Traveling from Cape Charles to Alexandria covers 225.6 miles, a journey that typically takes about 4 hours and 35 minutes of driving time. Because this route is manageable in a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. Expect to spend approximately $36 on fuel, making this a reasonably priced trip for a Southeast Virginia excursion. You will primarily navigate via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel, I-64, and I-95. Whether you are heading north for business or a weekend getaway, the drive is straightforward enough to complete in one shot while still leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy your destination.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
112.8 miles from Cape Charles, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
87.8 mi
1h 40m
I 64
61.1 mi
1h 7m
Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel
17.7 mi
24m
Hampton Roads Beltway
15.7 mi
22m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
11.9 mi
12m
Lankford Highway
10.8 mi
14m
Northampton Boulevard
5.1 mi
7m
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
3.5 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 87.8 mi, about 1h 40m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cape Charles, VA and Alexandria, VA.
1
Start on Park Row
295 ft·19 sec·Park Row
2
Turn left onto Strawberry Street
0.2 mi·1 min·Strawberry Street
3
At end of road, turn left onto VA 184
0.4 mi·1 min·Mason Avenue
4
Turn right onto VA 184
0.3 mi·31 sec·Randolph Avenue
5
Continue on VA 184
1.7 mi·2 min·Stone Road
6
Turn right onto US 13
9.7 mi·13 min·Lankford Highway
7
Merge onto US 13
1.1 mi·1 min·Lankford Highway
8
Continue on US 13
18 mi·24 min·Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel
9
Continue on US 13
5.1 mi·7 min·Northampton Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.1 mi·14 sec
Toward I 64 East, I 64 West: Downtown Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, Richmond
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 64 West: Hampton, RichmondUse the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 64
9.8 mi·14 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 64; US 60
3.5 mi·4 min·Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
14
Continue on I 64; US 60
5.9 mi·7 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
61 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·32 sec
Exit 200Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NCUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi·2 min
Toward I 295 North: WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 295
12 mi·12 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
19
Take the exit
2.4 mi·2 min
Exit 43AToward I 95 North: WashingtonUse the slight left lane.
20
Merge onto I 95
46 mi·49 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi·1 min·I 95; US 17
22
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
23
Merge onto I 95
35 mi·41 min·I 95
Use the slight left lane.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
5.5 mi·7 min·I 95
Toward I 95 North, I 495 East: BaltimoreUse the slight left / straight lanes.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; I 495
2.0 mi·2 min·Capital Beltway (Local)
Toward I 95, I 495: AlexandriaUse the slight right lane.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 177A-BToward US 1: Alexandria, Fort BelvoirUse the slight right lane.
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Exit 177BToward US 1 North: Alexandria
28
Merge onto US 1
440 ft·8 sec·Richmond Highway
29
Continue on US 1
0.3 mi·45 sec·South Patrick Street
30
Turn right onto Franklin Street
0.2 mi·28 sec·Franklin Street
Use the right lane.
31
Turn left onto VA 400
0.5 mi·1 min·South Washington Street
Use the left lane.
32
Arrive at destination
VA 400
Trip Plan
Since you have one primary stop planned for this 4-hour and 35-minute trek, try to time your departure to avoid the peak congestion often found on I-95. Because the route relies heavily on major interstates, staying flexible with your schedule can help you navigate around sudden traffic spikes. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $36 budget assumes consistent highway speeds, which can fluctuate based on local traffic density. For a smoother experience, plan your single rest break around the transition from I-64 to I-95 to recharge before tackling the longest stretch of the trip. Checking local traffic reports before you leave Cape Charles is a smart way to ensure your arrival in Alexandria stays on schedule.
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 112.8 miles from Cape Charles, VA, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.8 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 50 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.8 miles or 2h 23m 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 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alexandria, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Cape Charles, 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 Cape Charles, VA
This is one driving day of about 225.6 miles and 4h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 50 miles from Cape Charles, 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 I 95 for about 87.8 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 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 36.5 and 223.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
36.5 mi into trip|~52m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 64 West: Hampton, Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 64 West: Hampton, Richmond
8
117.1 mi into trip|~2h 28m in
Take the exit toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
8
216.4 mi into trip|~4h 21m in|I 95
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 toward I 95 North, I 495 East: Baltimore
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward I 95 North, I 495 East: Baltimore
8
221.9 mi into trip|~4h 28m in|I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local)
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local) toward I 95, I 495: Alexandria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 95, I 495: Alexandria
8
223.9 mi into trip|~4h 31m in
Take the exit toward US 1: Alexandria, Fort Belvoir
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 177A-B
Toward US 1: Alexandria, Fort Belvoir
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.28 one way
$70.56 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$38.57
$77.15
premium
$4.70
$41.75
$83.51
diesel
$5.61
$49.81
$99.62
Estimated Tolls: $4.00
Chesapeake Bay Bridge
$4.00
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
$35
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.7
0
$23.69
$10.83
Efficient EV
56.4
0
$19.74
$9.02
EV Truck/SUV
90.2
1
$31.58
$14.44
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 Mar 11, 2022
Origin
Cape Charles, VA
Morning
in Cape Charles on Tuesday
Local time
10:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Alexandria, VA
Morning
in Alexandria on Tuesday
Local time
10:06 AM
EDT
Current temp
66°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
16 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
4h 35m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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.
Fort Monroe National Monument
National Monument
Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Those escapi...
3 mi from route
~9 min detour
Free
near mile 46.7
Park Closure: Road Closure and Fishing Pier Impact
On May 13, 1607, Jamestown was established as the first permanent English settlement in North America. Three cultures came together – European, Virginia Indian and African–to create a new society that...
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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
Free
near mile 116.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 66% of the journey spent on major interstates. You will start by crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel before transitioning onto the busy corridors of I-64 and I-95. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is an 87.8-mile run on I-95, where you should prepare for consistent, high-speed traffic. While the route lacks the technical challenges of winding backroads, the transition from coastal transit to the heavy arterial flow of Northern Virginia requires steady focus. Expect a functional, efficient drive that prioritizes speed and directness over leisurely pacing.
66% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 87.8 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 36.5 miles in.
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 23 significant decision points across 225.6 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 36.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 216.4 miles (I 95): 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.
Between Cape Charles, VA and Alexandria, VA, road signs point toward Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, Richmond and Rocky Mount.
Cape Charles is a town in Eastern Virginia, at the southern tip of the Delmarva peninsula. It used to be the terminus of the eastern shore railway and still has an operating rail-to-barge ferry terminal with freight service to Norfolk. It has the feel of a time gone by.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 35m. Total distance: 225.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 87.8 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $4.00 in tolls one way, starting with Chesapeake Bay Bridge. 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.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 Alexandria, 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. There are 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 36.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 117.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 216.4 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Fort Monroe National Monument, Colonial National Historical Park and Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 9.2 hours — manageable with a long break at Alexandria, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
