Origin
South Riding, VA
Morning in South Riding on Sunday
Local time
10:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
49°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from South Riding, VA to Harrisonburg, 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 12m
Distance
115.4 mi
186 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 3m
★
6 AM
2h 12m
8 AM
2h 31m
10 AM
2h 19m
12 PM
2h 17m
3 PM
2h 20m
5 PM
2h 30m
8 PM
2h 7m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
South Riding, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Harrisonburg, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 115.4-mile drive from South Riding, VA, to Harrisonburg, VA, is a straightforward journey that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 12 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-66 and I-81, this route is almost entirely highway, making it an efficient option for a single-day trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $18, it's an economical choice for travelers looking to get from point A to point B without extensive planning. The direct nature of this drive makes it ideal for those who prefer to reach their destination promptly, offering a smooth transition between the Southeast regions of Virginia. No specific stops are recommended, emphasizing its purpose as a transit route.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
57.7 miles from South Riding, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 7m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 52.5 mi | 56m |
| I 66 | 52.4 mi | 57m |
| Sully Road | 3.1 mi | 4m |
| Little River Turnpike | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| Route 50 | 1.7 mi | 2m |
| East Market Street | 1.5 mi | 3m |
| Defender Drive | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| South Riding Boulevard | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 52.5 mi, about 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Riding, VA and Harrisonburg, VA.
1
Start on this road
34 ft
·
7 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto Defender Drive
0.1 mi
·
28 sec
·
Defender Drive
3
Turn right onto SR 2201
396 ft
·
10 sec
·
South Riding Boulevard
4
Turn right onto US 50
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Little River Turnpike
Use the right lane.
5
Continue on US 50
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Route 50
Use the left lane.
6
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward VA 28 South: Centreville
Use the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto VA 28
3.1 mi
·
4 min
·
Sully Road
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward I 66 West: Front Royal
Use the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward I 66 West: Front Royal
10
Merge onto I 66
52 mi
·
57 min
·
I 66
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1A
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
Use the straight lane.
12
Merge onto I 81
53 mi
·
56 min
·
I 81
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward US 33 West: Harrisonburg
14
Turn straight onto US 33
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
East Market Street
15
At end of road, turn right onto US 11; US 33
49 ft
·
1 sec
·
North Main Street
16
Arrive at destination
US 11; US 33
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short 2-hour, 12-minute duration and the highway-focused nature of this 115.4-mile route, you have plenty of flexibility. Departing in the morning, perhaps after the initial rush hour traffic around South Riding, is advisable to maximize your daylight. The low estimated fuel cost of $18 means you likely won't need frequent fuel stops, but it's always wise to be aware of your gauge, especially during the 52.5-mile stretch on I-81. Since this is a direct drive with no planned stops, consider packing snacks and drinks to ensure comfort during your journey to Harrisonburg.
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 57.7 miles from South Riding, VA, or about 1h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 52.5 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 25 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 57.7 miles or 1h 7m 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 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Harrisonburg, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving South Riding, 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 South Riding, VA
This is one driving day of about 115.4 miles and 2h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from South Riding, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 52.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 25 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 57.7 miles from South Riding, 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 125 decision points cluster between mile 3.9 and 60.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
3.9 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Take the exit toward VA 28 South: Centreville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward VA 28 South: Centreville
6
7.5 mi into trip
|
~11m in
Take the exit toward I 66 West: Front Royal
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 66 West: Front Royal
5
7.7 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 66 West: Front Royal
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 66 West: Front Royal
5
8 mi into trip
|
~13m in
|
I 66
Merge onto I 66
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
60.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 81 South: Roanoke
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1A
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.05 one way
$36.09 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
40 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $19.73 | $39.46 |
| premium | $4.70 | $21.36 | $42.72 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $25.48 | $50.96 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.13
Little River Turnpike
(1.9 mi)
$0.13
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
$18
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 40.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 34.6 | 0 | $12.12 | $5.54 |
| Efficient EV | 28.9 | 0 | $10.10 | $4.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 46.2 | 0 | $16.16 | $7.39 |
Gas CO2
40 kg
EV CO2
14 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.
Destination
Harrisonburg, VA
Morning in Harrisonburg on Sunday
Local time
10:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
70°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 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 12m 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...
1 mi from route
~4 min detour
Free
near mile 59.7
View on nps.gov
Shenandoah National Park
National Park
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over...
15 mi from route
~39 min detour
$30
near mile 99.5
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!
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
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 predominantly highway-focused experience on this 115.4-mile trip, with 94% of the journey taking place on major interstates like I-81 and I-66. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 52.5 miles on I-81, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your travel. The route begins with a brief segment on Sully Road before merging onto the interstate system. This highway-centric profile means you'll experience a predictable driving environment with minimal local road navigation, allowing you to maintain speed and efficiency throughout the 2-hour, 12-minute travel time.
94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 52.5 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 66. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.9 miles in.
Driving Effort
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 115.4 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 3.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 12m. Total distance: 115.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (94%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 52.5 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.13 in tolls one way, starting with Little River 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 Harrisonburg, 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 3.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Shenandoah National Park 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 Harrisonburg, 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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