Origin
Richmond, VA
Late night in Richmond on Sunday
Local time
4:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Richmond, VA to Apple Mountain Lake, VA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 33m
Distance
119 mi
192 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$19
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 23m
★
6 AM
2h 33m
8 AM
2h 54m
10 AM
2h 40m
12 PM
2h 38m
3 PM
2h 41m
5 PM
2h 53m
8 PM
2h 27m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Apple Mountain Lake, VA
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Richmond, VA to Apple Mountain Lake, VA is 119 miles and takes about 2 hours 33 minutes via Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and US 17, with a fuel budget near $19 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within the Southeast region, entirely within Virginia, offering a straightforward journey. It's a good option for a single-day trip, with a significant portion on highways. You can expect a mixed driving experience, balancing faster sections with more local road travel. Consider this trip when you're looking for an efficient drive to your destination without extensive time commitments.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
59.5 miles from Richmond, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 10m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike | 53.1 mi | 58m |
| Warrenton Road | 22.9 mi | 33m |
| US 17 | 15.1 mi | 16m |
| James Madison Highway | 11.3 mi | 15m |
| Eastern Bypass | 4.8 mi | 6m |
| Marsh Road | 4.2 mi | 7m |
| Winchester Road | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| I 95 | 1.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
— 53.1 mi, about 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Richmond, VA and Apple Mountain Lake, VA.
1
Start on Marcus-David Peters Circle
525 ft
·
14 sec
·
Marcus-David Peters Circle
2
Continue on Monument Avenue
0.1 mi
·
25 sec
·
Monument Avenue
3
Turn right onto North Meadow Street
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
North Meadow Street
4
Continue on Hermitage Road
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Hermitage Road
5
Turn left onto Robin Hood Road
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
Robin Hood Road
Toward VA 161: Arthur Ashe Boulevard
6
Turn right onto VA 161
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
North Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Use the left lane.
7
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Toward I 95 North, I 64 West
Use the left lane.
8
Merge onto I 64; I 95
0.3 mi
·
27 sec
·
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
53 mi
·
58 min
·
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
I 95; US 17
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
Toward US 17 Business: Falmouth
12
Turn left onto US 17
23 mi
·
33 min
·
Warrenton Road
Use the straight lane.
13
Continue on US 17
4.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Marsh Road
14
Turn right onto US 15; US 29
4.6 mi
·
6 min
·
James Madison Highway
15
Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Eastern Bypass
16
Keep slight right at fork onto US 17
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Eastern Bypass
Toward US 17 North
17
Continue on US 17
6.7 mi
·
9 min
·
James Madison Highway
18
Continue on US 17
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Winchester Road
19
Turn left onto US 17
15 mi
·
16 min
·
US 17
Use the left lane.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Exit 13
Toward VA 79: Linden, Front Royal
Use the slight right lane.
21
Turn right onto Apple Mountain Road
527 ft
·
23 sec
·
Apple Mountain Road
22
Continue on McIntosh Drive
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
McIntosh Drive
23
At end of road, turn left onto Granny Smith Road
231 ft
·
12 sec
·
Granny Smith Road
24
Turn right onto Northern Spy Drive
0.2 mi
·
53 sec
·
Northern Spy Drive
25
Arrive at destination
Northern Spy Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 2 hour 33 minute duration, this trip is perfectly suited for a single day. Leaving Richmond in the morning will allow you to arrive at Apple Mountain Lake with plenty of daylight. The longest continuous stretch is 53.1 miles, so plan your first stop around that point if you like to break up the drive. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before heading out, as the estimated fuel cost is $19. While there's only one recommended stop, the flexibility of a shorter drive means you can easily adjust your plans for rest or fuel as needed.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 59.5 miles from Richmond, VA, or about 1h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 53.1 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 26 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 59.5 miles or 1h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 5m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Apple Mountain Lake, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Richmond, 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 Richmond, VA
This is one driving day of about 119 miles and 2h 33m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Richmond, 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 53.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
60 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 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 59.5 miles from Richmond, 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 165 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 117.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
1.7 mi into trip
|
~4m in
|
VA 161 / North Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Turn right onto VA 161 / North Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
1.9 mi into trip
|
~4m in
Turn left toward I 95 North, I 64 West
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 95 North, I 64 West
6
2.4 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
102.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 13m in
|
US 17
Turn left onto US 17
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
117.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 29m in
Take the exit toward VA 79: Linden, Front Royal
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 13
Toward VA 79: Linden, Front Royal
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.61 one way
$37.22 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
42 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $20.35 | $40.69 |
| premium | $4.70 | $22.02 | $44.05 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $26.27 | $52.55 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.69
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(52.8 mi)
$3.69
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
$19
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$47–$72
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 41.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 35.7 | 0 | $12.49 | $5.71 |
| Efficient EV | 29.8 | 0 | $10.41 | $4.76 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 47.6 | 0 | $16.66 | $7.62 |
Gas CO2
42 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Apple Mountain Lake, VA
Late night in Apple Mountain Lake on Sunday
Local time
4:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
81°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
83°F
Bristow, VA
60 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
2h 33m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
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...
12 mi from route
~31 min detour
Free
near mile 119
View on nps.gov
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
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!
27 mi from route
~66 min detour
Free
near mile 102.6
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 presents a mixed profile, with 59% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike for a substantial stretch of 53.1 miles, likely offering a more consistent pace. As you progress, the route transitions, incorporating Warrenton Road and US 17, which may bring more varied driving conditions and potentially slower speeds through towns. The overall feel is one of transition from major arteries to more secondary roads as you approach Apple Mountain Lake. Expect a drive that requires some attention as the road character shifts.
59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 53.1 mi on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 1.7 miles in near VA 161 / North Arthur Ashe Boulevard.
Driving Effort
8/10
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 119 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 1.7 miles (VA 161 / North Arthur Ashe Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.4 miles (I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 33m. Total distance: 119 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 33m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (59%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 53.1 miles on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.69 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.
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 Apple Mountain Lake, 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 1.7 miles (VA 161 / North Arthur Ashe Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.4 miles (I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Petersburg National Battlefield and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Apple Mountain Lake, VA before heading back.
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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