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Trip from Arlington, VA to Bracey, VA

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Compiled 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

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 36m ★
6 AM
3h 49m
8 AM
4h 14m
10 AM
3h 57m
12 PM
3h 55m
3 PM
3h 59m
5 PM
4h 13m
8 PM
3h 41m

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

Downtown Arlington, VA, VA

Arlington, VA

Dominik Gryzbon

Downtown Bracey, VA, VA

Bracey, VA

Andrea Piacquadio

Trip Overview

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 .

Main Roads

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
Longest stretch: Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike — 88.2 mi, about 1h 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Wilson Boulevard

90 ft · 8 sec · Wilson Boulevard
2

Turn right onto North Oakland Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · North Oakland Street
3

Turn right onto North Pershing Drive

0.1 mi · 28 sec · North Pershing Drive
4

Turn left onto VA 120

2.4 mi · 6 min · North Glebe Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 395 South: Richmond
6

Keep slight left at fork

315 ft · 7 sec
Toward I 395 South: Richmond, Quaker Lane
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward I 395 South: Richmond Use the slight left lane.
8

Merge onto I 395

5.8 mi · 7 min · Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on I 395

36 mi · 43 min · Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 1A Toward I 95 South: Richmond Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

58 mi · 1 hr 5 min · I 95
Use the straight lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

24 mi · 30 min · Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 85

64 mi · 1 hr 10 min · Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Exit 51 Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 35 sec
Toward SR 903: Bracey, Lake Gaston
14

Turn left onto SR 903

0.6 mi · 1 min · SR 903
15

Continue on Bracey Drive

0.2 mi · 36 sec · Bracey Drive
16

Arrive at destination

Bracey Drive

Trip Plan

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 96.7 miles from Arlington, VA, or about 1h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.2 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 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.

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 193.3 miles and 3h 48m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from Arlington, 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 Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike for about 88.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Richmond, VA

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.

Popular next leg

Richmond, VA to Bracey, VA

90 mi · 1h 46m

Pacing Suggestions

Woodbridge, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Richmond, VA

Meal break

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 check

Top 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · first break window

Starline Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Springfield, Virginia

Near the start, right off the route

First break · 16min in 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 6:30 am–4 pm

+17034554141

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Fredericksburg, Virginia

0.9 mi

Bostan Uyghur Cuisine

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Arlington, Virginia

1.1 mi

Best coffee break · around the midpoint

Dubai Girls Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Glen Allen, Virginia

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset · 1h 55m in / 1h 54m to go 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18044001505

Starline Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Springfield, Virginia

Hours: 6:30 am–4 pm

+17034554141

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, right off the route

Early stretch 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+15407107025

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

Himalayan Heritage Restaurant & Bar VA

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 10:30 am–9:30 pm

+15409934252

Visit website

Castiglia's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15408917300

Visit website

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

Kahill's Restaurant and pub

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30

South Hill, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–2 pm

+14344476941

Visit website

Smyrna Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour Moderately

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15713718228

Visit website

Dubai Girls Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Glen Allen, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18044001505

CooL BeanZ Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Final third 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20

Petersburg, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+18045908876

Visit website

Autumn's Catering & Cafe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour Inexpensiv

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 9:30 am–4:30 pm

+18045916191

Visit website

A Place Of Miracles Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Halfway reset 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: 4–6 pm

+18042366887

Visit website

Ordnance Cafe

Around the midpoint, short detour

Final third 3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia

Tesla Supercharger

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

La Crosse, 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

Blink Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Washington, District of Columbia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18006635633

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Washington, District of Columbia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour

Richmond, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Gnade Hotel

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Washington, District of Columbia

Flight Adventure Park Springfield

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Springfield, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17036632440

Visit website

The Weems-Botts Museum & Annex

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Dumfries, Virginia

Hours: Closed

+17032212218

Visit website

National Museum of the United States Army

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Fort Belvoir, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18005062672

Visit website

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour Moderately

Henrico, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18042629887

Visit website

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

National Museum of the Marine Corps

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

First break 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately

Triangle, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

Visit website

Stafford Civil War Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Stafford, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+15406584864

Visit website

Mount Air Historic Site

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

First break 1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Lorton, Virginia

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 13

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.

6
3.3 mi into trip | ~8m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 395 South: Richmond, Quaker Lane

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 395 South: Richmond, Quaker Lane
8
3.4 mi into trip | ~9m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 395 South: Richmond

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 395 South: Richmond
6
45.7 mi into trip | ~59m in | I 95

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
6
104.1 mi into trip | ~2h 5m in | I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
128.1 mi into trip | ~2h 36m in | I 85 / Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 51 Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$30.23 one way

$60.46 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 68 kg CO2
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

Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike (64.2 mi) $4.50
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike (24 mi) $1.68

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.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Arlington, VA

Morning in Arlington on Tuesday

Local time

9:23 AM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bracey, VA

Morning in Bracey on Tuesday

Local time

9:23 AM

EDT

Current temp

86°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

19 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 48m 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.

Petersburg National Battlefield

Petersburg National Battlefield

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...

1 mi from route ~2 min detour Free near mile 133.3
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
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!

29 mi from route ~73 min detour Free
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

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.

76% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88.2 mi on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike.

How Hard Is This Drive?

7/10

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.

Driving Effort 7/10

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.

About the Cities

Starting in Arlington, VA

Full guide →

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).

Who Is This Route For?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 88.2 miles on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Expect about $6.18 in tolls one way, starting with Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.

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 Bracey, 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 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.

Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 3.8 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.6 hours — manageable with a long break at Bracey, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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