Chilhowie, VA to Arlington, VA is 337.2 miles and takes about 6h 14m via I 81 and I 66, with a fuel budget near $52 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Southeast region, mostly within Virginia, and is almost entirely on the highway. Expect a straightforward trip with minimal detours, making it a solid choice for a single-day drive. If you're looking for an efficient way to get from Southwest Virginia to the Washington D.C. area, this route is a practical option.
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
168.6 miles from Chilhowie, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 5m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
264.4 mi
4h 49m
I 66
70.5 mi
1h 20m
Wilson Boulevard
0.5 mi
1m
Whitetop Road
0.3 mi
<1m
I 64
0.3 mi
<1m
North Glebe Road
0.2 mi
<1m
Fairfax Drive
0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 264.4 mi, about 4h 49m
Traffic on I-81
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 120 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,669 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,235
Quietest
2 AM
~247 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 Chilhowie, VA and Arlington, VA.
1
Start on VA 107
0.3 mi·41 sec·Whitetop Road
2
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·23 sec
3
Merge onto I 81
46 mi·49 min·I 81
Use the straight lane.
4
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11
140 mi·2 hr 33 min·I 81; US 11
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: RoanokeUse the straight lane.
5
Continue on I 64; I 81
0.3 mi·17 sec·I 64; I 81
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
79 mi·1 hr 26 min·I 81
7
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
8
Continue on I 66
43 mi·46 min·I 66
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 66
28 mi·34 min·I 66
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi·31 sec
Exit 71Toward VA 120, VA 237Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on Fairfax Drive
0.1 mi·24 sec·Fairfax Drive
12
Turn right onto VA 120
0.2 mi·32 sec·North Glebe Road
Use the right lane.
13
Turn slight left onto Wilson Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Wilson Boulevard
Use the left lane.
14
Arrive at destination
Wilson Boulevard
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 14m estimated drive time and 337.2 miles, leaving Chilhowie in the morning should allow you to reach Arlington with plenty of daylight. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your break strategically along the 264.4-mile segment of I 81. The fuel cost is estimated at $52, so ensure you have enough for the trip. Keep an eye on traffic conditions as you approach the Washington D.C. metropolitan area on I 66, as congestion can increase significantly.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 168.6 miles from Chilhowie, VA, or about 3h 5m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 264.4 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 74 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 168.6 miles or 3h 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 5h 4m
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 Chilhowie, 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 Chilhowie, VA
This is one driving day of about 337.2 miles and 6h 14m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Chilhowie, 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 81 for about 264.4 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 9
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.5 and 336.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.5 mi into trip|~1m in|I 81
Merge onto I 81
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
46.4 mi into trip|~50m in|I 81; US 11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11 toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
6
308.3 mi into trip|~5h 37m in|I 66
Keep slight right at fork onto I 66
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
336.1 mi into trip|~6h 11m in
Take the exit toward VA 120, VA 237
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 71
Toward VA 120, VA 237
6
336.5 mi into trip|~6h 12m in|VA 120 / North Glebe Road
Turn right onto VA 120 / North Glebe Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$49.78 one way
$99.57 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg118 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$54.71
$109.42
premium
$4.49
$59.63
$119.27
diesel
$4.80
$63.67
$127.34
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$50
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 118 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
101.2
1
$35.41
$16.19
Efficient EV
84.3
0
$29.51
$13.49
EV Truck/SUV
134.9
1
$47.21
$21.58
Gas CO2
118 kg
EV CO2
39 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
Chilhowie, VA
Late night
in Chilhowie on Sunday
Local time
3:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
89°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
S 2 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Arlington, VA
Late night
in Arlington on Sunday
Local time
3:14 AM
EDT
Current temp
91°F
Smoke
N 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
86°F
Buena Vista, VA
169 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
2 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
6h 14m 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...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 267.5
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...
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 116.3
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!
23 mi from route
~57 min detour
Free
near mile 325.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is 99% highway, meaning you'll spend nearly all 6 hours and 14 minutes on interstates. The longest continuous stretch on I 81 covers 264.4 miles. You'll transition to I 66 and then Wilson Boulevard as you approach your destination. Expect a high volume of exits and merges as you get closer to Arlington, especially on the final segments.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 264.4 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 66. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near I 81.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 9 significant decision points across 337.2 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 0.5 miles (I 81): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 46.4 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 308.3 miles (I 66): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,501 ft226 ft
Total Climb
1,128 ft
Total Descent
2,809 ft
Highest Point
2,501 ft
~24.1 mi in
Elevation Range
2,274 ft
Notable High Points
1,807 ft at ~168.6 miles+535 ft prominence
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 Chilhowie, VA to Arlington, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Washington 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 6h 14m. Total distance: 337.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 14m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 264.4 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 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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 35 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (I 81): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 46.4 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 308.3 miles (I 66): 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 6.2 hours each way, a round trip means 12.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Arlington, VA before the return drive.
