🚗 JMU Move-out Day Trip

Annandale, VA → Harrisonburg, VA → Annandale, VA
May 13, 2026 · Depart ~~10:00 am · Same-day return

Trip Overview

📌 Today's trip — May 13, 2026. Single day, round trip. Depart Annandale at ~10:00 am.

🏁 Origin

Annandale, VA

Depart: ~10:00 am

📍 Destination

Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University

🔄 Return

Annandale, VA

Est. 4:00-5:00 pm

🎯 Purpose

Matty's Move-Out assistance

Help Matty pack up and move out of residence for the end of the academic year.

⛽ Fuel Stop

Buc-ee's — Rockingham County, VA

Stop for fuel, snacks, and restrooms on the return leg.

Day Itinerary — May 13, 2026

Total drive time (one way): ~2 hrs (approx. 120 miles via I-66 W and US-33 W / I-81 S)

Total estimated trip time: 6-7 hours depending on time at JMU

~10:00 am
🏠 Depart — Annandale, VA
Leave from home. Head west via I-66 W. Grab coffee or snacks before departure if needed.
~10:15 am
🛣️ I-66 W → I-81 S
Travel west on I-66 to Strasburg, then south on I-81 to Harrisonburg (Exit 247A or 245). Approximately 120 miles, ~2 hours.
~12:00 pm
🎓 Arrive — James Madison University
Matty's Move-Out. Assist loading vehicle with Matty's belongings. Allow 1.5-2 hours depending on what needs to be packed.
~1:30-2:00 pm
🚗 Depart JMU — Head South
Leave Harrisonburg on I-81 S. Buc-ee's is located in Mt. Crawford/Rockingham County.
~2:00-2:30 pm
⛽ Buc-ee's — Rockingham County, VA
Fuel up the vehicle. Grab snacks, drinks, and use the restrooms before the 2-hour return drive. Budget 20-30 minutes here.
~2:30 pm
🛣️ Return — I-81 N → I-66 E
Head northeast back to Northern Virginia. Traffic on I-66 E into the DC metro area may be heavier in mid-afternoon.
~4:00-5:00 pm
🏠 Arrive — Annandale, VA
Return home. Time may vary with traffic on I-66 E approaching the Beltway. Allow extra buffer on a Wednesday afternoon.

Driving Information

Outbound Route

DepartAnnandale, VA
Highway 1I-66 W
Highway 2I-81 S (from Strasburg)
ExitExit 247A (Port Republic Rd) or 245
ArriveHarrisonburg / JMU
Distance~120 miles
Est. Drive Time~2 hours
📍 Open in Apple Maps

Return Route

DepartHarrisonburg / JMU
Highway 1I-81 S
StopBuc-ee's, Rockingham County, VA
Highway 1I-81 N
Highway 2I-66 E (from Strasburg)
ArriveAnnandale, VA
Distance~120 miles
Est. Drive Time~2 hrs (+ traffic buffer)
📍 Open in Apple Maps

Driving Tips

✅ I-66 W — Some HOV/Express Lane restrictions during peak hours; check VA 511 or Waze before departing at 10 am.

✅ I-81 — High truck traffic. Keep right except to pass. Construction zones are common; allow extra time.

✅ Return traffic — Wednesday afternoon traffic on I-66 E toward DC typically builds after 3:30-4:00 pm. Arriving at the Beltway before 4 pm is advisable.

✅ Use Apple Maps, Waze, or VA 511 for real-time traffic. VA 511 hotline: 511

Parking at JMU

NOTE: JMU Move-Out typically designates specific loading zones near residence halls. Confirm parking instructions with Matty beforehand.

📌 JMU Parking Services: (540) 568-3300

🔗 JMU Parking Info

Planned Stops

Stop 1 · ~12:00 pm · Harrisonburg, VA

🎓 James Madison University — Matty's Move-Out

Primary Stop ~1.5-2 hrs
PurposeAssist Matty with end-of-year move-out
LocationHarrisonburg, VA 22807
Check-inConfirm hall/dorm with Matty before arrival
ParkingUse designated Move-Out loading zones

What to bring: Moving boxes, packing tape, heavy-duty trash bags, bungee cords or rope if hauling large items.

📍 Apple Maps   🎓 JMU Move-Out Info
Stop 2 · ~2:00-2:30 pm · Rockingham County, VA

⛽ Buc-ee's — Fuel & Snack Stop

Fuel Stop ~20-30 min
LocationBuc-ee's, Mt. Crawford / Rockingham County, VA
On RouteNear I-81, northbound before I-66
ServicesFuel, restrooms, snacks, drinks, food

See the for full info.

📍 Apple Maps

⛽ Buc-ee's — Rockingham County, VA

Buc-ee's opened in Mt. Crawford, VA (Augusta County, near Rockingham border) — verify the exact address via Apple Maps before departure as new locations may have updated details.

Location Details

CityMt. Crawford, VA (Rockingham County area)
HighwayNear I-81, northbound side
HoursOpen 24 hours
📍 Find on Apple Maps

What to Expect

✅ Fuel: Multiple pump islands — fast fill-up, usually no wait

✅ Restrooms: Famously clean, large facility

✅ Food: Brisket, kolaches, sandwiches, beaver nuggets

✅ Snacks & drinks: Wide selection for the road home

✅ Gear: Buc-ee's branded merchandise if you want souvenirs

Tips for Buc-ee's

🚗 Pull to the far end of the fuel island — there are usually more open pumps there.

🍖 If lunch hasn't happened yet, the brisket sandwich and kolaches are popular picks.

🧃 Stock up on snacks and drinks for the 2-hour return drive — beverages, trail mix, and jerky are all solid options.

⏱️ Budget 20-30 minutes. It's easy to spend longer inside — set a time to be back in the car.

Packing Checklist

Vehicle / Move-Out Supplies

Personal & Road Trip

Pre-Departure Vehicle Check

Trip Contacts

Key Contacts

ST
Matty's
JMU — Move-Out
📞 Add phone number · 📍 Confirm dorm/hall & room before arrival
JMU
JMU Parking Services
Parking & Move-Out logistics
📞 (540) 568-3300
911
Emergency Services
Police / Fire / Medical
📞 911 (anywhere along route)
511
Virginia 511
Road conditions & traffic
📞 511 · 511virginia.org

Roadside Assistance

Enter your roadside assistance provider and membership number here (AAA, insurance roadside, etc.)

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Membership #___________________________
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