Traveling from Pennington Gap to Richmond covers 379.2 miles across the state of Virginia, typically taking about 7 hours and 13 minutes of drive time. Because this journey is entirely within the Southeast region, you will experience a consistent cultural feel as you head toward the capital. With a total estimated fuel cost of $61, this route is efficient for those who prefer to stay on major arteries. While it is physically possible to complete the 379-mile trek in a single day, be prepared for a long stint behind the wheel. Given the duration, you might consider an overnight split if you prefer a more relaxed pace, though it remains a viable single-day push for focused drivers.
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
189.6 miles from Pennington Gap, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 41m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
222.1 mi
4h 2m
I 64
99.6 mi
1h 49m
US Highway 23
15.6 mi
20m
East Stone Drive
9.7 mi
11m
Wilderness Road
6 mi
8m
US 421
5.2 mi
7m
Bloomingdale Pike
5.1 mi
9m
Wadlow Gap Highway
4.7 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 222.1 mi, about 4h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Pennington Gap, VA and Richmond, VA.
1
Start on Joslyn Avenue
94 ft·4 sec·Joslyn Avenue
2
Turn right onto US 58 ALT
0.7 mi·1 min·West Morgan Avenue
3
Take the exit onto US 421
5.2 mi·7 min·US 421
4
At end of road, turn left onto US 58
6.0 mi·8 min·Wilderness Road
5
Continue on US 58; US 421
4.7 mi·6 min·Duff Patt Highway
6
Turn right onto US 23; US 58; US 421
4.2 mi·5 min·US Highway 23
7
Continue on US 23; US 58; US 421
2.0 mi·2 min·Orby Cantrell Highway
8
Continue on US 23; US 58; US 421
11 mi·14 min·US Highway 23
9
Continue on US 23; US 58; US 421
0.2 mi·22 sec·Main Street
10
Turn left onto US 58; US 421
4.7 mi·5 min·Wadlow Gap Highway
11
Continue on SR 93
0.1 mi·14 sec·North John B Dennis Highway
12
Turn left onto Bloomingdale Pike
5.1 mi·9 min·Bloomingdale Pike
13
Turn right onto Ollis Bowers Hill Road
357 ft·15 sec·Ollis Bowers Hill Road
14
Turn left onto US 11W
9.7 mi·11 min·East Stone Drive
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·32 sec
16
Merge onto I 81
82 mi·1 hr 28 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11
140 mi·2 hr 33 min·I 81; US 11
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: RoanokeUse the straight lane.
18
Continue on I 64; I 81
0.3 mi·17 sec·I 64; I 81
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 64
99 mi·1 hr 49 min·I 64
Toward I 64 East: RichmondUse the straight lane.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 186Toward I 195 South: Laburnum AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·16 sec
Toward I 195 SouthUse the straight lane.
22
Continue on I 195
0.7 mi·1 min·Beltline Expressway
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward US 33, US 250: Broad Street, Hamilton StreetUse the slight right lane.
24
Turn straight onto North Hamilton Street
0.2 mi·31 sec·North Hamilton Street
25
Turn left onto US 33; US 250
1.5 mi·3 min·West Broad Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
26
Turn right onto North Allen Avenue
0.1 mi·17 sec·North Allen Avenue
27
Enter roundabout onto Marcus-David Peters Circle
274 ft·7 sec·Marcus-David Peters Circle
28
Arrive at destination
Marcus-David Peters Circle
Trip Plan
To tackle this 7-hour-plus drive effectively, aim for an early morning departure to avoid potential congestion on the interstates. Planning for at least two strategic stops will help keep you alert during the long 222.1-mile segment on I-81. Keep your fuel budget of $61 in mind, as prices can fluctuate depending on where you choose to pull off for refueling. Since the majority of your time is spent on high-speed highways, ensure your vehicle is prepped for sustained interstate speeds. A helpful tip for this specific route is to monitor traffic reports for I-81 before you leave Pennington Gap, as incidents on this primary corridor can significantly impact your total travel time.
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 189.6 miles from Pennington Gap, VA, or about 3h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 222.1 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 83 miles or 1h 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 189.6 miles or 3h 41m 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 3m
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 Pennington Gap, 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 Pennington Gap, VA
This is one driving day of about 379.2 miles and 7h 13m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Pennington Gap, 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 222.1 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 136.7 and 377.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
136.7 mi into trip|~2h 42m in|I 81; US 11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11 toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
7
276.7 mi into trip|~5h 17m 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
376 mi into trip|~7h 6m 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
376.2 mi into trip|~7h 6m 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
377.1 mi into trip|~7h 8m 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
$59.30 one way
$118.60 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg133 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$64.84
$129.67
premium
$4.70
$70.18
$140.36
diesel
$5.61
$83.72
$167.45
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$59
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$84–$109
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 132.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
113.8
1
$39.82
$18.20
Efficient EV
94.8
1
$33.18
$15.17
EV Truck/SUV
151.7
1
$53.09
$24.27
Gas CO2
133 kg
EV CO2
44 kg (67% 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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Pennington Gap, VA
Late night
in Pennington Gap on Tuesday
Local time
5:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Richmond, VA
Late night
in Richmond on Tuesday
Local time
5:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Mostly Clear
E 2 mph0% chanceLive 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
13 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 13m 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.
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...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 196.1
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 379.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 91% of your mileage spent on major thoroughfares. You will start by navigating US Highway 23 before transitioning onto the interstate system. The most significant portion of your travel involves a 222.1-mile stretch on I-81, which serves as the backbone of your journey. Eventually, you will connect to I-64 to complete the transit to Richmond. Expect a consistent, fast-paced experience rather than a winding backroads adventure, as the route is designed for steady progress across the Commonwealth.
91% 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: 222.1 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 136.7 miles in near I 81; US 11.
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 379.2 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 136.7 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 276.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 376 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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 13m. Total distance: 379.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 13m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 222.1 miles on I 81. 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 136.7 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 276.7 miles (I 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 376 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.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.2 hours each way, a round trip means 14.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Richmond, VA before the return drive.
