Starline Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
Springfield, Virginia
Hours: 6:30 am–4 pm
+17034554141
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 48m
Distance
193.3 mi
311 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$30
one way
EV Charging
Good
8 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Arlington, VA
Dominik Gryzbon
Bracey, VA
Andrea Piacquadio
Heading from Arlington, VA, to Bracey, VA, you're looking at a drive of about 193 miles, which should take you around 3 hours and 48 minutes. This trip is easily manageable as a single-day adventure, and with a projected fuel cost of $30, it's quite budget-friendly. The majority of your journey, 76% to be exact, will be on major highways, making for a straightforward trip through the Southeast region. You'll spend most of your time on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and I-95, offering a direct path with minimal 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
96.7 miles from Arlington, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 57m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike | 88.2 mi | 1h 40m |
| I 95 | 58.4 mi | 1h 5m |
| Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway | 42.2 mi | 50m |
| North Glebe Road | 2.4 mi | 6m |
| SR 903 | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| North Oakland Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| Bracey Drive | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| North Pershing Drive | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Step-by-step road directions between Arlington, VA and Bracey, VA.
Start on Wilson Boulevard
Turn right onto North Oakland Street
Turn right onto North Pershing Drive
Turn left onto VA 120
Take the ramp
Keep slight left at fork
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 395
Continue on I 395
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
Keep slight right at fork onto I 85
Take the exit
Turn left onto SR 903
Continue on Bracey Drive
Arrive at destination
To make the most of this 193-mile drive, consider an early morning departure from Arlington to bypass potential rush hour traffic, especially around the I-95 corridor. With a duration under four hours and a fuel cost around $30, this trip allows for flexibility; you can stop whenever you need a break. The longest stretch without a major road change is 88.2 miles, so plan your rest stop accordingly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you approach the southern end of the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, as services can sometimes be spaced out on major highways.
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.
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 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 96.7 miles or 1h 57m 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 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bracey, VA than in the middle of the route.
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 193.3 miles and 3h 48m.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
97 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.
A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 96.7 miles from Arlington, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 88.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · first break window
Springfield, Virginia
Near the start, right off the route
Hours: 6:30 am–4 pm
+17034554141
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Bostan Uyghur Cuisine
Arlington, Virginia
Best coffee break · around the midpoint
Glen Allen, Virginia
Around the midpoint, short detour
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+18044001505
Near the start, right off the route
Springfield, Virginia
Hours: 6:30 am–4 pm
+17034554141
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, right off the route
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–11 pm
+15407107025
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Arlington, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–10 pm
+17035272026
Early in the drive, short detour
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hours: 10:30 am–9:30 pm
+15409934252
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+15408917300
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Rosslyn, Virginia
Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm
+15712007909
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
South Hill, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–2 pm
+14344476941
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Alexandria, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+15713718228
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Glen Allen, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+18044001505
Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour
Petersburg, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–2 pm
+18045908876
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: 9:30 am–4:30 pm
+18045916191
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: 4–6 pm
+18042366887
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia
Near the end, short detour
La Crosse, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Washington, District of Columbia
Hours: Open 24 hours
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Washington, District of Columbia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+12023379700
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Washington, District of Columbia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18006635633
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Washington, District of Columbia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18889982546
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~10 min detour
Richmond, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18887584389
Visit websiteNear the start, ~10 min detour
Washington, District of Columbia
Near the start, right off the route
Springfield, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–8 pm
+17036632440
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Dumfries, Virginia
Hours: Closed
+17032212218
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+18005062672
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Henrico, Virginia
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+18042629887
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Arlington, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–6 pm
+17032286535
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Triangle, Virginia
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
Visit websiteEarly in the drive, short detour
Stafford, Virginia
Hours: 8 am–8 pm
+15406584864
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Lorton, Virginia
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.3 and 128.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Keep slight left at fork toward I 395 South: Richmond, Quaker Lane
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Keep slight left at fork toward I 395 South: Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight right at fork onto I 85 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Regular Gas
$30.23 one way
$60.46 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $33.05 | $66.10 |
| premium | $4.70 | $35.78 | $71.55 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $42.68 | $85.36 |
Estimated Tolls: $6.18
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Tolls
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$61–$86
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 67.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 58 | 0 | $20.30 | $9.28 |
| Efficient EV | 48.3 | 0 | $16.91 | $7.73 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 77.3 | 0 | $27.06 | $12.37 |
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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Morning in Arlington on Tuesday
Local time
9:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Destination
Morning in Bracey on Tuesday
Local time
9:23 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
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!
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 76% of it dedicated to interstates and major turnpikes. You can expect long stretches of consistent speed, including an uninterrupted segment of 88.2 miles on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. While the highway nature ensures efficiency, it means the scenery will largely consist of the typical roadside environment found along major thoroughfares. The drive is designed for covering distance, so prepare for a consistent pace for most of the 3-hour-and-48-minute journey.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.3 miles in.
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 193.3 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 3.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 45.7 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Arlington (along with the cities of Falls Church to the west and Alexandria to the south) forms part of the urban conglomeration around Washington, D.C. - inside the beltway. In Northern Virginia, and directly across the Potomac River from D.C. proper, Arlington is one of America's most densely populated regions. It has a land area 26 sq mi (67 km2) and a population of 230,000. Despite its density, Arlington mixes the best of both big city and suburban environments. Like the greater Washington area, Arlington has grown over the last several decades in part due to growth of the federal government.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 48m. Total distance: 193.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 48m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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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