as of Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Pearisburg, VA
Morning
in Pearisburg on Sunday
Local time
6:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
85°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
W 7 mph34% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 1:35PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 1:28PM EDT until July 18 at 2:15PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Destination
Richmond, VA
Morning
in Richmond on Sunday
Local time
6:40 AM
EDT
Current temp
97°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 12 mph42% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 1:35PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 1:28PM EDT until July 18 at 2:15PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
86°F
Buena Vista, VA
115 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
12 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
4h 36m 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.
Booker T Washington National Monument
National Monument
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
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 55.6
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 230.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend most of your time on highways, with 78% of the route on I 64 and I 81. Expect a significant stretch of 99.3 miles on I 64 without needing to exit. The transition to surface roads, like Virginia Avenue, will occur as you approach your destination, likely bringing more local traffic and a change in speed limits. Be prepared for the dense exit environment common on major interstates.
78% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 99.3 mi on I 64.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 81. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 47.6 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 230.2 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 47.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 127.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 227 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Richmond is the capital of Virginia. Richmond has a population of 227,000 (2020) and the adjacent counties of Henrico and Chesterfield combine to create a local population of more than 1.3 million people.
Top landmarks
•Virginia Museum of Fine Arts — art museum in Richmond, Virginia
•Virginia State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Virginia
•Monument Avenue — thoroughfare in Richmond, United States
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 36m. Total distance: 230.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 36m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (78%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 99.3 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 Richmond, 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 47.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 127.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 227 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Booker T Washington National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Richmond, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
