This 371-mile drive from Arlington, VA to Richlands, VA is a substantial undertaking, estimated to take around 7 hours and 3 minutes to complete. Primarily utilizing I-81 and I-77, it's a highway-focused journey that can be managed as a single day trip, though you might appreciate breaking it up. With a fuel cost estimated at $58, it's a budget-friendly option for covering ground across Virginia. You'll encounter two planned stops along the way. Given both locations are within the Southeast region, expect a consistent feel as you traverse the state.
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
185.5 miles from Arlington, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 29m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
225.8 mi
4h 7m
Custis Memorial Parkway
70.4 mi
1h 20m
I 77
28.4 mi
31m
Governor G C Peery Highway
27.2 mi
34m
Big Laurel Highway
9.9 mi
11m
John Nash Boulevard
2.5 mi
2m
Governor George C Peery Highway
2.4 mi
4m
West Front Street
1.2 mi
1m
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 Arlington, VA and Richlands, 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 1AToward I 81 South: RoanokeUse the straight lane.
8
Merge onto I 81
109 mi·1 hr 58 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
117 mi·2 hr 9 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
10
Continue on I 77; I 81; US 52
1.3 mi·1 min·I 77; I 81; US 52
Use the straight lane.
11
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.
12
Take the exit onto US 52
0.3 mi·1 min·US 52
Exit 1Toward US 52 North: Bluefield
13
Turn right onto US 52
2.5 mi·2 min·John Nash Boulevard
14
Take the exit onto US 52
0.3 mi·37 sec·US 52
Toward US 460 West: Bluefield
15
Merge onto US 52; US 460; US 52 Truck
9.9 mi·11 min·Big Laurel Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
16
Continue on US 19; US 460
27 mi·34 min·Governor G C Peery Highway
17
Take the exit onto US 460
386 ft·10 sec·US 460
18
Merge onto US 460
2.4 mi·4 min·Governor George C Peery Highway
19
Take the exit
156 ft·4 sec
Toward US 460 BUS: Cedar Bluff, Richlands
20
Turn right onto SR F608
0.1 mi·12 sec·SR F608
21
At end of road, turn right onto US 460 BUS
0.5 mi·51 sec·Cedar Valley Drive
22
Continue on US 460 BUS
1.2 mi·1 min·West Front Street
23
Turn left onto Virginia Avenue
88 ft·2 sec·Virginia Avenue
24
Arrive at destination
Virginia Avenue
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Arlington to avoid peak traffic and maximize daylight hours. With 371 miles and two stops, you'll want to pace yourself effectively; perhaps one longer break mid-route and a shorter one for fuel. The longest stretch on I-81 is over 200 miles, so plan your refueling stops accordingly before entering that segment. The estimated fuel cost of $58 is helpful for budgeting, but always keep an eye on your gauge, especially during those longer highway portions.
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 185.5 miles from Arlington, VA, or about 3h 29m 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 82 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 185.5 miles or 3h 29m 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 48m
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 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Arlington, VA
This is one driving day of about 371 miles and 7h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 82 miles from Arlington, 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 18
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.7 and 299.5 — 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
6
181 mi into trip|~3h 24m in|I 81
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
299.5 mi into trip|~5h 35m 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
$54.77 one way
$109.55 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg130 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$60.19
$120.39
premium
$4.49
$65.61
$131.22
diesel
$4.80
$70.05
$140.10
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$55
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$80–$105
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 129.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
111.3
1
$38.96
$17.81
Efficient EV
92.8
1
$32.46
$14.84
EV Truck/SUV
148.4
1
$51.94
$23.74
Gas CO2
130 kg
EV CO2
43 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
Arlington, VA
Late night
in Arlington on Sunday
Local time
3:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
76°F
Smoke
N 7 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Richlands, VA
Late night
in Richlands on Sunday
Local time
3:05 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Mostly Clear
S 1 mph1% chanceLive forecast
85°F
Bedford, VA
186 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
10 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 3m 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...
4 mi from route
~10 min detour
Free
near mile 76.8
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...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
$30
near mile 115.1
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...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 230.3
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
~56 min detour
Free
near mile 12.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect an 88% highway-focused experience on this route, meaning much of your time will be spent on major interstates like I-81 and I-77. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 225.8 miles on I-81, offering a chance to settle in and cover substantial distance. While the majority is highway, the profile suggests a shift from the initial parkway and into more expansive interstate driving as you progress. This isn't a winding backroad adventure, but rather an efficient transit route.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 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 Custis Memorial Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near Fairfax Drive.
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 18 significant decision points across 371 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 0.7 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.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
2,666 ft246 ft
Total Climb
3,017 ft
Total Descent
1,346 ft
Highest Point
2,666 ft
~344.5 mi in
Elevation Range
2,420 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 Arlington, VA to Richlands, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Charleston W. Va. along the way.
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.
Top landmarks
•The Pentagon — headquarters of the United States Department of Defense; named after the shape o...
•Arlington National Cemetery — national cemetery in Virginia, United States
•Marine Corps War Memorial — monument consisting of a large sculptural group on a circular base in Arlington,...
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 3m. Total distance: 371 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 3m 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 0.7 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 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 7.1 hours each way, a round trip means 14.1 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.
