Weirton Heights, WV to Stanaford, WV is 251.2 miles and takes about 4h 57m via I 79 and US 19, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, traversing West Virginia for its entirety. Primarily a highway drive, it offers a straightforward path for a single-day excursion. Plan for a consistent pace as you navigate the main arteries connecting these two points within the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
125.6 miles from Weirton Heights, WV
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 26m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 79
136.8 mi
2h 27m
US 19
59.2 mi
1h 13m
Southern Beltway
11.7 mi
12m
Raymond P Shafer Highway
11.6 mi
15m
US 22
11.3 mi
15m
Upper Millcreek Telsa Road
8.6 mi
9m
Robert C. Byrd Drive
3 mi
5m
Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
3 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 79
— 136.8 mi, about 2h 27m
Traffic on I-79
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 16 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~993 veh/hr typical
· worst 1,339
Quietest
2 AM
~85 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
11.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 78 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Weirton Heights, WV and Stanaford, WV.
1
Start on WV 105
1.0 mi·1 min·Pennsylvania Avenue
2
Turn right onto WV 105
0.7 mi·1 min·Colliers Way
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·35 sec
Use the left lane.
4
Merge onto US 22
11 mi·15 min·US 22
5
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Toward PA Turnpike 576 West: Washington Pennsylvania, AirportUse the slight right lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·53 sec
Toward PA Tpke 576 East: Washington Pennsylvania
7
Merge onto PA Tpke 576
12 mi·12 min·Southern Beltway
8
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 79 South: Washington
9
Merge onto I 79
12 mi·15 min·Raymond P Shafer Highway
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 79
0.5 mi·1 min·I 79
Toward I 70 East, I 79 South: New Stanton, MorgantownUse the slight left lane.
11
Merge onto I 70; I 79
3.0 mi·4 min·Dwight D Eisenhower Highway
12
Take the exit onto I 79
136 mi·2 hr 26 min·I 79
Exit 21Toward I 79 south: Waynesburg, MorgantownUse the slight right lane.
13
Take the exit onto US 19
0.3 mi·41 sec·US 19
Toward US 19 South: Beckley
14
Keep slight left at fork
318 ft·8 sec
15
Turn right onto Upper Millcreek Telsa Road
8.6 mi·9 min·Upper Millcreek Telsa Road
16
Continue on US 19
58 mi·1 hr 11 min·US 19
Use the straight lane.
17
Take the exit onto US 19
0.4 mi·59 sec·US 19
Toward US 19 South, WV 16: Bradley, North Beckley
18
Turn left onto US 19; WV 16
3.0 mi·5 min·Robert C. Byrd Drive
19
Turn left onto US 19 BYP
0.4 mi·46 sec·Joe L. Smith Drive
20
Turn left onto CR 8
1.5 mi·3 min·Ragland Road
21
At end of road, turn left onto WV 41
0.4 mi·45 sec·Stanaford Road
22
Turn slight right onto CR 41/9
86 ft·3 sec·Hoist Road
23
Arrive at destination
CR 41/9
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour 57-minute estimated drive time, departing Weirton Heights in the morning will allow you to reach Stanaford well before evening. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the end of the 136.8-mile stretch on I-79, as fuel options may become less frequent. The $39 fuel cost estimate is based on typical prices, so confirm current rates before you depart.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 125.6 miles from Weirton Heights, WV, or about 2h 26m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 136.8 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 55 miles or 1h 10m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 125.6 miles or 2h 26m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 57m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stanaford, WV than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Weirton Heights, WV 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 Weirton Heights, WV
This is one driving day of about 251.2 miles and 4h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 55 miles from Weirton Heights, WV.
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 79 for about 136.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
First break
4.9 mi from route
~12 min detour
$20 to $30
Imperial, Pennsylvania
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+17246951017
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.7 and 41.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.7 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the ramp
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
13.3 mi into trip|~19m in
Take the exit toward PA Turnpike 576 West: Washington Pennsylvania, Airport
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 PA Turnpike 576 West: Washington Pennsyl...
5
13.6 mi into trip|~20m in
Keep slight right at fork toward PA Tpke 576 East: Washington Pennsylvania
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward PA Tpke 576 East: Washington Pennsylvani...
8
38.1 mi into trip|~51m in|I 79
Keep slight left at fork onto I 79 toward I 70 East, I 79 South: New Stanton, Morgantown
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 70 East, I 79 South: New Stanton, Morg...
8
41.6 mi into trip|~56m in|I 79
Take the exit onto I 79 toward I 79 south: Waynesburg, Morgantown
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 21
Toward I 79 south: Waynesburg, Morgantown
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.91 one way
$79.81 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg88 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.40
$43.51
$87.03
premium
$4.78
$47.27
$94.55
diesel
$6.18
$61.11
$122.22
Estimated Tolls: $0.82
Southern Beltway
(11.7 mi)$0.82
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
$40
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$66–$91
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 87.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
75.4
0
$26.38
$12.06
Efficient EV
62.8
0
$21.98
$10.05
EV Truck/SUV
100.5
1
$35.17
$16.08
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Oct 18, 2026
Origin
Weirton Heights, WV
Morning
in Weirton Heights on Monday
Local time
8:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Widespread Frost then Sunny
SE 2 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 18 at 5:48AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 5:22AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Destination
Stanaford, WV
Morning
in Stanaford on Monday
Local time
8:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Widespread Frost then Sunny
E 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued October 18 at 5:48AM EDT by NWS Charleston WV
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 18 at 5:22AM EDT until October 18 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
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
3 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
4h 57m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Gauley River National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural and cultural features. The Gauley River cont...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
Free
near mile 216.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is an 83% highway drive, meaning you'll spend most of your time on high-speed roads. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is 136.8 miles on I-79. You'll transition to surface roads, specifically US-19, for the remaining portion of the trip. Expect frequent exits on the highway segments before transitioning to a more rural cruising experience.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 136.8 mi on I 79.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 79 and US 19. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.7 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 19 significant decision points across 251.2 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 1.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 13.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,401 ft946 ft
Total Climb
1,874 ft
Total Descent
674 ft
Highest Point
2,401 ft
~251.2 mi in
Elevation Range
1,455 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Weirton Heights, WV and Stanaford, WV, road signs point toward Pa Turnpike 576 West: Washington Pennsylvania, Airport, Pa Tpke 576 East: Washington Pennsylvania and Morgantown.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 57m. Total distance: 251.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 136.8 miles on I 79. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.82 in tolls one way, starting with Southern Beltway. 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.
Yes — we found about 9 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Stanaford, WV 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. There are 9 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through WV can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 13.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully.
Yes — Gauley River National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 5.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Stanaford, WV, but most travelers stay overnight.
