Driving Time between Bloomington, Illinois and Herndon, Virginia

A picture depicting driving

Road Trip from Bloomington, IL to Herndon, VA: Your Ultimate Guide

Ready for an exciting road trip from Bloomington, Illinois to Herndon, Virginia? While this journey may seem daunting, with some planning, you can make it a fun and memorable experience. We've got you covered with the different routes, drive times, and recommendations for stops along the way.

The Routes Available

The best part about road trips? Flexibility! There are two main routes to consider when travelling from Bloomington to Herndon, and each has its advantages.

The first route is via I-70 E and I-64 E, which takes you through Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia to Virginia. You'll be passing through Columbus, Cincinnati, and Charleston and will see some notable sights like the Burns Art Museum and State Capitol. This route spans a total of 640 miles and can take around 10 hours, depending on traffic.

The second route is via I-55 S and I-81 S, which takes you through Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Along the way, you'll pass through Nashville, Roanoke, and Shenandoah Valley. This route spans a total of 840 miles and can take about 14 hours, depending on traffic.

Drive Times and Recommendations

If you're looking for a direct route, then the first route is for you. The drive time is approximately 10 hours, but the beautiful scenery along the way is worth it. Make sure to take breaks every two hours to stop and stretch your legs. We recommend visiting Columbus, Ohio, for its vibrant art scene, or stopping at Charleston, West Virginia, to visit the Capitol or explore the city's museums.

The second route has more opportunity for sightseeing, but it's longer. Depending on how much time you have, this could be the perfect excuse for an extended road trip. The drive time is approximately 14 hours, so it's essential to make stops to break up the journey. We recommend visiting Nashville, Tennessee, for the music scene or stopping at Roanoke, Virginia, to explore the city's beautiful parks and green spaces.

Best Places to Stop and Stretch Your Legs

As mentioned earlier, it's essential to take breaks every few hours, so we've highlighted some notable places to explore along the way.

  • Columbus, Ohio: This vibrant city offers a range of art museums that cater to all tastes and interests, so it's worth stopping by to see how artsy the city is.
  • Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: For a break from the traffic, this national park is an excellent place to stretch your legs, enjoy a picnic, and take in the stunning scenery, including waterfalls and views of the Great Blue Mountains.
  • Natural Bridge, Virginia: This is a beautiful sight to see as you drive by and an excellent place to explore if you have the time. The natural bridge was formed millions of years ago and is a symbol of Virginia's unique natural beauty.

Conclusion

Your journey from Bloomington, Illinois, to Herndon, Virginia, is an adventure worth exploring. Whether you decide to take the shorter or longer route, there are plenty of beautiful, interesting places to stop along the way. Be sure to take breaks every two hours, and don't forget to enjoy the journey and the stunning scenery that the Midwest and East Coast have to offer. Safe travels!