How far is Buena Vista, VA from Charlottesville, VA?
The driving distance from Buena Vista, VA to Charlottesville, VA is about 73.4 miles (118.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 11m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 52 miles (83.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 22m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 01h 11m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Buena Vista and Charlottesville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buena Vista and Charlottesville.
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1
Start on East 21st Street
135 m · 24 sec · East 21st Street
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2
Turn right onto Sycamore Avenue
147 m · 6 sec · Sycamore Avenue
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3
Turn straight onto Beech Avenue
2457 ft · 42 sec · Beech Avenue
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4
Turn left onto West 29th Street
1 km · 43 sec · West 29th Street
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5
Continue on East Midland Trail
2.7 mi · 3 min · East Midland Trail
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6
Take the exit slight right
1800 ft · 44 sec
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7
Merge slight left
32.4 mi · 35 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 64 East: Richmond
32.6 mi · 36 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward VA 631: Charlottesville
1079 ft · 28 sec
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10
Turn left onto 5th Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · 5th Street
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11
Continue on Ridge Street
2100 ft · 1 min · Ridge Street
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12
Turn slight right onto Water Street West
787 ft · 32 sec · Water Street West
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13
Turn left onto 2nd Street Southwest
567 ft · 29 sec · 2nd Street Southwest
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14
Turn right onto West Market Street
1620 ft · 59 sec · West Market Street
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15
Turn right onto 7th Street Northeast
87 m · 16 sec · 7th Street Northeast
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Buena Vista and Charlottesville.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 64 East
Keep slight right to continue on I 64 East: Richmond
32.6 mi · 00h 36m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Buena Vista and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Charlottesville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Buena Vista to Charlottesville?
The road trip is about 73.4 miles (118.2 km) and usually takes 01h 11m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Jolivue is a useful midpoint, sitting about 36.1 miles from Buena Vista and 37.3 miles from Charlottesville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 52 miles (83.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 21.4 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:08 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.26 one way or $20.52 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Buena Vista and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Charlottesville.
Stop Ideas Near Jolivue
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 Jolivue.
Staunton station
Charlottesville Union Station
Clifton Forge
Kemper Street station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Buena Vista and Charlottesville. Straight-line distance: 52 mi (83.69 km).
#1 Buena Vista
Independent city in Virginia, United States
| Population | 6,402 |
| Coordinates | 37.7343000, -79.3539200 |
| Altitude | 255 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Charlottesville
The capital of Virginia.
| Population | 46,950 |
| Coordinates | 38.0293100, -78.4766800 |
| Altitude | 142 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-78.476567, 38.029526)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 118 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $10.26 | $20.52 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $11.47 | $22.94 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $12.38 | $24.75 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $14.57 | $29.13 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.