Richmond, VA to Madison, WI

State capital to state capital route

17h 23m
Drive Time
957
Miles
$111
Gas Cost
7
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Richmond Va to Madison Wi?

The drive from Richmond Va to Madison Wi takes approximately 17h 23m, covering 957 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $111 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 24–25+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
14h 47m
🔵 Typical
17h 23m
🔴 Heavy traffic
25h 12m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance957 miles
Drive Time17h 23min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$111
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$126-$161

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 2 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Richmond Va to Madison Wi

For a long drive like Richmond Va to Madison Wi, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Approximate route shown. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
17h 23m
~$111 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 25m
~$144–$335 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 55m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
17h 23m
~$111
🚌 Bus
21h 16m
~$77–$172
🚂 Train
17h 24m
~$115–$287

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Richmond, VA to Madison, WI?
The drive takes approximately 17 hours and 23 minutes covering 957 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 31 gallons of gas, costing approximately $111 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities.