Road Trips from Arlington, VA
Looking for a quick escape from Arlington? You've got options ranging from short, easy drives to longer hauls. Many of your closest destinations are under an hour away and feature the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail for a dose of nature without a huge time commitment. If you're up for a longer drive, several routes over 100 miles open up opportunities to visit significant historical parks like Petersburg National Battlefield and Colonial National Historical Park, with mostly flat terrain making for a comfortable journey.
Total Routes
63
Shortest
0.3h
With Parks Nearby
54
Under 2 hours
26 total in this range
Ashland, VA
1h 49m89.1 mi one way
This 1.8-hour drive to Ashland offers a solid 89 miles of mixed highway and surface roads, scoring a 9 for its drive quality. It's a good middle-ground option if you want more distance than the closest destinations but aren't ready for a full day trip.
Bealeton, VA
1h 14m52.8 mi one way
At just 1.2 hours and 52.8 miles, Bealeton is a convenient option. The drive profile is a mix of highway and surface roads, scoring a 9 for its quality, making it a straightforward trip for a few hours out.
Fairfax Station, VA
30m17.3 mi one way
This is your closest option at only 17.3 miles and 30 minutes. The drive is mostly highway, scoring an 8, and it directly accesses the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, making it ideal for a short nature break.
Ravensworth, VA
22m13.4 mi one way
Clocking in at 13.4 miles and just 24 minutes, Ravensworth is another very close destination. The drive is a mix of highway and surface roads with a score of 8, and it also offers access to the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
Buckhall, VA
46m28.7 mi one way
With a drive of 28.7 miles and 0.8 hours, Buckhall is an easy trip. The route is mostly highway, rated an 8 for its drive quality, and it provides access to the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
Full-day getaway
26 total in this range
Hampton, VA
3h 26m175.8 mi one way
This 3.4-hour drive to Hampton covers 175.8 miles with a highway-focused profile, scoring a 9. It’s one of your best bets for reaching significant historical sites like Colonial National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument.
Colonial Heights, VA
2h 34m125.3 mi one way
A 2.6-hour drive covering 125.3 miles, this route is mostly highway with a drive score of 9. It's a strong contender for visiting Petersburg National Battlefield, offering a substantial historical experience.
Richmond, VA
2h 7m103.5 mi one way
This 2.1-hour drive to Richmond spans 103.5 miles with a mixed highway and surface road profile and a drive score of 9. The terrain is mostly flat, and you'll find parks like Petersburg National Battlefield and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail accessible.
Williamsburg, VA
2h 58m150.3 mi one way
At 3 hours and 150.3 miles, this route features a mixed highway and surface drive score of 9. The mostly flat terrain and access to Colonial National Historical Park make it a great option for a longer historical exploration.
Chesapeake, VA
3h 55m195 mi one way
This is your longest drive at 3.9 hours and 195 miles, with a mixed highway and surface road profile scoring a 9. It’s a significant journey that brings you closer to parks like Colonial National Historical Park and Fort Monroe National Monument.
Weekend trip
11 total in this range
Timberlake, VA
4h 2m184.5 mi one way
A 4-hour drive covering 184.5 miles, this route has a mixed highway and surface profile scoring a 9. The mostly flat terrain and proximity to Shenandoah National Park and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park offer diverse activities.
Altavista, VA
4h 24m198.4 mi one way
This is the longest drive at 4.4 hours and 198.4 miles, with a mixed highway and surface road profile and a drive score of 9. The mostly flat terrain, combined with access to Shenandoah National Park and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, provides a comprehensive trip.
Chatmoss, VA
5h 42m252.2 mi one way
Cedar Bluff, VA
4h 27m235.8 mi one way
Bassett, VA
5h 36m283.7 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Hampton, VA
3h 26m175.8 mi one way
Colonial Heights, VA
2h 34m125.3 mi one way
Richmond, VA
2h 7m103.5 mi one way
Timberlake, VA
4h 2m184.5 mi one way
Hampton, VA
3h 26m175.8 mi one way
Richmond, VA
2h 7m103.5 mi one way
Williamsburg, VA
2h 58m150.3 mi one way
Chesapeake, VA
3h 55m195 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant driving conditions on the mostly flat terrain, with the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail providing accessible green spaces for early blooms.
Summer
Summer drives are well-suited for the mixed highway and surface routes, with opportunities to explore historical parks like Colonial National Historical Park.
Fall
Fall is ideal for the longer drives, as the mostly flat terrain makes for comfortable travel to destinations with historical parks.
Winter
Winter drives are manageable, with shorter options like Fairfax Station providing access to the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, weather permitting.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Arlington, VA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.