Alexandria, VA to South Hill, VA is 193.7 miles and takes about 3h 53m via I 95, I 64, and Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, connecting two points in the Southeast region. It's a relatively straightforward drive that can easily be completed in a single day. You'll find it's a practical option if you're looking for a direct route without significant detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
96.8 miles from Alexandria, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 53m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
85.8 mi
1h 37m
I 64
66.8 mi
1h 15m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
13 mi
14m
Capital Beltway (Local)
5 mi
6m
Hampton Roads Beltway
4.5 mi
6m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Granby Street
3.1 mi
7m
Bainbridge Boulevard
1.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 85.8 mi, about 1h 37m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 63 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,172 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,836
Quietest
2 AM
~455 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7×
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 South Hill, 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
49 mi·53 min·I 95
Use the straight lane.
13
Take the exit
1.9 mi·2 min
Exit 84AToward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va BeachUse the slight left / straight lanes.
14
Merge onto I 295
13 mi·14 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
1.3 mi·2 min
Exit 28AToward I 64 East: Norfolk, Virginia BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 64
67 mi·1 hr 15 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64; US 60
342 ft·5 sec·Hampton Roads Beltway
18
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
19
Continue on I 64; US 60
4.4 mi·5 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 276Toward I 564, US 460: Naval Base, Granby StreetUse the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·18 sec
Toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek RoadUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
22
Turn straight onto US 460
3.1 mi·7 min·Granby Street
Use the left lane.
23
Continue on US 460
446 ft·9 sec·Church Street
24
Turn right onto US 460
1.2 mi·2 min·Monticello Avenue
Use the right lane.
25
Continue on US 460
0.6 mi·1 min·Saint Pauls Boulevard
26
Turn left onto US 460 ALT
302 ft·11 sec·Market Street
Toward I 264 Toll WestUse the left lane.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460 ALT
0.3 mi·33 sec·US 460 ALT
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Merge onto I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337
0.4 mi·54 sec·I 264; US 460 ALT; VA 337
29
Take the exit onto VA 337
255 ft·6 sec·VA 337
Exit 8Toward I 464 South: ChesapeakeUse the slight right lane.
30
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·15 sec
Toward I 464 South: ChesapeakeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on this road
0.1 mi·10 sec·this road
32
Continue on I 464
1.4 mi·1 min·I 464
33
Take the exit
0.1 mi·10 sec
Exit 4Toward VA 337: Poindexter Street, Jordan BridgeUse the slight right lane.
34
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·8 sec
Exit 4Toward VA 337 Toll: Poindexter Street, Jordan BridgeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Keep slight left at fork
354 ft·5 sec
Exit 4Toward VA 337: Poindexter Street, Jordan Bridge
36
Continue on Truxton Street
0.1 mi·12 sec·Truxton Street
37
Turn left onto VA 337
0.2 mi·33 sec·Poindexter Street
Use the straight lane.
38
Turn straight
442 ft·16 sec
39
Turn slight right onto US 460; VA1 166
1.5 mi·2 min·Bainbridge Boulevard
40
Turn left onto Edgewood Avenue
0.2 mi·48 sec·Edgewood Avenue
41
Arrive at destination
Edgewood Avenue
Trip Plan
For this 1-day trip covering 193.7 miles, leaving Alexandria, VA in the morning will allow you to reach South Hill, VA with plenty of daylight remaining. With a duration of under 4 hours, you can comfortably complete this drive in one go, but consider a brief stop around the halfway point if you prefer to break up the driving. The $30 fuel cost is an estimate, so check current prices before you depart. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 85.8-mile stretch on I 95, as services can be spaced out.
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 96.8 miles from Alexandria, VA, or about 1h 53m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 85.8 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 43 miles or 54m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 96.8 miles or 1h 53m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near South Hill, 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 193.7 miles and 3h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 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 85.8 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 30
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.9 and 191.3 — 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
92.4 mi into trip|~1h 48m in
Take the exit toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va Beach
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 84A
Toward I 295 South: Williamsburg, Norfolk, Va B...
9
183.6 mi into trip|~3h 33m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Creek Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 460, VA 165: Granby Street, Little Cr...
10
191.3 mi into trip|~3h 49m in
Keep slight right at fork toward VA 337 Toll: Poindexter Street, Jordan Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 4
Toward VA 337 Toll: Poindexter Street, Jordan B...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.81 one way
$61.62 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg68 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$33.59
$67.18
premium
$4.78
$36.44
$72.89
diesel
$5.35
$40.80
$81.60
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 67.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
58.1
0
$20.34
$9.30
Efficient EV
48.4
0
$16.95
$7.75
EV Truck/SUV
77.5
0
$27.12
$12.40
Gas CO2
68 kg
EV CO2
23 kg (66% 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 Jun 1, 2026
Origin
Alexandria, VA
Afternoon
in Alexandria on Wednesday
Local time
3:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Mostly Cloudy
NE 9 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Destination
South Hill, VA
Afternoon
in South Hill on Wednesday
Local time
3:47 PM
EDT
Current temp
80°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers
N 8 mph22% chanceLive forecast
62°F
Bellwood, VA
97 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
3h 53m 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.
Colonial National Historical Park
National Historical Park
On May 13, 1607, Jamestown was established as the first permanent English settlement in North America. Three cultures came together – European, Virginia Indian and African–to create a new society that...
2 mi from route
~4 min detour
$15
near mile 153.6
Park Closure: Jamestown Island Loop Drive to Temporarily Close to Vehicles
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Those escapi...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 173.6
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...
26 mi from route
~65 min detour
Free
near mile 106.8
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 80% of the 193.7 miles on major roads. You'll experience a long stretch of 85.8 miles on I 95, which means extended periods of higher-speed cruising. Expect a significant amount of highway driving before transitioning to surface roads for the final portion of your trip. The frequent exits on I 95 can make it feel busy at times.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
41 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 85.8 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 64. 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 30 significant decision points across 193.7 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 92.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
251 ft-2 ft
Total Climb
384 ft
Total Descent
408 ft
Highest Point
251 ft
~55.3 mi in
Elevation Range
253 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 South Hill, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk, Va Beach and Virginia Beach.
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 53m. Total distance: 193.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 85.8 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 18 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 South Hill, 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. There are 18 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 92.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at South Hill, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
