Origin
Bon Air, VA
Morning in Bon Air on Tuesday
Local time
6:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Bon Air, VA to Arlington, VA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 14m
Distance
110.1 mi
177 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$17
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 5m
★
6 AM
2h 14m
8 AM
2h 33m
10 AM
2h 21m
12 PM
2h 19m
3 PM
2h 22m
5 PM
2h 32m
8 PM
2h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bon Air, VA
Sami Aksu
Arlington, VA
Dominik Gryzbon
Trip Overview
This 110.1-mile drive from Bon Air, VA, to Arlington, VA, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes. The route is heavily focused on highway travel, with 86% of the journey on major interstates like I-95 and the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway, following the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike for a significant portion. You can expect a fuel cost of around $17 for this trip. Given its relatively short duration and highway-centric profile, it's a straightforward drive that doesn't necessitate an overnight stop, allowing for flexibility in your schedule. Both your origin and destination are within the Southeast region.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
55 miles from Bon Air, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 5m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike | 51.8 mi | 57m |
| I 95 | 36.6 mi | 43m |
| Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway | 8.7 mi | 10m |
| Powhite Parkway | 3.7 mi | 5m |
| Beltline Expressway | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Washington Boulevard | 1.8 mi | 3m |
| Jahnke Road | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Buford Road | 0.6 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
— 51.8 mi, about 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bon Air, VA and Arlington, VA.
1
Start on SR 718
14 ft
·
2 sec
·
Rockaway Road
2
Turn right onto SR 678
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Buford Road
3
Turn sharp left onto SR 686
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Jahnke Road
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway North
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto VA 76
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Powhite Parkway
6
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Powhite Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 76
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Powhite Parkway
Use the straight lane.
8
Merge onto I 195
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Beltline Expressway
Use the straight lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork
502 ft
·
12 sec
Toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, Norfolk
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 95 North: Washington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 95
52 mi
·
57 min
·
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
I 95; US 17
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
14
Merge onto I 95
35 mi
·
41 min
·
I 95
Use the slight left lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 395
0.6 mi
·
52 sec
·
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 170A; 170B
Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
16
Continue on I 395
8.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 170A
Toward I 395 North: Washington
Use the straight lane.
17
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 8A
Toward VA 27: Washington Boulevard, Columbia Pike
Use the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
Toward VA 27 West: Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Washington Boulevard, Columbia Pike
Use the slight left lane.
19
Merge onto VA 27
1.8 mi
·
3 min
·
Washington Boulevard
Toward Columbia Pike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn left onto VA 237
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
10th Street North
21
Turn slight left
137 ft
·
8 sec
22
Turn left onto Wilson Boulevard
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Wilson Boulevard
23
Arrive at destination
Wilson Boulevard
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour, 14-minute drive, departing Bon Air, VA, early in the morning or after peak rush hour in Arlington, VA, can help you avoid heavier traffic. Since there are no designated stops, plan your own breaks as needed, perhaps around the 51.8-mile mark on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. With a fuel cost estimated at $17, monitoring your fuel gauge is straightforward. The flexibility of this single-day trip means you can adjust your departure time based on your preferences. A key tip is to be aware of the transition onto the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway, as it's a well-trafficked section leading into the DC metropolitan area.
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 miles from Bon Air, VA, or about 1h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.8 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 24 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 55 miles or 1h 5m 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 Arlington, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bon Air, 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 Bon Air, VA
This is one driving day of about 110.1 miles and 2h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Bon Air, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike for about 51.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 24 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 55 miles from Bon Air, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 0.6 and 107.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.6 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
SR 686 / Jahnke Road
Turn sharp left onto SR 686 / Jahnke Road
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
7.9 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, Norfolk
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, Norfolk
9
98.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 56m in
|
I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 170A; 170B
Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Ty...
8
106.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 6m in
Take the exit toward VA 27: Washington Boulevard, Columbia Pike
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 8A
Toward VA 27: Washington Boulevard, Columbia Pi...
8
107.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward VA 27 West: Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Washington Boulevard, Columbia Pike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward VA 27 West: Joint Base Myer-Henderson Ha...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.22 one way
$34.43 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
39 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $18.83 | $37.65 |
| premium | $4.70 | $20.38 | $40.75 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $24.31 | $48.62 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.63
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(51.8 mi)
$3.63
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
$17
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 38.5 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 | 0 | $11.56 | $5.28 |
| Efficient EV | 27.5 | 0 | $9.63 | $4.40 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 44 | 0 | $15.41 | $7.05 |
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.
Destination
Arlington, VA
Morning in Arlington on Tuesday
Local time
6:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°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
4 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 14m 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
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...
23 mi from route
~59 min detour
Free
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
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
near mile 110.1
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
Prepare for a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route. With 86% of the drive on major interstates, including the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and I-95, you'll encounter consistent, fast-paced travel. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll experience is 51.8 miles, allowing for extended periods of cruising. While the highway dominates, the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway marks a significant portion of the latter half of your journey. Expect a driving personality that prioritizes efficiency over scenic detours.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 51.8 mi on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 0.6 miles in near SR 686 / Jahnke Road.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 110.1 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 0.6 miles (SR 686 / Jahnke Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.2 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bon Air, VA and Arlington, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Tysons Corner.
Norfolk
7.9 mi in
|
~12m
Tysons Corner
98.2 mi in
|
~1h 56m
|
via I 395
About the Cities
Arriving 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 2h 14m. Total distance: 110.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 14m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 51.8 miles on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.63 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.
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 Arlington, 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 0.6 miles (SR 686 / Jahnke Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.2 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield 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 Arlington, 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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