This 267.2-mile drive from Prices Fork, VA, to Arlington, VA, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-81, US-460, and I-66, this highway-focused route keeps you moving efficiently through Virginia. With a fuel cost estimated at $42, it's an economical option for a quick trip. The journey is straightforward, making it a practical choice if you're looking to cover ground without extensive detours, fitting well within the Southeast region for both departure and arrival.
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
133.6 miles from Prices Fork, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 33m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
181.3 mi
3h 20m
I 66
70.5 mi
1h 20m
US 460
8.4 mi
9m
Prices Fork Road
3 mi
6m
Roanoke Street
1.1 mi
2m
Wilson Boulevard
0.5 mi
1m
North Glebe Road
0.2 mi
<1m
Fairfax Drive
0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 181.3 mi, about 3h 20m
Traffic on I-81
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 85 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~1,718 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,250
Quietest
2 AM
~248 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
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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 Prices Fork, VA and Arlington, VA.
1
Start on SR 685
0.6 mi·1 min·Prices Fork Road
2
Enter roundabout onto SR 685
73 ft·4 sec·Prices Fork Road
3
Continue on SR 685
2.4 mi·4 min·Prices Fork Road
Use the straight lane.
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·15 sec
Toward US 460 East: RoanokeUse the straight / right lanes.
5
Merge onto US 460
8.4 mi·9 min·US 460
Use the straight lane.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Exit 2Toward US 11, US 460 Business: Christiansburg
7
Turn left onto US 11; US 460 BUS
1.1 mi·2 min·Roanoke Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
8
Take the ramp
1.0 mi·2 min
Toward I 81 North, US 460 East: Salem, RoanokeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 81
102 mi·1 hr 54 min·I 81
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
79 mi·1 hr 26 min·I 81
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
12
Continue on I 66
43 mi·46 min·I 66
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 66
28 mi·34 min·I 66
Use the straight lane.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi·31 sec
Exit 71Toward VA 120, VA 237Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on Fairfax Drive
0.1 mi·24 sec·Fairfax Drive
16
Turn right onto VA 120
0.2 mi·32 sec·North Glebe Road
Use the right lane.
17
Turn slight left onto Wilson Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Wilson Boulevard
Use the left lane.
18
Arrive at destination
Wilson Boulevard
Trip Plan
Given the 5-hour duration, starting your trip early in the morning is advisable to allow for flexibility and avoid potential rush hour traffic as you near Arlington. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your breaks strategically. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 181.3-mile stretch on I-81, as services can be spaced out. The estimated $42 fuel cost is manageable, but it's always wise to have a buffer. This drive is well-suited for a single-day adventure, so you can depart whenever it's most convenient for you.
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 133.6 miles from Prices Fork, VA, or about 2h 33m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 181.3 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 59 miles or 1h 11m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 133.6 miles or 2h 33m 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 7m
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 Prices Fork, 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 Prices Fork, VA
This is one driving day of about 267.2 miles and 5h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Prices Fork, 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 181.3 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 14
5 decision points cluster between mile 11.6 and 266.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
11.6 mi into trip|~15m in
Take the exit toward US 11, US 460 Business: Christiansburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 2
Toward US 11, US 460 Business: Christiansburg
6
12.9 mi into trip|~18m in
Take the ramp toward I 81 North, US 460 East: Salem, Roanoke
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 81 North, US 460 East: Salem, Roanoke
6
238.3 mi into trip|~4h 27m 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
266 mi into trip|~5h 2m 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
266.5 mi into trip|~5h 3m 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
$39.45 one way
$78.90 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg94 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$43.35
$86.70
premium
$4.49
$47.25
$94.51
diesel
$4.80
$50.45
$100.90
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 93.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
80.2
0
$28.06
$12.83
Efficient EV
66.8
0
$23.38
$10.69
EV Truck/SUV
106.9
1
$37.41
$17.10
Gas CO2
93 kg
EV CO2
31 kg (67% 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
Prices Fork, VA
Morning
in Prices Fork on Sunday
Local time
10:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Patchy Fog
0 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:16AM EDT until July 18 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Destination
Arlington, VA
Morning
in Arlington on Sunday
Local time
10:46 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Smoke
S 5 mph17% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 2:16AM EDT until July 18 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
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
6 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
5h 5m 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
~3 min detour
Free
near mile 193.5
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...
15 mi from route
~39 min detour
$30
near mile 156.6
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
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 46.1
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 248.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 97% of the drive on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch measures an impressive 181.3 miles on I-81, offering a consistent pace for a significant portion of your journey. While the majority is on high-speed roads, the connection to US-460 and I-66 ensures a smooth transition as you approach your destination. This route prioritizes direct travel over winding scenic byways, making it ideal for those who prefer to make good time.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 181.3 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 11.6 miles in.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 267.2 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 11.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238.3 miles (I 66): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,033 ft268 ft
Total Climb
895 ft
Total Descent
2,660 ft
Highest Point
2,033 ft
Elevation Range
1,765 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 Prices Fork, 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 5h 5m. Total distance: 267.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 181.3 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 23 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 23 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 11.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.9 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238.3 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 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.2 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.
