If you are planning to travel from Richmond to Lynchburg, expect a 109.2-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 28 minutes. This trip is perfectly suited for a single day, as it is short enough to navigate without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily follow Anderson Highway, Richmond Highway, and Old Courthouse Road as you move across the Southeast region of Virginia. Budget roughly $17 for fuel to cover the distance comfortably. Because this is a direct, turn-heavy local drive, it offers a hands-on experience behind the wheel rather than a passive interstate commute. It is a straightforward route that makes for an efficient transit between these two Virginia hubs.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
54.6 miles from Richmond, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 19m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Anderson Highway
36.7 mi
48m
Richmond Highway
16.4 mi
20m
Old Courthouse Road
10 mi
11m
Midlothian Turnpike
9.9 mi
16m
Mount Rush Highway
8.6 mi
9m
East James Anderson Highway
8.1 mi
9m
West James Anderson Highway
7.8 mi
9m
Powhite Parkway
3.5 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Anderson Highway
— 36.7 mi, about 48m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Richmond, VA and Lynchburg, VA.
1
Start on Marcus-David Peters Circle
525 ft·14 sec·Marcus-David Peters Circle
2
Continue on Monument Avenue
0.1 mi·28 sec·Monument Avenue
3
Turn left onto North Meadow Street
0.5 mi·1 min·North Meadow Street
4
Turn right onto VA 147
0.6 mi·1 min·West Main Street
5
Continue on VA 147
0.2 mi·35 sec·Ellwood Avenue
6
Turn left onto South Sheppard Street
0.1 mi·24 sec·South Sheppard Street
7
Turn right onto Parkwood Avenue
0.2 mi·42 sec·Parkwood Avenue
8
Turn left onto McCloy Street
0.2 mi·44 sec·McCloy Street
9
Turn left onto Maplewood Avenue
30 ft·1 sec·Maplewood Avenue
10
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward VA 76 Toll South
11
Merge onto VA 146
0.6 mi·46 sec·VA 146
12
Merge onto VA 76
1.0 mi·1 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 76
1.0 mi·1 min·E-ZPass Only (Powhite Parkway)
14
Merge onto VA 76
2.5 mi·3 min·Powhite Parkway
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward US 60: Midlothian TurnpikeUse the slight right lane.
16
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·19 sec·this road
Toward US 60: Midlothian Turnpike
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward US 60 West: Midlothian Turnpike, MidlothianUse the slight right lane.
18
Merge onto US 60
9.9 mi·16 min·Midlothian Turnpike
Use the straight / right lanes.
19
Continue on US 60
37 mi·48 min·Anderson Highway
20
Continue on US 60
8.1 mi·9 min·East James Anderson Highway
21
Continue on US 60
7.8 mi·9 min·West James Anderson Highway
22
Turn slight left onto VA 24
8.6 mi·9 min·Mount Rush Highway
23
Continue on VA 24
10 mi·11 min·Old Courthouse Road
24
Take the exit onto VA 24
0.2 mi·29 sec·VA 24
Toward US 460 West, VA 24 West
25
Merge onto US 460; VA 24
16 mi·20 min·Richmond Highway
26
Turn right onto Concord Turnpike
2.9 mi·6 min·Concord Turnpike
Use the right lane.
27
Continue on Washington Street
0.2 mi·23 sec·Washington Street
28
At end of road, turn right onto Main Street
0.2 mi·48 sec·Main Street
29
Turn left onto 11th Street
324 ft·12 sec·11th Street
30
Turn right onto Church Street
365 ft·14 sec·Church Street
31
Turn right onto 10th Street
98 ft·4 sec·10th Street
32
Arrive at destination
10th Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility when planning your departure time. You will not need to worry about scheduling overnight stops, as the 2-hour and 28-minute duration is manageable in one go. Keep in mind that the turn-heavy nature of the route can make the drive feel longer than the mileage suggests, so plan for a steady pace rather than trying to rush the turns. Because your fuel budget is estimated at $17, it is wise to fill your tank before you leave Richmond to avoid unnecessary stops along the smaller local roads. For the most relaxed experience, try to time your departure to avoid peak local traffic, as the reliance on Anderson Highway and Old Courthouse Road means you will be sharing the road with local commuters.
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 54.6 miles from Richmond, VA, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 36.7 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 24 miles or 39m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 54.6 miles or 1h 19m 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
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lynchburg, 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 109.2 miles and 2h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Richmond, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Anderson Highway for about 36.7 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.6 and 105.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
1.6 mi into trip|~4m in|Parkwood Avenue
Turn right onto Parkwood Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
7.3 mi into trip|~13m in
Take the exit toward US 60: Midlothian Turnpike
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 60: Midlothian Turnpike
9
7.7 mi into trip|~14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 60 West: Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 60 West: Midlothian Turnpike, Midloth...
6
89.1 mi into trip|~1h 59m in|VA 24
Take the exit onto VA 24 toward US 460 West, VA 24 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 460 West, VA 24 West
6
105.7 mi into trip|~2h 20m in|Concord Turnpike
Turn right onto Concord Turnpike
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.08 one way
$34.15 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg38 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$18.67
$37.34
premium
$4.70
$20.21
$40.42
diesel
$5.61
$24.11
$48.22
Estimated Tolls: $0.89
Midlothian Turnpike
(9.9 mi)$0.69
Concord Turnpike
(2.9 mi)$0.20
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
$17
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 38.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
32.8
0
$11.47
$5.24
Efficient EV
27.3
0
$9.56
$4.37
EV Truck/SUV
43.7
0
$15.29
$6.99
Gas CO2
38 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (66% 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 20, 2026
Origin
Richmond, VA
Morning
in Richmond on Tuesday
Local time
6:27 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Lynchburg, VA
Morning
in Lynchburg on Tuesday
Local time
6:27 AM
EDT
Current temp
72°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
2h 28m 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.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
National Historical Park
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Question...
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...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 7.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a drive that prioritizes local roads over high-speed highway transit. With only 17% of the journey spent on highways, you will spend the majority of your time navigating secondary roads that require your full attention. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 36.7-mile segment along Anderson Highway. Because this route is classified as a turn-heavy local drive, you should anticipate more frequent maneuvers and lower average speeds than you might find on a standard interstate. This is an ideal road for drivers who prefer a more tactile, engaged experience rather than a monotonous, long-distance grind.
Only 17% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 36.7 mi on Anderson Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.6 miles in near Parkwood Avenue.
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 21 significant decision points across 109.2 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 1.6 miles (Parkwood Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 7.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
801 ft212 ft
Total Climb
725 ft
Total Descent
305 ft
Highest Point
801 ft
~101.4 mi in
Elevation Range
588 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Richmond, VA to Lynchburg, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Midlothian along the way.
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 2h 28m. Total distance: 109.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 36.7 miles on Anderson Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.89 in tolls one way, starting with Midlothian 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 Lynchburg, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.6 miles (Parkwood Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 7.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and 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 Lynchburg, VA before heading back.
