Road Tripping from Boston to Charlottesville

Looking for adventure and wanting to explore the beauty of Virginia? Then hit the road and leave Boston behind for a scenic drive to Charlottesville. Located in the heart of Virginia, Charlottesville has a lot to offer, from stunning vineyards and historical landmarks to gorgeous natural scenery and exciting events.

But before you start packing your bags, let's take a look at the best routes for your journey.

The Distance

The distance between Boston and Charlottesville is around 640 miles, which means a long journey ahead. This will take you around 11 hours without accounting for stops or delays, but worry not, there are various routes to make the trek less daunting.

The Routes

Route 1: The Interstate

The most direct and popular way to get from Boston to Charlottesville is by driving through the interstate. It's a direct route traveling southbound on I-95, crossing multiple states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and finally, Virginia.

This route is the simplest and fastest, taking approximately 10-11 hours. It's a great option if you're looking to make a quick, uninterrupted journey without frequent stops. We recommend finding pit stops in Maryland, such as Lunchbox Laboratory or in Virginia, such as Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

Do you want to make a more adventurous journey, taking in the natural beauty of the area's countryside and towns? We suggest taking Route 29, aka the Blue Ridge Parkway, which passes through Charlottesville. This route is the longer of the two, taking you through Virginia and into North Carolina before backtracking onto Charlottesville.

This drive typically takes around 15 hours, including a stopover for the night. However, along the way, you can check out beautiful landscapes and charming towns. You can stop in Staunton to view the site of the American Shakespeare Center or visit the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia.

Route 3: The Coastal Route

Another popular route is the coastal route, which takes you along the East Coast to explore the gorgeous scenic beauty of Florida and Georgia. Starting from Boston, you'll need to take I-95 South toward New York City and then continue to follow the Interstate until you reach Jacksonville, Florida.

This route takes around 20 hours, sans stopovers, but you can break it up into two days and discover beautiful beaches, plus the must-visit St. Augustine in Florida.

Recommendations for Your Road Trip

From beautiful mansion tours to hiking, Charlottesville has everything you need to feel rejuvenated. Before you embark on your journey, make a list of places you want to stop at along the way. We recommend checking out Gettysburg National Military Park, Scituate Lighthouse MA, and Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel.

While traveling, make pit stops at some of the notable eateries across the states. Peggy's Diner in Connecticut serves up American classics, and Exmore Diner is a quirky hotspot in Virginia known for their fried chicken, catfish, and waffles.

Final Thoughts

Driving from Boston to Charlottesville is a long and exciting journey that'll take you through many sights and sounds. Whether you choose the direct interstate drive or an adventurous trip through the scenic road, it's a road trip that'll create memories that last a lifetime. Just remember to stay safe and enjoy everything that the trip has to offer.