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Trip from Lebanon, VA to Alexandria, VA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 19m

Distance

385.7 mi

621 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$60

one way

EV Charging

Good

6 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
7h 9m ★
6 AM
7h 20m
8 AM
7h 41m
10 AM
7h 27m
12 PM
7h 25m
3 PM
7h 28m
5 PM
7h 40m
8 PM
7h 13m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Downtown Lebanon, VA, VA

Lebanon, VA

Jo Kassis

Downtown Alexandria, VA, VA

Alexandria, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 385.7-mile drive from Lebanon, VA, to Alexandria, VA, is designed for a single day, taking an estimated 7 hours and 19 minutes of pure driving time. Primarily utilizing I-81 and I-66, with a short segment on US-19, this route is almost entirely highway, making it a straightforward journey through Virginia. With a projected fuel cost of around $60 and plans for two stops, it's an achievable day trip, especially if you get an early start. The highway-focused profile means you'll cover ground efficiently. This trip stays within the Southeast region, offering a consistent travel experience across the state.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

192.8 miles from Lebanon, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 41m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 275.8 mi 5h 1m
I 66 64.1 mi 1h 11m
US 19 18.1 mi 25m
Capital Beltway 12.1 mi 15m
I 77 7.1 mi 7m
Capital Beltway (Local) 2 mi 2m
East Main Street 1.4 mi 3m
Cummings Street 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 275.8 mi, about 5h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lebanon, VA and Alexandria, VA.

1

Start on US 19 Business

1.4 mi · 3 min · East Main Street
2

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward US 19 South
3

Merge onto US 19

18 mi · 25 min · US 19
4

Turn left onto US 11

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Main Street
5

Turn right onto Preston Street Southwest

0.2 mi · 33 sec · Preston Street Southwest
6

At end of road, turn left onto Bradley Street Southwest

0.5 mi · 1 min · Bradley Street Southwest
7

At end of road, turn right onto US 58 ALT; VA 75

0.6 mi · 1 min · Cummings Street
Use the straight lane.
8

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec
9

Merge onto I 81; US 58

57 mi · 1 hr 1 min · I 81; US 58
Use the straight lane.
10

Continue on I 77; I 81; US 11; US 52

7.1 mi · 7 min · I 77; I 81; US 11; US 52
11

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: Roanoke Use the straight lane.
12

Continue on I 64; I 81

0.3 mi · 17 sec · I 64; I 81
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

79 mi · 1 hr 26 min · I 81
14

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec
Toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
15

Continue on I 66

43 mi · 46 min · I 66
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 66

21 mi · 25 min · I 66
Use the straight lane.
17

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 41 sec
Exit 64A Toward I 495 South: Richmond, Alexandria Use the right lane.
18

Merge onto I 495

12 mi · 15 min · Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; I 495

2.0 mi · 2 min · Capital Beltway (Local)
Toward I 95, I 495: Alexandria Use the slight right lane.
20

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 177A-B Toward US 1: Alexandria, Fort Belvoir Use the slight right lane.
21

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Exit 177B Toward US 1 North: Alexandria
22

Merge onto US 1

440 ft · 8 sec · Richmond Highway
23

Continue on US 1

0.3 mi · 45 sec · South Patrick Street
24

Turn right onto Franklin Street

0.2 mi · 28 sec · Franklin Street
Use the right lane.
25

Turn left onto VA 400

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Washington Street
Use the left lane.
26

Arrive at destination

VA 400

Trip Plan

Given the 7-hour, 19-minute estimated driving time, starting your journey from Lebanon, VA, before 9 AM is advisable to comfortably reach Alexandria, VA, by evening. With two planned stops, aim for brief breaks to make the most of the daylight. The longest stretch without a major change in road type is 275.8 miles on I-81, so plan a longer pause around the halfway point of that segment to stretch your legs and refuel. The estimated fuel cost of $60 is a good baseline, but always have a little extra for unexpected needs. Since this is a single-day drive, flexibility is key, allowing you to adjust stop times based on your energy levels.

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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 192.8 miles from Lebanon, VA, or about 3h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 275.8 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 85 miles or 1h 42m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 192.8 miles or 3h 41m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 6m

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 Lebanon, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Lebanon, VA

This is one driving day of about 385.7 miles and 7h 19m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 85 miles from Lebanon, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 275.8 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

independent city in Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Roanoke, VA

193 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

Marion, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 85 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Roanoke, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 192.8 miles from Lebanon, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 275.8 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Hungry Farmer Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 247.9

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15404371901

Del Ray Café

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Alexandria, Virginia

1.4 mi

Field & Main Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshall, Virginia

2.2 mi

Hungry Farmer Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 247.9

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+15404371901

Del Ray Café

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 385.7

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–2:30 pm

+17037179151

Visit website

Field & Main Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $100 or ab mile 330.6

Marshall, Virginia

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+15403648166

Visit website

Sully Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 358.1

Chantilly, Virginia

Hours: 6 am–3 pm

+17039680010

UPTOWN CAFE CHANTILLY

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20 mile 358.1

Chantilly, Virginia

Hours: 7:30 am–2 pm

+17036572700

Visit website

CAFE MOMENT

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 358.1

Chantilly, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17033768090

Visit website

Cafe Aurora

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 385.7

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+17035674050

Visit website

Hunan Cafe - King Street (Halal)

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 385.7

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17033479300

Visit website

Cameron Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 385.7

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+17032128211

Visit website

The Maple Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $1 to $10 mile 247.9

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15404800662

Visit website

Wolf Hills Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 27.5

Abingdon, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12764777444

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 303

Strasburg, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 192.8

Lexington, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Blink Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 303

Strasburg, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18889982546

Visit website

EvGateway Charging Station

2.4 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 192.8

Lexington, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19499452000

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 137.7

Salem, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 165.3

Fincastle, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Mount Vernon Trail

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 385.7

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+17032892500

Visit website

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 385.7

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17036832007

Visit website

National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 385.7

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+15712720095

Visit website

The Capital Wheel

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 385.7

Oxon Hill, Maryland

Hours: 4–10 pm

+13018428650

Visit website

Escapology Escape Room National Harbor

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 385.7

Oxon Hill, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–9:30 pm

+13015501873

Visit website

National Harbor

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 385.7

Oxon Hill, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18776285427

Visit website

The Awakening

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 385.7

Oxon Hill, Maryland

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

American Way Outdoor Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 385.7

Oxon Hill, Maryland

Hours: 5:30 am–10 pm

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 20.9 and 384 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
20.9 mi into trip | ~32m in | US 58 ALT; VA 75 / Cummings Street

At end of road, turn right onto US 58 ALT; VA 75 / Cummings Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
8
86.2 mi into trip | ~1h 43m 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
8
369.5 mi into trip | ~6h 56m 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
382 mi into trip | ~7h 12m 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
384 mi into trip | ~7h 15m 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

$60.31 one way

$120.63 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 135 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $65.95 $131.90
premium $4.70 $71.38 $142.77
diesel $5.61 $85.16 $170.32

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$60

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$85–$110

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 134.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $41 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 115.7 1 $40.50 $18.51
Efficient EV 96.4 1 $33.75 $15.43
EV Truck/SUV 154.3 1 $54.00 $24.68

Gas CO2

135 kg

EV CO2

45 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 Apr 18, 2026

Origin

Lebanon, VA

Night in Lebanon on Saturday

Local time

9:30 PM

EDT

Current temp

54°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Alexandria, VA

Night in Alexandria on Saturday

Local time

9:30 PM

EDT

Current temp

69°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

15 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

7h 19m 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

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 ~3 min detour Free near mile 305.9
View on nps.gov
Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park

National Park

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 ~39 min detour $30 near mile 266
View on nps.gov
Booker T Washington National Monument

Booker T Washington National Monument

National Monument

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 146.3
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

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!

22 mi from route ~54 min detour Free near mile 359.1
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience for 95% of this 385.7-mile trip. The character of the drive is defined by its efficiency, with a substantial 275.8-mile stretch on I-81 that allows for consistent speed and minimal interruptions. While you'll encounter I-66 and a brief section of US-19, the overall feel remains that of a journey where covering distance is the primary goal. This isn't a winding, scenic byway; it's a practical transit route designed to get you from point A to point B with minimal fuss. You'll spend most of your time on well-maintained interstates.

95% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 275.8 mi on I 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

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 20.9 miles in near US 58 ALT; VA 75 / Cummings Street.

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 19 significant decision points across 385.7 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 20.9 miles (US 58 ALT; VA 75 / Cummings Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 86.2 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 369.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

On the drive from Lebanon, VA to Alexandria, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Washington along the way.

Washington

305 mi in | ~5h 44m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 19m. Total distance: 385.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 19m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 275.8 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 20.9 miles (US 58 ALT; VA 75 / Cummings Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 86.2 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 369.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Alexandria, VA before the return drive.

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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