Origin
Prices Fork, VA
Morning in Prices Fork on Tuesday
Local time
8:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Prices Fork, VA to Arlington, VA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 5m
Distance
267.2 mi
430 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$42
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 52m
★
6 AM
5h 5m
8 AM
5h 32m
10 AM
5h 15m
12 PM
5h 12m
3 PM
5h 16m
5 PM
5h 31m
8 PM
4h 57m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Prices Fork, VA
www.kaboompics.com
Arlington, VA
Dominik Gryzbon
Trip Overview
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
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: Roanoke
Use 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 2
Toward 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, Roanoke
Use 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 71
Toward VA 120, VA 237
Use 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.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
134 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 133.6 miles from Prices Fork, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 181.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 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
$41.78 one way
$83.57 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
94 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $45.69 | $91.37 |
| premium | $4.70 | $49.45 | $98.91 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $58.99 | $117.99 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
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, 2026-04-13.
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.
Destination
Arlington, VA
Morning in Arlington on Tuesday
Local time
8:00 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°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
13 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.
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 Effort
8/10
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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
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.
Washington
195.1 mi in
|
~3h 41m
About the Cities
Arriving in Arlington, VA
Full guide →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.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
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.
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: 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.
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.
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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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