Pembroke, VA to Richmond, VA is 224.2 miles and takes about 4h 27m via I 81 and I 64, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, traveling from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. Expect a predominantly highway experience for most of the drive. Given the relatively short duration, this route is ideal for a single-day trip, making it a convenient option for getting from point A to point B 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
112.1 miles from Pembroke, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 20m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 64
99.3 mi
1h 49m
I 81
79.8 mi
1h 27m
Virginia Avenue
10.3 mi
13m
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
West Broad Street
1.5 mi
3m
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 Pembroke, VA and Richmond, VA.
1
Start on SR 623
420 ft·19 sec·Cascade Drive
2
Turn right onto US 460
10 mi·13 min·Virginia Avenue
3
Continue on US 460
3.4 mi·4 min·Pandapas Pond Road
4
Turn left onto SR 649
392 ft·8 sec·Coal Bank Hollow Road
5
Continue on SR 649
1.4 mi·2 min·Coal Bank Hollow Road
6
At end of road, turn left onto SR 624
9.1 mi·15 min·Mount Tabor Road
7
Continue on SR 624
7.7 mi·12 min·Newport Road
8
At end of road, turn right onto VA 311
9.0 mi·12 min·Catawba Valley Drive
9
Enter roundabout onto VA 419
163 ft·2 sec·North Electric Road
10
Continue on VA 419
0.6 mi·1 min·North Electric Road
Use the straight lane.
11
Turn left
0.3 mi·38 sec
Use the left lane.
12
Merge onto I 81
80 mi·1 hr 27 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
99 mi·1 hr 49 min·I 64
Toward I 64 East: RichmondUse the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 186Toward I 195 South: Laburnum AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·16 sec
Toward I 195 SouthUse the straight lane.
16
Continue on I 195
0.7 mi·1 min·Beltline Expressway
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward US 33, US 250: Broad Street, Hamilton StreetUse the slight right lane.
18
Turn straight onto North Hamilton Street
0.2 mi·31 sec·North Hamilton Street
19
Turn left onto US 33; US 250
1.5 mi·3 min·West Broad Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
20
Turn right onto North Allen Avenue
0.1 mi·17 sec·North Allen Avenue
21
Enter roundabout onto Marcus-David Peters Circle
274 ft·7 sec·Marcus-David Peters Circle
22
Arrive at destination
Marcus-David Peters Circle
Trip Plan
For this 4h 27m drive, leaving in the morning is recommended to maximize daylight and avoid potential evening traffic. Since the total distance is 224.2 miles and estimated to take under five hours, you likely won't need extensive stops, but plan for one break to stretch your legs. With a fuel cost estimated at $34, ensure your tank is full before departing Pembroke, VA. The longest stretch without a major highway transition is 99.3 miles on I 64, so ensure you're comfortable with sustained highway driving before setting out.
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 112.1 miles from Pembroke, VA, or about 2h 20m 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 49 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.1 miles or 2h 20m 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 39m
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 Pembroke, 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 Pembroke, VA
This is one driving day of about 224.2 miles and 4h 27m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Pembroke, 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 15
5 decision points cluster between mile 41.7 and 222.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
41.7 mi into trip|~1h 3m in
Turn left
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
121.7 mi into trip|~2h 31m 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
221.1 mi into trip|~4h 20m 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
221.2 mi into trip|~4h 21m 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
222.2 mi into trip|~4h 22m 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
$33.10 one way
$66.20 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg78 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$36.38
$72.75
premium
$4.49
$39.65
$79.30
diesel
$4.80
$42.33
$84.67
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.4 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
67.3
0
$23.54
$10.76
Efficient EV
56.1
0
$19.62
$8.97
EV Truck/SUV
89.7
1
$31.39
$14.35
Gas CO2
78 kg
EV CO2
26 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
Pembroke, VA
Morning
in Pembroke on Sunday
Local time
6:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
84°F
Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
W 7 mph53% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 3:40PM EDT until July 18 at 4:15PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 3:36PM EDT until July 18 at 4:30PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Destination
Richmond, VA
Morning
in Richmond on Sunday
Local time
6:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
96°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
SW 12 mph61% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 3:40PM EDT until July 18 at 4:15PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 3:36PM EDT until July 18 at 4:30PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
86°F
Buena Vista, VA
112 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 27m 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
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 46.4
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 224.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 80% of the 224.2 miles on major interstates. You'll encounter a long stretch of 99.3 miles on I 64, indicating significant time spent on this primary artery. Expect the shift from highway cruising to surface roads like Virginia Avenue towards the end of your trip. The sheer volume of highway suggests a consistent driving pace with frequent exits.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 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?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 64 and I 81. You will hit about 15 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 41.7 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 224.2 miles you will encounter 15 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 41.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 121.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 221.1 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 27m. Total distance: 224.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). 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 41.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 121.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 221.1 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 4.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Richmond, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
