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Trip from Arlington, VA to Basye, VA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 17m

Distance

110.7 mi

178 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$17

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 8m ★
6 AM
2h 18m
8 AM
2h 37m
10 AM
2h 24m
12 PM
2h 22m
3 PM
2h 25m
5 PM
2h 36m
8 PM
2h 12m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Arlington, VA, VA

Arlington, VA

Dominik Gryzbon

Downtown Basye, VA, VA

Basye, VA

Eric Joseph

Trip Overview

This 110.7-mile journey from Arlington, VA, to Basye, VA, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. You'll primarily be on the Custis Memorial Parkway and I-81, with a small portion on Orkney Grade, making it an 87% highway-focused drive. With an estimated fuel cost of $17, this route offers a straightforward and efficient trip within the Southeast region. Given its manageable distance and duration, it's an ideal day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure time and pace.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

55.3 miles from Arlington, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 6m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Custis Memorial Parkway 70.4 mi 1h 20m
I 81 26.3 mi 28m
Orkney Grade 9.3 mi 16m
Mount Jackson Road 1.4 mi 3m
South Middle Road 1.1 mi 2m
Wilson Boulevard 0.5 mi 1m
North Glebe Road 0.2 mi <1m
Fairfax Drive 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Custis Memorial Parkway — 70.4 mi, about 1h 20m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Arlington, VA and Basye, VA.

1

Start on Wilson Boulevard

0.5 mi · 1 min · Wilson Boulevard
2

Turn slight right onto VA 120

0.2 mi · 30 sec · North Glebe Road
Use the right lane.
3

Turn left onto Fairfax Drive

0.1 mi · 27 sec · Fairfax Drive
Use the left lane.
4

Continue on this road

0.5 mi · 1 min · this road
Toward I 66 Toll West
5

Merge onto I 66

3.3 mi · 4 min · Custis Memorial Parkway
6

Keep slight left at fork onto I 66

67 mi · 1 hr 16 min · Custis Memorial Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 1A Toward I 81 South: Roanoke Use the straight lane.
8

Merge onto I 81

26 mi · 28 min · I 81
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
9

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 39 sec
Toward VA 292, SR 703: Mount Jackson, Basye
10

Turn right onto SR 703

1.4 mi · 3 min · Mount Jackson Road
11

Turn left onto SR 614

1.1 mi · 2 min · South Middle Road
12

Turn right onto VA 263

9.3 mi · 16 min · Orkney Grade
13

Turn right onto Alum Springs Road

91 ft · 2 sec · Alum Springs Road
14

Arrive at destination

Alum Springs Road

Trip Plan

For this 2 hour and 17 minute trip, consider an early morning departure from Arlington to maximize your time in Basye. Since there are no designated stops in the data, you'll have the flexibility to add breaks as needed, but plan for one around the halfway point, especially given the longest stretch is over 70 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, with an estimated cost of $17 for the 110.7 miles; it’s wise to fill up before hitting I-81 if you're starting with less than half a tank. The predominantly highway nature means you can cover ground quickly, so be mindful of posted speed limits.

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 55.3 miles from Arlington, VA, or about 1h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 70.4 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 24 miles or 30m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 55.3 miles or 1h 6m 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 46m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Basye, VA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Arlington, 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 Arlington, VA

This is one driving day of about 110.7 miles and 2h 17m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Arlington, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Custis Memorial Parkway for about 70.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

independent city in Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Petersburg, VA

55 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Linton Hall, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Petersburg, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 55.3 miles from Arlington, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Custis Memorial Parkway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 70.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Pastry Xpo Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Falls Church, Virginia

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 7.9

Hours: 7:30 am–8:30 pm

+15712824970

Visit website

The Rail Stop Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The Plains, Virginia

1 mi

Bostan Uyghur Cuisine

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Arlington, Virginia

1.1 mi

Pastry Xpo Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 7.9

Falls Church, Virginia

Hours: 7:30 am–8:30 pm

+15712824970

Visit website

The Rail Stop Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30 mile 39.5

The Plains, Virginia

Hours: 5–8 pm

+15402535644

Visit website

Bostan Uyghur Cuisine

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Arlington, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+17035272026

Nando's PERi-PERi

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Rosslyn, Virginia

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+15712007909

Visit website

Field & Main Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $100 or ab mile 47.4

Marshall, Virginia

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+15403648166

Visit website

Main Street Mill Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 63.2

Front Royal, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15406363123

Visit website

Lebanese Taverna

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.9 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30 mile 7.9

McLean, Virginia

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+17038475244

Visit website

Banh Cuon Saigon

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Falls Church, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+17035344482

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 63.2

Front Royal, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18337484267

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 63.2

Front Royal, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 71.2

Strasburg, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 87

Woodstock, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 87

Woodstock, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 87

Woodstock, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour

Washington, District of Columbia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Destination Charger

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.4 mi from route ~8 min detour

Washington, District of Columbia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+12023379700

Visit website

Gnade Hotel

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Washington, District of Columbia

Long Branch Nature Center & Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Arlington, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+17032286535

Visit website

Shirlington Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Arlington, Virginia

Hours: 7:30 am–6 pm

+17032286525

Visit website

Virginia Highlands Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Arlington, Virginia

Hours: 6:30 am–10 pm

+17032286525

Visit website

Hidden Oaks Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 7.9

Annandale, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17039411065

Visit website

Bonds Escape Room - Fairfax

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 15.8

Fairfax, Virginia

Hours: 12–9 pm

+17032700377

Visit website

Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+17037464848

Visit website

Van Dyck Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 7.9

Fairfax, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+17033857858

Visit website

Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17037465559

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 98.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.7 mi into trip | ~2m in | Fairfax Drive

Turn left onto Fairfax Drive

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
6
4.6 mi into trip | ~8m in | I 66 / Custis Memorial Parkway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 66 / Custis Memorial Parkway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
71.7 mi into trip | ~1h 24m 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
4
72.3 mi into trip | ~1h 26m in | I 81

Merge onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Roanoke

Merge point - match speed before joining

Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
5
98.7 mi into trip | ~1h 54m in

Take the exit toward VA 292, SR 703: Mount Jackson, Basye

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward VA 292, SR 703: Mount Jackson, Basye

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$17.31 one way

$34.62 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 39 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $18.93 $37.86
premium $4.70 $20.49 $40.98
diesel $5.61 $24.44 $48.88

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$17

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$42–$67

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 38.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 33.2 0 $11.62 $5.31
Efficient EV 27.7 0 $9.69 $4.43
EV Truck/SUV 44.3 0 $15.50 $7.08

Gas CO2

39 kg

EV CO2

13 kg (67% 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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Arlington, VA

Late night in Arlington on Sunday

Local time

3:55 AM

EDT

Current temp

83°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Basye, VA

Late night in Basye on Sunday

Local time

3:55 AM

EDT

Current temp

46°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

48°F

Petersburg, VA

55 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

37 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

2h 17m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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

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...

0 mi from route Free near mile 72.5
View on nps.gov
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park

National Park

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...

21 mi from route ~52 min detour $30 near mile 99.2
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

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 19.1
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-centric experience for the majority of this 110.7-mile drive, with 87% of the route utilizing major roadways like I-81. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 70.4 miles on the Custis Memorial Parkway, indicating a significant period of consistent highway travel. While the profile suggests a highway-focused drive, the inclusion of Orkney Grade hints at a potential shift in scenery or road type towards the end of your journey. This route generally prioritizes efficiency over winding backroads.

87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 70.4 mi on Custis Memorial Parkway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Custis Memorial Parkway and I 81. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near Fairfax Drive.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 110.7 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (Fairfax Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.6 miles (I 66 / Custis Memorial Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 17m. Total distance: 110.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 70.4 miles on Custis Memorial Parkway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

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 Basye, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles (Fairfax Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.6 miles (I 66 / Custis Memorial Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Shenandoah National Park and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. 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 Basye, VA before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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