Clifton Forge, VA to Arlington, VA is 212.3 miles and takes about 3h 58m via I 81 and I 66, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. It's a straightforward, highway-focused drive that makes for a convenient one-day journey. You'll primarily be on interstates, so expect a consistent pace for most of the drive. This route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to get from point A to point B with minimal fuss.
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
106.1 miles from Clifton Forge, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 57m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
78.9 mi
1h 26m
I 66
70.5 mi
1h 20m
I 64
59.1 mi
1h 3m
Main Street
1.2 mi
2m
Grafton Street
0.8 mi
1m
Wilson Boulevard
0.5 mi
1m
US 60 BUS
0.2 mi
<1m
North Glebe Road
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 78.9 mi, about 1h 26m
Traffic on I-81
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 62 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,761 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,297
Quietest
2 AM
~253 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7×
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 Clifton Forge, VA and Arlington, VA.
1
Start on this road
67 ft·10 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto US 60 BUS; US 220 BUS
1.2 mi·2 min·Main Street
3
Continue on US 60 BUS
0.8 mi·1 min·Grafton Street
4
Take the exit onto US 60 BUS
0.2 mi·27 sec·US 60 BUS
5
Merge onto I 64; US 60
59 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 64; US 60
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on I 64; I 81
0.3 mi·17 sec·I 64; I 81
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
79 mi·1 hr 26 min·I 81
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
9
Continue on I 66
43 mi·46 min·I 66
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 66
28 mi·34 min·I 66
Use the straight lane.
11
Take the exit
0.3 mi·31 sec
Exit 71Toward VA 120, VA 237Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on Fairfax Drive
0.1 mi·24 sec·Fairfax Drive
13
Turn right onto VA 120
0.2 mi·32 sec·North Glebe Road
Use the right lane.
14
Turn slight left onto Wilson Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Wilson Boulevard
Use the left lane.
15
Arrive at destination
Wilson Boulevard
Trip Plan
With a drive time under 4 hours, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Consider leaving in the morning to allow for flexibility, or depart later in the day if you prefer a more relaxed start. Given the 212.3-mile distance, you won't need extensive stops, but plan for at least one break to stretch your legs. The longest stretch without major exits is 78.9 miles on I 81, so ensure you have adequate fuel before entering this segment. The approximate fuel cost of $33 makes budgeting straightforward for this journey.
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 106.1 miles from Clifton Forge, VA, or about 1h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 78.9 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 47 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.1 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 11m
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 Clifton Forge, 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 Clifton Forge, VA
This is one driving day of about 212.3 miles and 3h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Clifton Forge, 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 78.9 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 2.2 and 211.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
2.2 mi into trip|~4m in|I 64; US 60
Merge onto I 64; US 60
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
5
140.2 mi into trip|~2h 34m in
Take the exit toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
6
183.4 mi into trip|~3h 21m 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
211.1 mi into trip|~3h 55m 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
211.5 mi into trip|~3h 56m 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
$31.34 one way
$62.69 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$34.44
$68.89
premium
$4.49
$37.55
$75.09
diesel
$4.80
$40.09
$80.17
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.7
0
$22.29
$10.19
Efficient EV
53.1
0
$18.58
$8.49
EV Truck/SUV
84.9
1
$29.72
$13.59
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Clifton Forge, VA
Afternoon
in Clifton Forge on Sunday
Local time
3:10 PM
EDT
Current temp
72°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy
SW 2 to 6 mph18% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 6:53PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 2:14PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Arlington, VA
Afternoon
in Arlington on Sunday
Local time
3:10 PM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
SW 6 to 10 mph61% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 6:53PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 2:14PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
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
3h 58m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
1 mi from route
~2 min detour
Free
near mile 139.2
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...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
$30
near mile 102.5
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
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 197.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with a 98% highway share. You'll spend most of your time on interstates, experiencing a consistent and efficient pace. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 78.9 miles on I 81, offering a good period of steady driving. While primarily interstate, the transition onto I 66 will guide you closer to your destination. Expect a predictable driving experience tailored for covering ground quickly.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
15 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 78.9 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 66. You will hit about 9 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.2 miles in near I 64; US 60.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 212.3 miles you will encounter 9 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.2 miles (I 64; US 60): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 140.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 183.4 miles (I 66): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,432 ft268 ft
Total Climb
2,327 ft
Total Descent
3,140 ft
Highest Point
2,432 ft
~15.2 mi in
Elevation Range
2,164 ft
Notable High Points
2,432 ft at ~15.2 miles+1,352 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 Clifton Forge, 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 3h 58m. Total distance: 212.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 78.9 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 20 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 20 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.2 miles (I 64; US 60): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 140.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 183.4 miles (I 66): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Shenandoah National Park and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Arlington, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
