This 379.8-mile drive from Alexandria, VA to Richlands, VA is a substantial one-day trip, estimated to take about 7 hours and 15 minutes. The route is heavily focused on interstate highways, with 84% of the journey on major roads like I-81, I-66, and I-77. You can expect a fuel cost of around $59 for this trip. While it's doable in a single day, consider breaking it up if you prefer a more relaxed pace. The drive stays within the Southeast region, offering a consistent travel experience throughout. With two planned stops, you'll have opportunities to stretch your legs and refuel.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
189.9 miles from Alexandria, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 35m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
225.8 mi
4h 7m
I 66
64.2 mi
1h 12m
I 77
28.4 mi
31m
Governor G C Peery Highway
27.2 mi
34m
Big Laurel Highway
9.9 mi
11m
Capital Beltway
8.8 mi
10m
Capital Beltway (Local)
5 mi
6m
John Nash Boulevard
2.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 225.8 mi, about 4h 7m
Traffic on I-81
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 113 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,731 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,313
Quietest
2 AM
~253 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.8×
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 Richlands, 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
117 mi·2 hr 9 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
19
Continue on I 77; I 81; US 52
1.3 mi·1 min·I 77; I 81; US 52
Use the straight lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto I 77
27 mi·30 min·I 77
Toward I 77 North: Bluefield, Charleston W. Va.Use the slight right lane.
21
Take the exit onto US 52
0.3 mi·1 min·US 52
Exit 1Toward US 52 North: Bluefield
22
Turn right onto US 52
2.5 mi·2 min·John Nash Boulevard
23
Take the exit onto US 52
0.3 mi·37 sec·US 52
Toward US 460 West: Bluefield
24
Merge onto US 52; US 460; US 52 Truck
9.9 mi·11 min·Big Laurel Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
25
Continue on US 19; US 460
27 mi·34 min·Governor G C Peery Highway
26
Take the exit onto US 460
386 ft·10 sec·US 460
27
Merge onto US 460
2.4 mi·4 min·Governor George C Peery Highway
28
Take the exit
156 ft·4 sec
Toward US 460 BUS: Cedar Bluff, Richlands
29
Turn right onto SR F608
0.1 mi·12 sec·SR F608
30
At end of road, turn right onto US 460 BUS
0.5 mi·51 sec·Cedar Valley Drive
31
Continue on US 460 BUS
1.2 mi·1 min·West Front Street
32
Turn left onto Virginia Avenue
88 ft·2 sec·Virginia Avenue
33
Arrive at destination
Virginia Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour, 15-minute drive, aim for an early morning departure from Alexandria to avoid potential traffic. With 379.8 miles ahead, planning for your two stops strategically will be key; consider using them for fuel and a meal break. The longest stretch without a major exit is over 225 miles on I-81, so ensure you have enough fuel before embarking on that segment. Given the highway-focused nature, keeping an eye on your speed and rest is important for a safe journey to Richlands.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 189.9 miles from Alexandria, VA, or about 3h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 225.8 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 84 miles or 1h 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 189.9 miles or 3h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richlands, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Alexandria, VA
This is one driving day of about 379.8 miles and 7h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 84 miles from Alexandria, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 225.8 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 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 308.2 — 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
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
8
308.2 mi into trip|~5h 46m in|I 77
Keep slight right at fork onto I 77 toward I 77 North: Bluefield, Charleston W. Va.
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 77 North: Bluefield, Charleston W. Va.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$56.07 one way
$112.15 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg133 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$61.62
$123.24
premium
$4.49
$67.17
$134.34
diesel
$4.80
$71.71
$143.43
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$56
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$81–$106
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 132.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
113.9
1
$39.88
$18.23
Efficient EV
95
1
$33.23
$15.19
EV Truck/SUV
151.9
1
$53.17
$24.31
Gas CO2
133 kg
EV CO2
44 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
5:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Smoke
N 7 mph5% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Richlands, VA
Late night
in Richlands on Sunday
Local time
5:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Mostly Clear
0 mph0% chanceLive forecast
85°F
Bedford, VA
190 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 cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 15m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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 117.9
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...
21 mi from route
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 235.7
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
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 26.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This is primarily a highway-focused drive, covering 84% of its 379.8 miles on major interstates. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on I-81, which includes the longest uninterrupted stretch of 225.8 miles. While the interstates offer efficiency, be prepared for a consistent pace rather than winding scenic byways. The route's character remains largely highway-centric from start to finish, so plan for steady driving conditions. This means efficient travel, but also a focus on maintaining speed and managing your time on the road.
84% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 225.8 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 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 28 significant decision points across 379.8 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 15.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
2,635 ft37 ft
Total Climb
3,081 ft
Total Descent
1,179 ft
Highest Point
2,635 ft
~352.7 mi in
Elevation Range
2,598 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Alexandria, VA to Richlands, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Charleston W. Va. along the way.
Charleston W. Va.
308.2 mi in|~5h 46m|via I 77
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 15m. Total distance: 379.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 15m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 225.8 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 35 rest areas or service plazas 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 Richlands, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 35 rest areas 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 15.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Richlands, VA before the return drive.
