Trip from Richmond, VA to Stanley, 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

2h 34m

Distance

116.7 mi

188 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min

4 AM

2h 24m ★

6 AM

2h 35m

8 AM

2h 55m

10 AM

2h 42m

12 PM

2h 40m

3 PM

2h 43m

5 PM

2h 54m

8 PM

2h 28m

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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Stanley, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Planning a trip from Richmond, VA, to Stanley, VA? This drive covers approximately 116.7 miles and is estimated to take about 2 hours and 34 minutes. With a fuel cost around $19, it's an economical choice for a day trip. The route primarily utilizes local roads like Monument Avenue, North Meadow Street, and Hermitage Road, offering a more intimate travel experience than a highway journey. Since it's a single-day drive, you'll have flexibility in your departure time and how you choose to pace your single recommended stop. Both Richmond and Stanley are located within the Southeast region, so you'll remain in familiar territory throughout your travels.

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

58.3 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
I 64	50.1 mi	55m
Spotswood Trail	30.6 mi	41m
James Madison Highway	10.8 mi	15m
4th Street	8.3 mi	13m
US 340 BUS	5.1 mi	7m
North East Side Highway	4.3 mi	6m
Stanardsville By-Pass	2.2 mi	2m
Hermitage Road	1.1 mi	2m

Longest stretch: I 64 — 50.1 mi, about 55m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on Marcus-David Peters Circle

525 ft · 14 sec · Marcus-David Peters Circle

Continue on Monument Avenue

0.1 mi · 25 sec · Monument Avenue

Turn right onto North Meadow Street

0.2 mi · 29 sec · North Meadow Street

Continue on Hermitage Road

1.1 mi · 2 min · Hermitage Road

Turn left onto Robin Hood Road

0.2 mi · 32 sec · Robin Hood Road

Toward VA 161: Arthur Ashe Boulevard

Turn right onto VA 161

0.2 mi · 29 sec · North Arthur Ashe Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Turn left

0.2 mi · 24 sec

Toward I 95 North, I 64 West Use the left lane.

Merge onto I 64; I 95

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Keep slight right at fork onto I 64

50 mi · 55 min · I 64

Exit 79 Toward I 64 West, I 195 South: Charlottesville Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec

Toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 22 sec

Toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra

Turn straight onto US 15

11 mi · 15 min · James Madison Highway

Continue on US 15; US 33

0.4 mi · 34 sec · Martinsburg Avenue

Continue on US 15; US 33

0.7 mi · 1 min · South Main Street

Enter roundabout onto US 33; VA 231

117 ft · 1 sec · North Main Street

Continue on US 33; VA 231

0.2 mi · 13 sec · North Main Street

Continue on US 33

5.4 mi · 8 min · Spotswood Trail

Enter roundabout onto US 33; VA 20

83 ft · 1 sec · Spotswood Trail

Continue on US 33; VA 20

12 mi · 17 min · Spotswood Trail

Continue on US 33

2.2 mi · 2 min · Stanardsville By-Pass

Continue on US 33

13 mi · 16 min · Spotswood Trail

Take the exit onto US 33 BUS

0.2 mi · 22 sec · US 33 BUS

Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto US 33 BUS

363 ft · 11 sec · US 33 BUS

Continue on US 340

0.8 mi · 1 min · South Stuart Avenue

Use the straight / left / right lanes.

Continue on US 340

4.3 mi · 6 min · North East Side Highway

Continue on US 340

0.3 mi · 23 sec · South Third Street

Continue on US 340

0.1 mi · 18 sec · 3rd Street

Continue on US 340

8.3 mi · 13 min · 4th Street

Turn right onto US 340 BUS

5.1 mi · 7 min · US 340 BUS

Arrive at destination

US 340 BUS

Trip Plan

This 116.7-mile drive from Richmond to Stanley is perfectly suited for a single day, allowing you to depart at your convenience. With a projected duration of 2 hours and 34 minutes and a fuel cost of only $19, you have the flexibility to leave mid-morning and still arrive with plenty of daylight. Plan for one stop along the way to stretch your legs or grab a quick bite. Since this route emphasizes local roads, be mindful of traffic signals and speed limit changes, especially when transitioning through different towns. A good tip is to keep an eye on your GPS for the most efficient turns, as the 'turn-heavy' profile means you'll be making frequent adjustments.

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 58.3 miles from Richmond, VA, or about 1h 10m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.1 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 32m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 58.3 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 2m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stanley, 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 116.7 miles and 2h 34m.

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 I 64 for about 50.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Gordonsville, VA

58 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

Wyndham, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 26 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Gordonsville, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 58.3 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

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

Best meal stop

Curbside Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+18043557008

Visit website

821 Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

0.8 mi

Bamboo 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

Cafe Synai

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

1.2 mi

Calyx Cafe | Lounge

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richmond, Virginia

1 mi

Curbside Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+18043557008

Visit website

821 Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+18046491042

Visit website

Bamboo Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 12 pm–12 am

+18043531609

Visit website

Greenbriar Cafe and Coffeehouse

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–3 pm

+18043555282

Visit website

HogsHead Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $20 to $30

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+18043080281

Visit website

Amuse Restaurant VMFA

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Expensive

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 11:30 am–8 pm

+18043401580

Visit website

Coco Cafe & Bistro LLC

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–1 pm

+18049244223

Tarrant's Cafe Downtown

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18042250035

Visit website

Harrison Street Cafe

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

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

+18048161419

Calyx Cafe | Lounge

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Richmond, Virginia

Visit website

Royal Bazaar Cafe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

+18043088837

Dragon Treats Dessert Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour Inexpensiv

Henrico, Virginia

Hours: 12–7 pm

+18044777662

Visit website

Publix Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour

Glen Allen, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+18047996041

Corner Bakery

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20

Glen Allen, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+18044473766

Visit website

Autumn's Catering & Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 9:30 am–4:30 pm

+18045916191

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18046449871

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

3.3 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

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

Byrd Park Pump House

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

+18046465733

Visit website

Town of Gordonsville Visitor's Center

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Gordonsville, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+15408321735

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

5 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 52.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

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.

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

2.4 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 64

Keep slight right at fork onto I 64 toward I 64 West, I 195 South: Charlottesville

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 79 Toward I 64 West, I 195 South: Charlottesville

52.5 mi into trip | ~1h 1m in

Take the exit toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra

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 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra

52.7 mi into trip | ~1h 2m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 15: Gordonsville, Palmyra

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$18.25 one way

$36.50 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 41 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$19.95	$39.91
premium	$4.70	$21.60	$43.20
diesel	$5.61	$25.77	$51.53

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 40.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	35	$12.25	$5.60
Efficient EV	29.2	$10.21	$4.67
EV Truck/SUV	46.7	$16.34	$7.47

Gas CO2

41 kg

EV CO2

14 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

6:39 AM

EDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Stanley, VA

Morning in Stanley on Tuesday

Local time

6:39 AM

EDT

Current temp

51°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

21 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

2h 34m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive for this 116.7-mile journey. With a 0% highway share, you'll be navigating city streets and local roads for the entire duration. This means you'll be encountering more intersections and varying speed limits as you make your way from Richmond to Stanley. The profile of this route suggests a more engaged driving experience, rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. While there isn't a designated longest uninterrupted stretch provided, the frequent turns indicate a dynamic progression through different local environments.

48% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.

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

Longest single stretch: 50.1 mi on I 64.

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 13 significant decision points across 116.7 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 64): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

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 Stanley, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Palmyra along the way.

Palmyra

52.5 mi in | ~1h 1m

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 2h 34m. Total distance: 116.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (48%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 50.1 miles on I 64. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Stanley, 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.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Stanley, 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Richmond, VA or browse trips ending in Stanley, VA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.

Trip from Richmond, VA to Stanley, 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

Curbside Cafe

Harrison Street Cafe

Curbside Cafe

821 Cafe

Bamboo Cafe

Greenbriar Cafe and Coffeehouse

HogsHead Cafe

Amuse Restaurant VMFA

Coco Cafe & Bistro LLC

Tarrant's Cafe Downtown

Harrison Street Cafe

Cafe Synai

Calyx Cafe | Lounge

Royal Bazaar Cafe

Dragon Treats Dessert Cafe

Publix Cafe

Corner Bakery

Autumn's Catering & Cafe

Tesla Destination Charger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Tesla Destination Charger

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

EVgo Charging Station

Science Museum of Virginia

Rage RVA

The Cask Cafe

The Robins Nature Center at Maymont

T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge

ICA Shop + Cafe

Byrd Park Pump House

Town of Gordonsville Visitor's Center

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Richmond, VA

Stanley, VA

Same local time

21 degrees cooler at arrival

2h 34m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Richmond, VA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

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

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Stanley, VA

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