Spanning 285.9 miles, the drive from Martinsville to Arlington takes approximately 5 hours and 38 minutes to complete. This route is well-suited for a single-day trip, as it connects the southern portion of Virginia to the northern suburbs of Washington, D.C. You can expect to spend about $46 in fuel for the journey. Since the trip stays entirely within the Southeast region, you will experience a consistent geographic transition from Martinsville's local roads onto major interstate corridors. It is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that favors efficiency over scenic detours, making it a reliable choice for travelers looking to reach their destination in one go.
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
142.9 miles from Martinsville, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 56m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
143.6 mi
2h 35m
I 66
70.5 mi
1h 20m
Virgil H Goode Highway
35.4 mi
50m
US 220
13.1 mi
15m
Roy L. Webber Expressway
10 mi
13m
Virginia Avenue
9.5 mi
13m
Memorial Boulevard North
0.8 mi
1m
Wilson Boulevard
0.5 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 143.6 mi, about 2h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Martinsville, VA and Arlington, VA.
1
Start on Walnut Street
255 ft·14 sec·Walnut Street
2
At end of road, turn left onto East Church Street
417 ft·15 sec·East Church Street
3
Turn right onto Broad Street
0.2 mi·31 sec·Broad Street
4
Turn right onto East Market Street
0.4 mi·55 sec·East Market Street
5
Turn left onto VA 457
0.5 mi·57 sec·West Church Street
Use the left lane.
6
Turn right onto US 220 BUS
0.8 mi·1 min·Memorial Boulevard North
7
Continue on US 220 BUS
3.9 mi·6 min·Virginia Avenue
8
Take the ramp onto US 220 BUS
0.2 mi·29 sec·US 220 BUS
Toward US 220 North: Roanoke
9
Merge onto US 220
5.6 mi·7 min·Virginia Avenue
Toward US 220 North: Roanoke
10
Continue on US 220
12 mi·16 min·Virgil H Goode Highway
11
Keep slight left at fork onto US 220
23 mi·33 min·Virgil H Goode Highway
Toward US 220 NorthUse the straight lane.
12
Continue on US 220
10.0 mi·13 min·Roy L. Webber Expressway
Toward US 220 NorthUse the straight lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto US 220
13 mi·15 min·US 220
Exit 1NToward I 81 North, US 220 North: LexingtonUse the straight lane.
14
Continue on I 81
65 mi·1 hr 9 min·I 81
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
79 mi·1 hr 26 min·I 81
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
17
Continue on I 66
43 mi·46 min·I 66
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 66
28 mi·34 min·I 66
Use the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·31 sec
Exit 71Toward VA 120, VA 237Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on Fairfax Drive
0.1 mi·24 sec·Fairfax Drive
21
Turn right onto VA 120
0.2 mi·32 sec·North Glebe Road
Use the right lane.
22
Turn slight left onto Wilson Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Wilson Boulevard
Use the left lane.
23
Arrive at destination
Wilson Boulevard
Trip Plan
Planning for one main stop is the best way to manage the 5-hour and 38-minute duration effectively. Given the heavy reliance on I-81 and I-66, consider checking traffic reports before you depart, as these corridors are prone to congestion during peak hours. Budgeting around $46 for fuel should keep you covered, but it is wise to top off your tank before merging onto the longer interstate stretches. Since this is a single-day commitment, leaving early in the morning allows you to avoid the busiest traffic periods near your destination. Use your single planned stop to stretch your legs during the transition between the Virgil H. Goode Highway and the interstate system to keep your energy up for the final push.
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 142.9 miles from Martinsville, VA, or about 2h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 143.6 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 63 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 142.9 miles or 2h 56m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 36m
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 Martinsville, 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 Martinsville, VA
This is one driving day of about 285.9 miles and 5h 38m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Martinsville, 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 143.6 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 284.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|East Church Street
At end of road, turn left onto East Church Street
Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch
6
0.7 mi into trip|~1m in|VA 457 / West Church Street
Turn left onto VA 457 / West Church Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
24.1 mi into trip|~35m in|US 220 / Virgil H Goode Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 220 / Virgil H Goode Highway toward US 220 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 220 North
9
57.1 mi into trip|~1h 22m in|US 220
Keep slight right at fork onto US 220 toward I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1N
Toward I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington
8
284.7 mi into trip|~5h 34m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.71 one way
$89.42 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg100 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$48.88
$97.77
premium
$4.70
$52.91
$105.83
diesel
$5.61
$63.12
$126.25
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 100 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $30 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
85.8
1
$30.02
$13.72
Efficient EV
71.5
0
$25.02
$11.44
EV Truck/SUV
114.4
1
$40.03
$18.30
Gas CO2
100 kg
EV CO2
33 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 20, 2026
Origin
Martinsville, VA
Late night
in Martinsville on Tuesday
Local time
4:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Arlington, VA
Late night
in Arlington on Tuesday
Local time
4:52 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
70°F
Amherst, VA
143 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
7 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 38m 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...
3 mi from route
~8 min detour
Free
near mile 216.9
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...
10 mi from route
~24 min detour
Free
near mile 29.6
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 177.4
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 266.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
With 83% of the journey spent on highways, this trip is defined by its focus on steady, high-speed travel. You will navigate via Virgil H. Goode Highway before transitioning to the primary arteries of I-81 and I-66. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 143.6 miles on I-81, where you can settle into a consistent driving rhythm. Because the route is highway-heavy, expect a functional experience that prioritizes speed and directness. While it lacks the complexity of winding backroads, the transition from state highways to these major interstates provides a clear, predictable flow for your time behind the wheel.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 143.6 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 early in the drive near East Church Street.
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 16 significant decision points across 285.9 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: near the start (East Church Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.7 miles (VA 457 / West Church Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 24.1 miles (US 220 / Virgil H Goode Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Martinsville, 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.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 38m. Total distance: 285.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 143.6 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 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (East Church Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.7 miles (VA 457 / West Church Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 24.1 miles (US 220 / Virgil H Goode Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Booker T Washington National Monument and Shenandoah National Park (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.6 hours each way, a round trip means 11.3 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.
