This 243.1-mile journey from Alexandria, VA to Danville, VA is designed for a single day of travel, taking approximately 5 hours and 7 minutes to complete. You'll navigate a mix of major highways and local roads, with about 44% of the drive on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $38, making it an economical option. Given the duration and distance, this route is well-suited for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. The drive connects two locations within the Southeast region of the US, offering a straightforward travel experience.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
121.6 miles from Alexandria, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 28m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
92 mi
1h 44m
Patrick Henry Highway
41.9 mi
52m
Kings Highway
22.4 mi
26m
Philpott Road
19.7 mi
25m
James D Hagood Highway
14.8 mi
18m
Hull Street Road
13.9 mi
20m
Powhite Parkway
10.8 mi
13m
South Boston Highway
5.3 mi
7m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 92 mi, about 1h 44m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Alexandria, VA and Danville, 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
55 mi·1 hr·I 95
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·18 sec
Exit 79Toward I 195 South, I 64 West: CharlottesvilleUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·33 sec
Toward I 195 SouthUse the slight left lane.
15
Continue on I 195
2.1 mi·2 min·Beltline Expressway
Use the straight lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 76
2.2 mi·3 min·Powhite Parkway
Toward SR 160, US 60, US 360: Powhite ParkwayUse the straight lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 76
1.0 mi·1 min·E-ZPass Only (Powhite Parkway)
18
Merge onto VA 76
8.6 mi·10 min·Powhite Parkway
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Toward VA 288 South: Amelia, ChesterfieldUse the slight right lane.
20
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
21
Merge onto VA 288
1.9 mi·2 min·World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward US 360 West: Hull Street Road, Amelia
23
Merge onto US 360
14 mi·20 min·Hull Street Road
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on US 360
25 mi·31 min·Patrick Henry Highway
25
Continue on US 360; US 460
1.5 mi·2 min·West Colonial Trail Highway
26
Keep slight left at fork onto US 360
17 mi·21 min·Patrick Henry Highway
27
Keep slight left at fork onto US 360
22 mi·26 min·Kings Highway
28
Continue on US 360
15 mi·18 min·James D Hagood Highway
29
Continue on US 360
0.9 mi·1 min·John Randolph Boulevard
30
Continue on US 360
0.3 mi·31 sec·James D Hagood Highway
31
Continue on US 360
0.4 mi·36 sec·John Randolph Boulevard
32
Turn right onto US 58; US 360
0.7 mi·1 min·Bill Tuck Highway
33
Continue on US 58; US 360
20 mi·25 min·Philpott Road
34
Continue on US 58; US 360
5.3 mi·7 min·South Boston Highway
35
Continue on US 58; US 360
4.2 mi·7 min·South Boston Road
36
Continue on US 360; US 58 BUS
0.6 mi·1 min·River Street
37
Turn left onto VA 293
0.6 mi·1 min·Main Street
38
Turn left onto VA 293
105 ft·2 sec·South Ridge Street
39
Arrive at destination
VA 293
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Alexandria to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic delays. The route has one recommended stop, so plan for a break around the halfway point to stretch your legs and refuel. With a longest stretch of 92 miles on I-95, be prepared for that section of continuous driving before the road conditions change. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering longer stretches between services, as the $38 fuel cost is an estimate and actual prices can vary.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 121.6 miles from Alexandria, VA, or about 2h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 92 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 53 miles or 1h 5m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 121.6 miles or 2h 28m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 6m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Danville, 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 243.1 miles and 5h 7m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 53 miles from Alexandria, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 92 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 101.3 — 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
8
98.6 mi into trip|~1h 56m in
Take the exit toward I 195 South, I 64 West: Charlottesville
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.
Exit 79
Toward I 195 South, I 64 West: Charlottesville
7
98.8 mi into trip|~1h 56m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 195 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 195 South
8
101.3 mi into trip|~1h 59m in|VA 76 / Powhite Parkway
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 76 / Powhite Parkway toward SR 160, US 60, US 360: Powhite Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward SR 160, US 60, US 360: Powhite Parkway
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$38.02 one way
$76.03 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg85 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$41.57
$83.13
premium
$4.70
$44.99
$89.99
diesel
$5.61
$53.67
$107.35
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$38
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
72.9
0
$25.53
$11.67
Efficient EV
60.8
0
$21.27
$9.72
EV Truck/SUV
97.2
1
$34.03
$15.56
Gas CO2
85 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Alexandria, VA
Late night
in Alexandria on Tuesday
Local time
4:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Mostly Cloudy then Scattered Rain Showers
W 6 to 13 mph33% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Danville, VA
Late night
in Danville on Tuesday
Local time
4:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
72°F
Victoria, VA
122 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
8 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
5h 7m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
Free
near mile 117.4
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?
This route presents a mixed drive experience, balancing faster highway travel with more local road segments. With 44% of the journey on highways, you'll encounter stretches of quicker travel, including a significant 92-mile segment on I-95. However, the inclusion of Patrick Henry Highway and Kings Highway means you'll also experience more varied driving conditions. This blend means you won't be stuck in a monotonous interstate grind for the entire trip, offering some changes in scenery and pace as you progress through Virginia.
44% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
39 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 92 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. 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 24 significant decision points across 243.1 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 98.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Alexandria, VA and Danville, VA, road signs point toward Chesterfield and Amelia.
Danville is a city of 40,000 people (2018) in the state of Virginia on the Banks of the Dan River close to the border with North Carolina. Founded in 1793 , Danville is perhaps best known for its role in the Civil War, when it was an important railroad stop for the Confederacy and became the last Confederate capital after Richmond fell to the North.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 7m. Total distance: 243.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 7m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 92 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Danville, 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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
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 98.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Danville, VA before the return drive.
