Heading Towards Richmond: The Time it Takes from Burlington, NC

Have you ever needed to take a road trip and were wary about the drive time? To help ease your worries, we've outlined the estimated travel time from Burlington, North Carolina, to Richmond, Virginia using some of the fastest and slowest routes.

The Fastest Route

Taking the fastest route, which is approximately 128.4 miles, is the best option when you're in a rush. The trip can take you on I-40 E to Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill; then take exit 279B onto I-85 N️ towards Virginia. After 104.1 miles, take exit 67A and merge onto I-95 N towards Petersburg and Richmond. Take exit 75 towards Forest Hill Avenue, turn left onto Forest Hill Avenue, and finally, turn right onto Reedy Creek road towards Kanahwa Plaza.

The estimated travel time usually takes around 2 hours and 7 minutes. However, driving at peak times from 7:30 to 9:00 AM or from 4:30 to 6:00 PM increases the estimated travel time by at least 20 to 25 minutes due to heavy traffic.

The Slowest Route

If you're in no rush and want a more scenic route, taking US-29 N and US-360 W, making a left onto State Route 663, then right onto US-360 W is your best bet. This route is approximately 174.4 miles, almost a 55-mile difference from the faster route.

The journey usually takes around 5 hours and 5 minutes. Again, driving at peak times will increase the driving time to at least 6 hours because of the significant congestion.

Alternative Routes

If the fastest isn't your thing and you don't want such a long drive, another route could be the I-85 North to I-95 North. This route is approximately 155.7 miles and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It provides a more direct route from Burlington to Richmond when compared to the slowest route.⁣

However, if heavy traffic hits, and the estimated travel time is around peak hours, the total travel time from Burlington to Richmond could increase by at least 20 to 25 minutes.

The Verdict

All routes will get you to your destination, but it’s essential to factor in traffic because major congestion could add hours to your travel time. Planning your trip around times with less traffic can reduce the estimated travel time by at least 20 to 25 minutes.

To summarize, the fastest route is the best option when you want to get to Richmond quickly, while the scenic and more relaxed option is the slowest route. The alternative route offers another option for a shorter, more direct drive. Regardless of the route you choose, make sure to leave early if traffic stops, so you don't end up wasting hours on the road.