How far is Gainesville, VA from Harrisonburg, VA?
The driving distance from Gainesville, VA to Harrisonburg, VA is about 99 miles (159.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 71.8 miles (115.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 04m 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 32m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gainesville and Harrisonburg.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gainesville and Harrisonburg.
-
1
Start on Lee Highway
1.1 mi · 1 min · Lee Highway
-
2
Take the exit straight toward I 66 West: Front Royal
1.2 km · 2 min
-
3
Merge slight left
42.2 mi · 45 min
-
4
Keep slight left to continue on I 81 South: Roanoke
1 km · 1 min
-
5
Merge slight right onto I 81 South: Roanoke
52.5 mi · 57 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward US 33 West: Harrisonburg
1187 ft · 29 sec
-
7
Turn straight onto East Market Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · East Market Street
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8
At the end of the road, turn right onto North Main Street
15 m · 2 sec · North Main Street
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gainesville and Harrisonburg.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 81 South
Merge slight right onto I 81 South: Roanoke
52.5 mi · 00h 57m
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.
Sunny leaving Gainesville and Sunny near Harrisonburg.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gainesville to Harrisonburg?
The road trip is about 99 miles (159.3 km) and usually takes 01h 32m 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?
Strasburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.5 miles from Gainesville and 49.5 miles from Harrisonburg.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 71.8 miles (115.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.2 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 3:26 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.82 one way or $27.65 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Gainesville and Sunny near Harrisonburg.
Stop Ideas Near Strasburg
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 Strasburg.
Martinsburg station
Harpers Ferry
Culpeper station
Cumberland, MD
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gainesville and Harrisonburg. Straight-line distance: 71.84 mi (115.62 km).
#1 Gainesville
Gainesville is a place in Virginia, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 38.7956700, -77.6138800 |
| Altitude | 108 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Harrisonburg
The most populous city in Virginia.
| Population | 53,204 |
| Coordinates | 38.4495700, -78.8689200 |
| Altitude | 404 |
| Country | United States |
End: North Main Street (-78.868577, 38.449511)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 159 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 17m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $13.82 | $27.65 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $15.46 | $30.91 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $16.68 | $33.35 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $19.63 | $39.26 |
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 · May 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.