Hollins, VA to Alexandria, VA is 236.1 miles and takes about 4h 26m via I 81 and I 66, with a fuel budget near $36 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, mostly highway drive that's ideal for a single day. You'll encounter a good amount of highway miles, so factor that into your planning for a smooth trip.
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
118.1 miles from Hollins, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
153.3 mi
2h 46m
I 66
64.1 mi
1h 11m
Capital Beltway
12.1 mi
15m
Capital Beltway (Local)
2 mi
2m
Plantation Road
1.5 mi
2m
South Washington Street
0.5 mi
1m
South Patrick Street
0.3 mi
<1m
I 64
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 153.3 mi, about 2h 46m
Traffic on I-81
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 74 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,695 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,262
Quietest
2 AM
~247 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.9×
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 Hollins, VA and Alexandria, VA.
1
Start on VA 115
1.5 mi·2 min·Plantation Road
Use the straight lane.
2
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·50 sec
Use the right lane.
3
Merge onto I 81; US 220
27 mi·29 min·I 81; US 220
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on I 81; US 11
48 mi·51 min·I 81; US 11
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
21 mi·25 min·I 66
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi·41 sec
Exit 64AToward I 495 South: Richmond, AlexandriaUse the right lane.
11
Merge onto I 495
12 mi·15 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
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.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 177A-BToward US 1: Alexandria, Fort BelvoirUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Exit 177BToward US 1 North: Alexandria
15
Merge onto US 1
440 ft·8 sec·Richmond Highway
16
Continue on US 1
0.3 mi·45 sec·South Patrick Street
17
Turn right onto Franklin Street
0.2 mi·28 sec·Franklin Street
Use the right lane.
18
Turn left onto VA 400
0.5 mi·1 min·South Washington Street
Use the left lane.
19
Arrive at destination
VA 400
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 1-day drive, consider an early morning departure from Hollins to bypass potential traffic closer to Alexandria. With a total travel time of under 4.5 hours, you'll have ample flexibility for a single planned stop. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before the 153.3-mile stretch on I 81, as services can be spaced out. Given the relatively short duration, you can easily complete this trip without needing an overnight stay.
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 118.1 miles from Hollins, VA, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 153.3 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 52 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 118.1 miles or 2h 9m 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 32m
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 Hollins, 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 Hollins, VA
This is one driving day of about 236.1 miles and 4h 26m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Hollins, 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 153.3 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 198.6 and 234.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
198.6 mi into trip|~3h 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
219.9 mi into trip|~4h 3m in
Take the exit toward I 495 South: Richmond, Alexandria
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 64A
Toward I 495 South: Richmond, Alexandria
8
232.5 mi into trip|~4h 19m 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
234.5 mi into trip|~4h 22m 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
6
234.7 mi into trip|~4h 22m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 1 North: Alexandria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Exit 177B
Toward US 1 North: Alexandria
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$34.86 one way
$69.71 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg83 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$38.31
$76.61
premium
$4.49
$41.75
$83.51
diesel
$4.80
$44.58
$89.16
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
70.8
0
$24.79
$11.33
Efficient EV
59
0
$20.66
$9.44
EV Truck/SUV
94.4
1
$33.05
$15.11
Gas CO2
83 kg
EV CO2
28 kg (66% 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 Jul 18, 2026
Origin
Hollins, VA
Morning
in Hollins on Sunday
Local time
6:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
93°F
Partly Sunny then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
W 6 to 9 mph57% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:29AM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Alexandria, VA
Morning
in Alexandria on Sunday
Local time
6:33 AM
EDT
Current temp
96°F
Areas Of Smoke then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
SW 9 to 13 mph67% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued July 18 at 11:29AM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 9:28AM EDT until July 18 at 8:00PM 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
3 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 26m 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.
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 154.7
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...
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
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 211.7
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly highway, with 92% of the route on major interstates. You'll experience a long stretch of 153.3 miles on I 81 before transitioning to I 66. Expect a high concentration of exits and merges as you approach and navigate the Capital Beltway. The bulk of your time will be spent on high-speed interstate cruising.
92% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 153.3 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 198.6 miles in near I 66.
Driving Effort9/10
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 13 significant decision points across 236.1 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 198.6 miles (I 66): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 219.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 232.5 miles (I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,612 ft37 ft
Total Climb
837 ft
Total Descent
1,920 ft
Highest Point
1,612 ft
~67.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,575 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 Hollins, VA to Alexandria, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Washington along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 26m. Total distance: 236.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 26m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (92%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 153.3 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 21 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 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 21 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 198.6 miles (I 66): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 219.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 232.5 miles (I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Alexandria, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
