If you are planning a trip from West Lynchburg to Glen Allen, you can expect a manageable 115-mile trek that takes approximately 2 hours and 29 minutes. This journey serves as a straightforward day trip, meaning there is no need to book an overnight stay along the way. You will primarily navigate via Anderson Highway, VA 24, and Richmond Highway to reach your destination. Budgeting about $18 for fuel will cover your transit costs comfortably. Since both cities are located within the Southeast region, the trip maintains a consistent regional feel throughout. It is an ideal route for drivers who prefer local roads over the monotony of major interstates.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
57.5 miles from West Lynchburg, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 13m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Anderson Highway
24.7 mi
31m
VA 24
18.9 mi
21m
Richmond Highway
18.1 mi
24m
Maidens Road
11.6 mi
16m
I 64
9.8 mi
10m
East James Anderson Highway
8.1 mi
9m
West James Anderson Highway
7.7 mi
9m
Fairground Road
3.4 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Anderson Highway
— 24.7 mi, about 31m
Traffic on I-64
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 14 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~2,880 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,317
Quietest
2 AM
~97 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
29.7×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 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 West Lynchburg, VA and Glen Allen, VA.
1
Start on Lakeside Drive
0.7 mi·1 min·Lakeside Drive
2
Continue on Park Avenue
0.3 mi·49 sec·Park Avenue
3
Enter roundabout onto US 501 BUS
70 ft·4 sec·Langhorne Road
4
Continue on US 501 BUS
0.1 mi·19 sec·Langhorne Road
5
Continue on US 501 BUS
2.5 mi·4 min·Campbell Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Take the exit onto US 460 BUS
0.3 mi·38 sec·US 460 BUS
Toward US 29 North, US 460 East: charlottesville, appomattox
7
Merge onto US 29; US 460
18 mi·24 min·Richmond Highway
Use the straight lane.
8
Take the exit onto VA 24
0.2 mi·21 sec·VA 24
Toward VA 24 East, VA 131 South: To Route 60, Appomattox
9
Turn slight left onto VA 24
19 mi·21 min·VA 24
10
Continue on US 60
7.7 mi·9 min·West James Anderson Highway
11
Continue on US 60
8.1 mi·9 min·East James Anderson Highway
12
Continue on US 60
25 mi·31 min·Anderson Highway
13
Turn left onto US 522
12 mi·16 min·Maidens Road
Use the straight lane.
14
Turn right onto SR 632
3.4 mi·4 min·Fairground Road
15
Turn right onto US 250
0.9 mi·1 min·Broad Street Road
16
Turn left onto SR 617
0.4 mi·41 sec·Oilville Road
17
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·29 sec
18
Merge onto I 64
9.8 mi·10 min·I 64
Use the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
1.2 mi·1 min
Exit 177Toward I 295 North: Washington, NorfolkUse the slight right lane.
20
Continue on I 295
3.0 mi·3 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
21
Take the exit
0.4 mi·35 sec
Exit 49BToward US 33 East: RichmondUse the slight right lane.
22
Turn right onto US 33
0.4 mi·42 sec·Staples Mill Road
23
Turn left onto Mountain Road
2.1 mi·3 min·Mountain Road
Use the left lane.
24
Turn right onto Hamilton Road
43 ft·4 sec·Hamilton Road
25
Turn right
32 ft·2 sec
26
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Because this is a relatively short drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience without worrying about a rigid schedule. Since you have no mandatory stops scheduled, feel free to pace yourself and pull over whenever you need a quick break. Keep in mind that the turn-heavy nature of the route can be tiring, so ensure you are well-rested before heading out. Given the $18 fuel estimate, it is wise to check your levels before leaving West Lynchburg to avoid unnecessary detours. Pay close attention to navigation when transitioning between Anderson Highway, VA 24, and Richmond Highway to stay on track.
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 57.5 miles from West Lynchburg, VA, or about 1h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 24.7 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 25 miles or 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 57.5 miles or 1h 13m 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 Glen Allen, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving West Lynchburg, 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 West Lynchburg, VA
This is one driving day of about 115 miles and 2h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from West Lynchburg, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Anderson Highway for about 24.7 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.7 and 112.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
3.7 mi into trip|~7m in|US 460 BUS
Take the exit onto US 460 BUS toward US 29 North, US 460 East: charlottesville, appomattox
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 29 North, US 460 East: charlottesvill...
6
81.6 mi into trip|~1h 44m in|US 522 / Maidens Road
Turn left onto US 522 / Maidens Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
107.9 mi into trip|~2h 18m in
Take the exit toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
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 177
Toward I 295 North: Washington, Norfolk
7
112.1 mi into trip|~2h 23m in
Take the exit toward US 33 East: Richmond
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 49B
Toward US 33 East: Richmond
6
112.9 mi into trip|~2h 25m in|Mountain Road
Turn left onto Mountain Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.29 one way
$36.58 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg40 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$19.94
$39.89
premium
$4.78
$21.64
$43.27
diesel
$5.35
$24.22
$48.44
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: 40.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
34.5
0
$12.08
$5.52
Efficient EV
28.8
0
$10.06
$4.60
EV Truck/SUV
46
0
$16.10
$7.36
Gas CO2
40 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (68% 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 May 29, 2026
Origin
West Lynchburg, VA
Evening
in West Lynchburg on Wednesday
Local time
5:42 PM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Clear
N 1 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Glen Allen, VA
Evening
in Glen Allen on Wednesday
Local time
5:42 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Clear
N 6 mph0% chanceLive 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
3 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 29m 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.
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a high-speed interstate haul, this route consists of only 25% highway driving, placing you on smaller roads for the vast majority of your trip. Your longest uninterrupted stretch is 24.7 miles along Anderson Highway, providing a brief period of steady cruising. Because the path relies heavily on local infrastructure, the experience is more technical than a typical highway commute. You will find that the road's personality changes frequently as you transition between these smaller thoroughfares.
Only 25% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 24.7 mi on Anderson Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 3.7 miles in near US 460 BUS.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 115 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 3.7 miles (US 460 BUS): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 81.6 miles (US 522 / Maidens Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 107.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
870 ft173 ft
Total Climb
857 ft
Total Descent
1,398 ft
Highest Point
870 ft
~16.4 mi in
Elevation Range
697 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between West Lynchburg, VA and Glen Allen, VA, road signs point toward Appomattox and Norfolk.
Appomattox
22.1 mi in|~32m|via VA 24
Norfolk
107.9 mi in|~2h 18m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Mission House Coffee
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Lynchburg, VA
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Hours: Mo-Th 08:00-21:00; Fr 08:00-16:00; Sa 11...
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 29m. Total distance: 115 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 24.7 miles on Anderson Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 2 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 Glen Allen, 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. There are 2 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.7 miles (US 460 BUS): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 81.6 miles (US 522 / Maidens Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 107.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. 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 Glen Allen, VA before heading back.
