How far is Harrisonburg, VA from Gainesville, VA?
The driving distance from Harrisonburg, VA to Gainesville, VA is about 99 miles (159.3 km), with a travel time of about 01h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 71.8 miles (115.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 44m 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 52m.
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 Harrisonburg and Gainesville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Harrisonburg and Gainesville.
-
1
Start on North Main Street
102 m · 15 sec · North Main Street
-
2
Turn right onto East Elizabeth Street
552 ft · 28 sec · East Elizabeth Street
-
3
Turn right onto North Mason Street
117 m · 16 sec · North Mason Street
-
4
Turn left onto East Market Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · East Market Street
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward I 81 North: Elkton
955 ft · 23 sec
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6
Merge slight left
52.8 mi · 57 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
1920 ft · 47 sec
-
8
Continue straight
42 mi · 45 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 29: Gainesville
1099 ft · 27 sec
-
10
Keep slight right to continue on US 29 South: Gainesville
2040 ft · 1 min
-
11
Keep slight left to continue on US 29 South: Gainesville, Warrenton
953 ft · 23 sec
-
12
Merge slight left onto Lee Highway
3143 ft · 53 sec · Lee Highway
-
13
Turn right onto McGraws Corner Drive
118 m · 19 sec · McGraws Corner Drive
-
14
Continue on McGraws Corner Drive
139 m · 23 sec · McGraws Corner Drive
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15
Turn left onto Lee Highway
1693 ft · 40 sec · Lee Highway
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lee Highway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Harrisonburg and Gainesville.
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 North
Merge slight left
52.8 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 Harrisonburg and Sunny near Gainesville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Harrisonburg to Gainesville?
The road trip is about 99 miles (159.3 km) and usually takes 01h 52m 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 Harrisonburg and 49.5 miles from Gainesville.
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 2:46 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 Harrisonburg and Sunny near Gainesville.
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 Harrisonburg and Gainesville. Straight-line distance: 71.84 mi (115.62 km).
#1 Harrisonburg
The most populous city in Virginia.
| Population | 53,204 |
| Coordinates | 38.4495700, -78.8689200 |
| Altitude | 404 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Gainesville
Gainesville is a place in Virginia, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 38.7956700, -77.6138800 |
| Altitude | 108 |
| Country | United States |
End: Gainesville (-77.61388, 38.79567)
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.