How far is Bristol, VA from Richmond, VA?
The driving distance from Bristol, VA to Richmond, VA is about 322.2 miles (518.5 km), with a travel time of about 04h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 268.9 miles (432.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 40m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 04h 50m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Virginia, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bristol and Richmond.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bristol and Richmond.
-
1
Start on Sullins Street
23 m · 5 sec · Sullins Street
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2
Turn right onto Commonwealth Avenue
1.1 mi · 1 min · Commonwealth Avenue
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3
Continue straight
1.1 mi · 2 min
-
4
Keep slight right to continue on I 81 North: Roanoke
1959 ft · 30 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
70 mi · 1 hr 15 min
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6
Continue straight
7.1 mi · 8 min
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
139.7 mi · 2 hr 34 min
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8
Continue straight
1353 ft · 18 sec
-
9
Keep slight right to continue on I 64 East: Richmond
99.3 mi · 1 hr 50 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward I 195 South: Laburnum Avenue
953 ft · 15 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 195 South
1076 ft · 17 sec
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12
Continue on Beltline Expressway
1.2 km · 1 min · Beltline Expressway
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13
Take the exit slight right toward US 33, US 250: Broad Street, Hamilton Street
969 ft · 24 sec
-
14
Turn straight onto North Hamilton Street
866 ft · 32 sec · North Hamilton Street
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15
Turn left onto West Broad Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · West Broad Street
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16
Turn right onto North Allen Avenue
651 ft · 18 sec · North Allen Avenue
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17
Enter the roundabout toward Marcus-David Peters Circle
84 m · 8 sec · Marcus-David Peters Circle
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Marcus-David Peters Circle
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bristol and Richmond.
Long-distance drive
This route is long enough that fuel, rest stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single maneuver.
I 81 North
Keep slight left to continue on I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
140 mi · 02h 34m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Bristol and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Richmond.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bristol to Richmond?
The road trip is about 322.2 miles (518.5 km) and usually takes 04h 50m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Buchanan is a useful midpoint, sitting about 160.9 miles from Bristol and 161.2 miles from Richmond.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 268.9 miles (432.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 53.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:20 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $45.04 one way or $90.07 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 101 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Bristol and Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Richmond.
Stop Ideas Near Buchanan
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Buchanan.
Clifton Forge
Roanoke
Kemper Street station
White Sulphur Springs
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bristol and Richmond. Straight-line distance: 268.87 mi (432.71 km).
#1 Bristol
Independent city in Virginia, United States
| Population | 17,329 |
| Coordinates | 36.5964900, -82.1884700 |
| Altitude | 512 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Richmond
The capital of Virginia.
| Population | 232,226 |
| Coordinates | 37.5537600, -77.4602600 |
| Altitude | 64 |
| Country | United States |
End: Robert E. Lee Circle (-77.460437, 37.553637)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 518 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 10h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 08h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 06h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 05h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 04h 01m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $45.04 | $90.07 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $50.36 | $100.72 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $54.33 | $108.65 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $63.94 | $127.89 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Virginia · Apr 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.