Alexandria, VA to Pembroke, VA is 281.6 miles and takes about 5h 34m via I-81 and I-66, with a fuel budget near $44 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within Virginia, starting in the Southeast region and ending in the same area. With a majority of the drive on interstates, it's a straightforward trip focused on covering ground efficiently. You'll want to consider this if you're looking for a direct path through the state, prioritizing speed over extensive sightseeing.
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
140.8 miles from Alexandria, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 42m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
158.8 mi
2h 53m
I 66
64.2 mi
1h 12m
Virginia Avenue
10.3 mi
13m
Mount Tabor Road
9.1 mi
15m
Catawba Valley Drive
9 mi
12m
Capital Beltway
8.8 mi
10m
Newport Road
7.7 mi
12m
Capital Beltway (Local)
5 mi
6m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 158.8 mi, about 2h 53m
Traffic on I-81
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 81 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,716 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,248
Quietest
2 AM
~248 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.9×
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 Pembroke, 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 right at fork onto I 495
0.7 mi·47 sec·Capital Beltway
Use the straight lane.
12
Continue on I 495
2.4 mi·2 min·Capital Beltway
Exit 170AToward I 495 North: Tysons CornerUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 495
5.7 mi·7 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 49BToward I 66 West: Vienna, Front RoyalUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Merge onto I 66
64 mi·1 hr 12 min·I 66
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 1AToward I 81 South: RoanokeUse the straight lane.
17
Merge onto I 81
109 mi·1 hr 58 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
50 mi·55 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 141Toward VA 419: Salem, New Castle
20
Keep slight left at fork
252 ft·8 sec
21
Turn left onto VA 419
0.4 mi·48 sec·North Electric Road
22
Continue on VA 419
107 ft·1 sec·North Electric Road
23
Turn straight onto VA 311
9.0 mi·12 min·Catawba Valley Drive
24
Turn left onto SR 624
7.7 mi·12 min·Newport Road
25
Continue on SR 624
9.1 mi·15 min·Mount Tabor Road
26
Turn right onto SR 649
1.5 mi·2 min·Coal Bank Hollow Road
27
Turn right onto US 460
3.4 mi·4 min·Pandapas Pond Road
28
Continue on US 460
10 mi·13 min·Virginia Avenue
29
Turn left onto SR 623
420 ft·18 sec·Cascade Drive
30
Arrive at destination
SR 623
Trip Plan
For this roughly 5.5-hour drive, leaving in the morning will give you plenty of time to arrive before evening. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility in pacing. The longest stretch without a significant break is 158.8 miles on I-81, so plan a stop around that point if needed. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially as you approach Pembroke, as the fuel cost estimate is $44. Consider filling up before you hit more rural sections if you're running low.
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 140.8 miles from Alexandria, VA, or about 2h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 158.8 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 62 miles or 1h 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 140.8 miles or 2h 42m 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 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pembroke, 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 281.6 miles and 5h 34m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 62 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 81 for about 158.8 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 80.5 — 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 495 / Capital Beltway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 495 / Capital Beltway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
15.4 mi into trip|~22m in
Take the exit toward I 66 West: Vienna, Front Royal
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 49B
Toward I 66 West: Vienna, Front Royal
8
80.5 mi into trip|~1h 36m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 81 South: Roanoke
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1A
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$41.57 one way
$83.15 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg99 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$45.69
$91.38
premium
$4.49
$49.80
$99.60
diesel
$4.80
$53.17
$106.34
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 98.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
84.5
1
$29.57
$13.52
Efficient EV
70.4
0
$24.64
$11.26
EV Truck/SUV
112.6
1
$39.42
$18.02
Gas CO2
99 kg
EV CO2
33 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Alexandria, VA
Late night
in Alexandria on Sunday
Local time
4:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Smoke
NW 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 4:16PM EDT until July 17 at 4:30PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 4:15PM EDT until July 17 at 4:45PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Destination
Pembroke, VA
Late night
in Pembroke on Sunday
Local time
4:17 AM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Patchy Smoke
SE 1 mph9% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 4:16PM EDT until July 17 at 4:30PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 17 at 4:15PM EDT until July 17 at 4:45PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 34m 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.
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires today. Native Americans first shaped the land, followed by colonists and settlers. The fertile valley became an important...
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over...
15 mi from route
~39 min detour
$30
near mile 116.5
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
20 mi from route
~51 min detour
Free
near mile 233.1
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!
22 mi from route
~56 min detour
Free
near mile 29.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 79% of the 281.6 miles on interstates like I-81 and I-66. You'll experience a long stretch of 158.8 miles on I-81, offering continuous cruising. Surface roads, including Virginia Avenue, will become more prominent as you get closer to your destination. Expect to notice frequent exits and merges as you navigate the interstate system for the bulk of your travel.
79% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 158.8 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 66. 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 Effort9/10
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 23 significant decision points across 281.6 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 495 / Capital Beltway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,028 ft37 ft
Total Climb
2,565 ft
Total Descent
951 ft
Highest Point
2,028 ft
~261.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,991 ft
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 Pembroke, VA, road signs point toward Front Royal and New Castle.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 34m. Total distance: 281.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (79%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 158.8 miles on I 81. 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 Pembroke, 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 6.6 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Shenandoah National Park and Booker T Washington National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Pembroke, VA before the return drive.
