This 113-mile drive from Alexandria, VA to Bellwood, VA takes about 2 hours and 16 minutes, making it a perfect one-day trip. Primarily on I-95 and the Capital Beltway (Local), you'll spend 93% of your time on highways. The estimated fuel cost is around $18, which is quite budget-friendly for this distance. Since both locations are in the Southeast region, you won't experience a major shift in scenery, but rather a consistent highway-focused journey. This route is straightforward and ideal for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
56.5 miles from Alexandria, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
95.6 mi
1h 49m
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
7.6 mi
9m
Capital Beltway (Local)
5 mi
6m
Route 1
1.9 mi
3m
Pocahontas Parkway
0.3 mi
<1m
South Washington Street
0.3 mi
<1m
South Patrick Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Gibbon Street
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 95.6 mi, about 1h 49m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 100 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,303 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,875
Quietest
2 AM
~448 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alexandria, VA and Bellwood, VA.
1
Start on VA 400
75 ft·6 sec·South Washington Street
2
Turn right onto King Street
314 ft·14 sec·King Street
3
Turn right onto South Saint Asaph Street
0.2 mi·41 sec·South Saint Asaph Street
4
Turn right onto Duke Street
334 ft·18 sec·Duke Street
5
Turn left onto VA 400
0.2 mi·50 sec·South Washington Street
6
Turn right onto Gibbon Street
0.2 mi·37 sec·Gibbon Street
7
Turn left onto US 1
0.2 mi·34 sec·South Patrick Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
8
Take the exit
438 ft·10 sec
Toward I 95 South, I 495 West, I 95 North, I 495 East: Richmond, BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 South, I 495 WestUse the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto I 95; I 495
5.0 mi·6 min·Capital Beltway (Local)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
37 mi·43 min·I 95
Use the slight left lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
58 mi·1 hr 5 min·I 95
Use the straight lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
7.6 mi·9 min·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward VA 150 North: Chippenham ParkwayUse the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto VA 150
0.3 mi·19 sec·Pocahontas Parkway
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Toward US 1 South, US 301 South: Route 1, PetersburgUse the right lane.
17
Turn straight onto US 1; US 301
1.7 mi·2 min·Route 1
Use the left lane.
18
Continue on US 1; US 301
0.2 mi·21 sec·Route 1
Use the left lane.
19
Arrive at destination
US 1; US 301
Trip Plan
Given the 2-hour and 16-minute duration, leaving Alexandria, VA in the morning should allow you to reach Bellwood, VA without feeling rushed. With no specific stops recommended, you have flexibility in planning your breaks, though it's always wise to pull over every couple of hours. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch on I-95 is nearly 100 miles. A practical tip for this route: be aware of potential traffic slowdowns on the Capital Beltway (Local) as you initially depart Alexandria, as this section can experience congestion during peak hours.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 56.5 miles from Alexandria, VA, or about 1h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 95.6 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 25 miles or 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 56.5 miles or 1h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bellwood, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Alexandria, VA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Alexandria, VA
This is one driving day of about 113 miles and 2h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 miles from Alexandria, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 95.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 111 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
0.9 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, I 495 West, I 95 North, I 495 East: Richmond, Baltimore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South, I 495 West, I 95 North, I 49...
8
1 mi into trip|~3m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South, I 495 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 95 South, I 495 West
6
6.6 mi into trip|~11m in|I 95
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
7
109.9 mi into trip|~2h 10m in
Take the exit toward VA 150 North: Chippenham Parkway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 67
Toward VA 150 North: Chippenham Parkway
8
111 mi into trip|~2h 13m in
Take the exit toward US 1 South, US 301 South: Route 1, Petersburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward US 1 South, US 301 South: Route 1, Peter...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.97 one way
$35.95 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg40 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$19.60
$39.19
premium
$4.78
$21.26
$42.52
diesel
$5.35
$23.80
$47.60
Estimated Tolls: $0.53
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(7.6 mi)$0.53
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 39.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
33.9
0
$11.87
$5.42
Efficient EV
28.3
0
$9.89
$4.52
EV Truck/SUV
45.2
0
$15.82
$7.23
Gas CO2
40 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (68% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of May 23, 2026
Origin
Alexandria, VA
Evening
in Alexandria on Wednesday
Local time
5:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
57°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
E 12 mph92% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 23 at 3:51PM EDT until May 24 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Bellwood, VA
Evening
in Bellwood on Wednesday
Local time
5:55 PM
EDT
Current temp
63°F
Chance Rain Showers
NE 6 mph30% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 23 at 3:51PM EDT until May 24 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
81°F
Fredericksburg, VA
57 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
6 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 16m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Petersburg National Battlefield
National Battlefield
Two hundred ninety-two days, eight offensives, over 70,000 casualties, U. S. Colored Troops, and the decline of Gen. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia all describe the Siege of Petersburg. U.S. forces c...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 113
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 113-mile drive, with 93% of the route utilizing major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 95.6 miles along I-95, offering a consistent pace. You'll navigate sections of the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and the Capital Beltway (Local) as well. This road profile suggests a drive characterized by steady speeds and minimal distractions, allowing for a predictable travel time.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 95.6 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 113 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.6 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 16m. Total distance: 113 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 95.6 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.53 in tolls one way, starting with Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Bellwood, VA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. There are 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.6 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Bellwood, VA before heading back.
