How far is Salem, VA from Harrisonburg, VA?
The driving distance from Salem, VA to Harrisonburg, VA is about 109.4 miles (176 km), with a travel time of about 01h 46m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 102.8 miles (165.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 33m 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 46m.
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.
Independent city 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 Salem and Harrisonburg.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salem and Harrisonburg.
-
1
Start on North College Avenue
12 m · 9 sec · North College Avenue
-
2
Turn left onto East Main Street
617 ft · 23 sec · East Main Street
-
3
Turn left onto Thompson Memorial Drive
1.5 mi · 3 min · Thompson Memorial Drive
-
4
Take the ramp right toward I 81 North: Lexington
1154 ft · 28 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
81.1 mi · 1 hr 29 min
-
6
Keep slight left
24.3 mi · 27 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward VA 253: Harrisonburg
1025 ft · 32 sec
-
8
Turn left onto Port Republic Road
3246 ft · 2 min · Port Republic Road
-
9
Turn right onto South Main Street
1.1 mi · 4 min · South Main Street
-
10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · North Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Salem 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 North
Merge slight left
81.1 mi · 01h 29m
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.
Patchy Frost leaving Salem and Sunny near Harrisonburg.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Salem to Harrisonburg?
The road trip is about 109.4 miles (176 km) and usually takes 01h 46m 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?
Buena Vista is a useful midpoint, sitting about 54.6 miles from Salem and 54.7 miles from Harrisonburg.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 102.8 miles (165.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.6 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:56 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $15.29 one way or $30.58 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 34.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Patchy Frost around Salem and Sunny near Harrisonburg.
Stop Ideas Near Buena Vista
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 Buena Vista.
Kemper Street station
Clifton Forge
Staunton station
Roanoke
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Salem and Harrisonburg. Straight-line distance: 102.78 mi (165.41 km).
#1 Salem
Salem is a place in Virginia, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 37.2934700, -80.0547600 |
| Altitude | 325 |
| 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: 176 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $15.29 | $30.58 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $17.10 | $34.19 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $18.44 | $36.89 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $21.71 | $43.42 |
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 21, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.