How far is Charlottesville, VA from Bristol, VA?
The driving distance from Charlottesville, VA to Bristol, VA is about 256.3 miles (412.4 km), with a travel time of about 04h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 226.7 miles (364.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 28m 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 44m.
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.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Charlottesville and Bristol.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Charlottesville and Bristol.
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1
Start on the route
71 m · 19 sec
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2
Turn right onto East Market Street
75 m · 15 sec · East Market Street
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3
Turn right onto 9th Street Northeast
55 m · 6 sec · 9th Street Northeast
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4
Continue on 9th Street Southeast
669 ft · 11 sec · 9th Street Southeast
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5
Continue on Avon Street
1400 ft · 54 sec · Avon Street
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6
Turn left onto Monticello Avenue
1.6 km · 2 min · Monticello Avenue
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7
Take the ramp straight
1818 ft · 44 sec
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8
Merge slight left
64.4 mi · 1 hr 10 min
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9
Keep slight left
117.1 mi · 2 hr 10 min
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10
Continue straight
1.3 mi · 1 min
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11
Keep slight left
68.6 mi · 1 hr 14 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 381: Bristol
1.2 km · 1 min
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13
Continue straight
1 mi · 2 min
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14
Continue on Commonwealth Avenue
1.1 mi · 2 min · Commonwealth Avenue
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15
Turn left onto Sullins Street
35 m · 5 sec · Sullins Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Sullins Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Charlottesville and Bristol.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Monticello Avenue
Keep slight left
117 mi · 02h 10m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Charlottesville and Showers And Thunderstorms near Bristol.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Charlottesville to Bristol?
The road trip is about 256.3 miles (412.4 km) and usually takes 04h 44m 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?
Shawsville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 128 miles from Charlottesville and 128.3 miles from Bristol.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 226.7 miles (364.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.6 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 7:32 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $35.81 one way or $71.61 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 80.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Charlottesville and Showers And Thunderstorms near Bristol.
Stop Ideas Near Shawsville
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 Shawsville.
Blacksburg, VA
Roanoke
White Sulphur Springs
Alderson
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Charlottesville and Bristol. Straight-line distance: 226.7 mi (364.84 km).
#1 Charlottesville
The capital of Virginia.
| Population | 46,950 |
| Coordinates | 38.0293100, -78.4766800 |
| Altitude | 142 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Bristol
Independent city in Virginia, United States
| Population | 17,329 |
| Coordinates | 36.5964900, -82.1884700 |
| Altitude | 512 |
| Country | United States |
End: Bristol (-82.18847, 36.59649)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 412 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $35.81 | $71.61 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $40.04 | $80.08 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $43.19 | $86.39 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $50.84 | $101.68 |
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.