Trip from Richmond, VA to Bracey, VA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 46m

Distance

90 mi

145 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$14

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min

4 AM

1h 39m ★

6 AM

1h 46m

8 AM

2h 2m

10 AM

1h 52m

12 PM

1h 50m

3 PM

1h 53m

5 PM

2h 1m

8 PM

1h 42m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Bracey, VA

Andrea Piacquadio

Trip Overview

This straightforward 90-mile drive from Richmond, VA, to Bracey, VA, is easily manageable in under two hours, making it a perfect day trip. Primarily utilizing highways like the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and Downtown Expressway, this route is almost entirely highway driving. With a fuel cost estimated at $14, it's an economical journey. Both your origin and destination are within the Southeast region, so you'll be traversing familiar terrain throughout. This trip is ideal for those seeking a quick, efficient transit between these two Virginia locations, with no need for an overnight stay.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

45 miles from Richmond, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 56m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike	86.5 mi	1h 38m
Downtown Expressway	0.8 mi	1m
West Franklin Street	0.6 mi	2m
SR 903	0.6 mi	1m
North Belvidere Street	0.4 mi	1m
East Byrd Street	0.2 mi	<1m
Bracey Drive	0.2 mi	<1m
Monument Avenue	0.2 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike — 86.5 mi, about 1h 38m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Richmond, VA and Bracey, VA.

Start on Marcus-David Peters Circle

139 ft · 4 sec · Marcus-David Peters Circle

Continue on Monument Avenue

0.2 mi · 22 sec · Monument Avenue

Turn slight right onto West Franklin Street

0.6 mi · 2 min · West Franklin Street

Turn right onto US 1; US 301

0.4 mi · 1 min · North Belvidere Street

Turn left onto East Byrd Street

0.2 mi · 30 sec · East Byrd Street

Use the left lane.

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 23 sec

Toward VA 195 East Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto VA 195

0.8 mi · 1 min · Downtown Expressway

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 16 sec

Toward I 95 South: Petersburg

Merge onto I 95

22 mi · 28 min · Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 85

64 mi · 1 hr 10 min · Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Exit 51 Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 35 sec

Toward SR 903: Bracey, Lake Gaston

Turn left onto SR 903

0.6 mi · 1 min · SR 903

Continue on Bracey Drive

0.2 mi · 36 sec · Bracey Drive

Arrive at destination

Bracey Drive

Trip Plan

Given the short 1 hour and 46-minute duration, this drive offers considerable flexibility for departure times. You'll want to keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch without a break is quite substantial. While there are no designated stops listed, planning for a brief rest break midway could enhance comfort. Since this is a short, highway-centric trip, consider leaving mid-morning to avoid peak rush hour traffic in Richmond, ensuring a smooth start to your 90-mile journey.

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.

You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.

The halfway point lands around 45 miles from Richmond, VA, or about 56m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 86.5 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 20 miles or 27m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 45 miles or 56m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 30m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bracey, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Richmond, VA

This is one driving day of about 90 miles and 1h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Richmond, VA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

The longest stretch is on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike for about 86.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Ettrick, VA

45 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

Colonial Heights, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Ettrick, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 45 miles from Richmond, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 86.5 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · early in the drive

NuVegan Cafe Petersburg

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Petersburg, Virginia

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch · 30min in 0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 11:30 am–8 pm

+18045045580

Curbside Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

0.6 mi

821 Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

0.8 mi

Best coffee break

Harrison Street Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

Visit website

CooL BeanZ Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Petersburg, Virginia

1 mi

Cafe Synai

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

1.2 mi

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–2 pm

Visit website

CooL BeanZ Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20

Petersburg, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18045908876

Visit website

Cafe Synai

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 12–5 pm

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

+18047888000

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ICA Shop + Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18048282823

Visit website

Historic Old Towne Petersburg

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour

Petersburg, Virginia

Visit website

The Exchange Building and Petersburg Visitors Center

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Petersburg, Virginia

+18048359630

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 9

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.2 and 24.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

1.2 mi into trip | ~3m in | East Byrd Street

Turn left onto East Byrd Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

1.3 mi into trip | ~4m in

Take the ramp toward VA 195 East

Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward VA 195 East

2.3 mi into trip | ~5m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South: Petersburg

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward I 95 South: Petersburg

2.5 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Merge onto I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

24.7 mi into trip | ~34m in | I 85 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Keep slight right at fork onto I 85 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 51 Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$14.07 one way

$28.15 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 32 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$15.39	$30.78
premium	$4.70	$16.66	$33.31
diesel	$5.61	$19.87	$39.74

Estimated Tolls: $6.06

Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike (64.2 mi) $4.50

Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike (22.2 mi) $1.56

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

$14

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$45–$70

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 31.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	27	$9.45	$4.32
Efficient EV	22.5	$7.87	$3.60
EV Truck/SUV	36	$12.60	$5.76

Gas CO2

31 kg

EV CO2

11 kg (65% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Richmond, VA

Morning in Richmond on Tuesday

Local time

8:13 AM

EDT

Current temp

93°F

Sunny

SW 12 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Bracey, VA

Morning in Bracey on Tuesday

Local time

8:13 AM

EDT

Current temp

86°F

Unavailable

Live 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

7 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

1h 46m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

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.

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...

1 mi from route ~1 min detour Free near mile 31

Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused experience for 98% of this 90-mile trip. You'll spend the majority of your time on high-speed roads, including an uninterrupted stretch of 86.5 miles on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. The profile suggests a predominantly interstate-style drive, characterized by consistent speeds and limited engagement with local traffic. While the route is efficient, it offers little in the way of varied scenery, remaining largely a swift transit from point A to point B.

98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 86.5 mi on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and Downtown Expressway. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 1.2 miles in near East Byrd Street.

Driving Effort 6/10

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 90 miles you will encounter 9 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 1.2 miles (East Byrd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

About the Cities

Starting in Richmond, VA

Full guide →

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.

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 46m. Total distance: 90 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 86.5 miles on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $6.06 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 Bracey, VA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 1.2 miles (East Byrd Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.

Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield. 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 Bracey, 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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Trip from Richmond, VA to Bracey, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

NuVegan Cafe Petersburg

Harrison Street Cafe

NuVegan Cafe Petersburg

Curbside Cafe

821 Cafe

Bamboo Cafe

Greenbriar Cafe and Coffeehouse

Amuse Restaurant VMFA

Tarrant's Cafe Downtown

Chez Foushee Restaurant & Bar

Harrison Street Cafe

CooL BeanZ Cafe

Cafe Synai

Calyx Cafe | Lounge

A Place Of Miracles Cafe

Autumn's Catering & Cafe

Luxe & You Floral Cafe

Passport Cafe

Tesla Destination Charger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Tesla Destination Charger

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Science Museum of Virginia

Rage RVA

The Cask Cafe

The Robins Nature Center at Maymont

T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge

ICA Shop + Cafe

Historic Old Towne Petersburg

The Exchange Building and Petersburg Visitors Center

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Richmond, VA

Bracey, VA

Same local time

7 degrees cooler at arrival

1h 46m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Petersburg National Battlefield

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

About the Cities

Starting in Richmond, VA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

How do I pay the tolls on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

More from Richmond, VA

More trips to Bracey, VA