How far is Charlottesville, VA from Buena Vista, VA?
The driving distance from Charlottesville, VA to Buena Vista, VA is about 73.8 miles (118.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 24m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 52 miles (83.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 48m 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 24m.
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 Charlottesville and Buena Vista.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Charlottesville and Buena Vista.
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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
2.9 mi · 3 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward US 60 East: Buena Vista
1617 ft · 40 sec
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11
Continue on East Midland Trail
3 mi · 3 min · East Midland Trail
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12
Continue on 29th Street
3092 ft · 40 sec · 29th Street
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13
Take the exit right
92 m · 8 sec
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14
Merge slight left onto Beech Avenue
2224 ft · 31 sec · Beech Avenue
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15
Continue on Sycamore Avenue
147 m · 14 sec · Sycamore Avenue
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16
Turn left onto West 21st Street
135 m · 20 sec · West 21st Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 21st Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Charlottesville and Buena Vista.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Monticello Avenue
Merge slight left
64.4 mi · 01h 10m
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 Charlottesville and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Buena Vista.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Charlottesville to Buena Vista?
The road trip is about 73.8 miles (118.7 km) and usually takes 01h 24m 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 36.8 miles from Charlottesville and 36.9 miles from Buena Vista.
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 21.8 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 3:42 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.30 one way or $20.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 23.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers around Charlottesville and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Buena Vista.
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 Charlottesville and Buena Vista. Straight-line distance: 52 mi (83.69 km).
#1 Charlottesville
The capital of Virginia.
| Population | 46,950 |
| Coordinates | 38.0293100, -78.4766800 |
| Altitude | 142 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Buena Vista
Independent city in Virginia, United States
| Population | 6,402 |
| Coordinates | 37.7343000, -79.3539200 |
| Altitude | 255 |
| Country | United States |
End: Buena Vista (-79.35392, 37.7343)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 119 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 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 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 55m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $10.30 | $20.60 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $11.52 | $23.03 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $12.42 | $24.85 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $14.62 | $29.24 |
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.