Winfield, WV to Wheeling, WV is 76.6 miles and takes about 1 hour 38 minutes via Dragon Highway and Hornet Highway, with a fuel budget near $12 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This one-day drive stays within West Virginia, connecting two points in the Southeast region. Expect a local, turn-heavy experience rather than a fast highway cruise. With a short duration and minimal stops recommended, this trip is ideal for those looking for a straightforward journey without extensive planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
38.3 miles from Winfield, WV
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 47m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dragon Highway
15.2 mi
17m
Cleveland Avenue
12.3 mi
13m
Hornet Highway
11.1 mi
12m
Waynesburg Pike Road
10.1 mi
11m
Husky Highway
9.3 mi
10m
Fairmont Pike Road
7.1 mi
12m
Senator Jennings Randolph Highway
2.5 mi
2m
Main Street
1.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Dragon Highway
— 15.2 mi, about 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Winfield, WV and Wheeling, WV.
1
Start on CR 33/2
120 ft·5 sec·Reubens Run Road
2
Turn right onto CR 3/3
0.9 mi·2 min·Bunner Ridge Road
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·29 sec
4
Merge onto I 79
2.5 mi·2 min·Senator Jennings Randolph Highway
5
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward WV 273 North: Downtown, Fairmont
6
Turn left onto WV 273
0.4 mi·59 sec·Fairmont Gateway Connector
7
Enter roundabout onto WV 273
122 ft·2 sec·Fairmont Gateway Connector
8
Continue on WV 273
0.2 mi·23 sec·Fairmont Gateway Connector
9
Enter roundabout onto WV 273
128 ft·3 sec·Fairmont Gateway Connector
10
Continue on WV 273
0.2 mi·24 sec·Fairmont Gateway Connector
11
Continue on Jefferson Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Jefferson Street
12
Turn left onto US 19
0.1 mi·22 sec·Jackson Street
13
Turn right onto US 250
12 mi·13 min·Cleveland Avenue
14
Continue on US 250
1.7 mi·1 min·Main Street
15
Continue on US 250
9.3 mi·10 min·Husky Highway
16
Continue on US 250
11 mi·12 min·Hornet Highway
17
Continue on US 250
15 mi·17 min·Dragon Highway
18
Turn left onto US 250
10 mi·11 min·Waynesburg Pike Road
19
Turn right onto WV 88
7.1 mi·12 min·Fairmont Pike Road
20
Continue on WV 88
1.1 mi·1 min·Ridgecrest Road
21
Turn left onto West Bethlehem Boulevard
0.3 mi·32 sec·West Bethlehem Boulevard
22
Continue on CR 91/1
0.2 mi·20 sec·Spruce Street
23
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·46 sec
24
Merge onto I 470
0.7 mi·57 sec·USS West Virginia Memorial Highway
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi·56 sec
Toward US 250, WV 2: Wheeling, Moundsville
26
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
27
Merge onto US 250; WV 2
461 ft·5 sec·US 250; WV 2
28
Take the exit onto WV 2
0.3 mi·42 sec·WV 2
29
Turn left onto 17th Street
333 ft·16 sec·17th Street
30
Turn right onto WV 2
323 ft·5 sec·Chapline Street
31
Arrive at destination
WV 2
Trip Plan
Given the short 1 hour 38 minute duration, this trip from Winfield to Wheeling offers great flexibility; you can leave anytime and still arrive with plenty of daylight. The $12 fuel budget is modest, so ensure your tank is full before departing to avoid needing to stop for gas. Since only 0 stops are recommended, plan to make any necessary breaks for restrooms or snacks before or after this specific segment. Pay attention to the 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile and keep an eye out for changes in speed limits and road conditions as you transition between Dragon Highway and Hornet Highway.
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 38.3 miles from Winfield, WV, or about 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 15.2 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 17 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 38.3 miles or 47m 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 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Wheeling, WV than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Winfield, WV so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Winfield, WV
This is one driving day of about 76.6 miles and 1h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Winfield, WV.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Dragon Highway for about 15.2 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.7 and 76.5 — 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|~5m in
Take the exit toward WV 273 North: Downtown, Fairmont
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward WV 273 North: Downtown, Fairmont
5
4.8 mi into trip|~8m in|WV 273 / Fairmont Gateway Connector
Enter roundabout onto WV 273 / Fairmont Gateway Connector
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
75.1 mi into trip|~1h 35m in
Take the exit toward US 250, WV 2: Wheeling, Moundsville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 250, WV 2: Wheeling, Moundsville
5
76.4 mi into trip|~1h 38m in|17th Street
Turn left onto 17th Street
Navigation decision point
5
76.5 mi into trip|~1h 38m in|WV 2 / Chapline Street
Turn right onto WV 2 / Chapline Street
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.98 one way
$23.96 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg27 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$13.10
$26.19
premium
$4.70
$14.18
$28.35
diesel
$5.61
$16.91
$33.82
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$12
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
23
0
$8.04
$3.68
Efficient EV
19.2
0
$6.70
$3.06
EV Truck/SUV
30.6
0
$10.72
$4.90
Gas CO2
27 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (67% 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 18, 2026
Origin
Winfield, WV
Late night
in Winfield on Sunday
Local time
4:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Wheeling, WV
Late night
in Wheeling on Sunday
Local time
4:07 AM
EDT
Current temp
58°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
58°F
Mount Carmel, PA
38 mi in
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
1 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
1h 38m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is characterized as a 'Turn-heavy local drive,' meaning you'll be navigating a series of turns and local roads more than open highway. While there's a 100% highway share, the profile suggests a less monotonous experience than a typical interstate. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 15.2 miles on Dragon Highway, indicating you'll encounter changes in pace and direction frequently. Be prepared for a more engaged driving experience as you move from Cleveland Avenue to Hornet Highway.
Only 1% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 15.2 mi on Dragon 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.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 76.6 miles you will encounter 19 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 3.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.8 miles (WV 273 / Fairmont Gateway Connector): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 75.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 38m. Total distance: 76.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 15.2 miles on Dragon Highway. 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 Wheeling, WV before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
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 3.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.8 miles (WV 273 / Fairmont Gateway Connector): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 75.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Wheeling, WV before heading back.
