Trip from Rocky Mount, VA to Arlington, VA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

Distance

259.6 mi

418 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$41

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

4h 47m ★

6 AM

5h 0m

8 AM

5h 27m

10 AM

5h 10m

12 PM

5h 7m

3 PM

5h 11m

5 PM

5h 26m

8 PM

4h 52m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Rocky Mount, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Arlington, VA

Dominik Gryzbon

Trip Overview

This 259.6-mile drive from Rocky Mount, VA, to Arlington, VA, is designed for a single day, taking approximately 5 hours. The majority of your journey, 91%, will be on major highways, primarily I-81 and I-66, with a portion on Virgil H Goode Highway. Given the highway-focused profile, it's a straightforward trip with an estimated fuel cost of $41. This route is entirely within Virginia, offering a direct path north. It's a practical choice if you're looking for an efficient way to cover the distance without needing an overnight stop.

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

129.8 miles from Rocky Mount, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 33m 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	18.3 mi	27m
US 220	13.1 mi	15m
Roy L. Webber Expressway	10 mi	13m
North Main Street	2 mi	3m
Wilson Boulevard	0.5 mi	1m
Franklin Street	0.4 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 81 — 143.6 mi, about 2h 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Rocky Mount, VA and Arlington, VA.

Start on VA 40

0.4 mi · 48 sec · Franklin Street

At end of road, turn left onto US 220 Business

2.0 mi · 3 min · North Main Street

Take the ramp onto US 220 BUS

0.2 mi · 26 sec · US 220 BUS

Toward US 220 North: Roanoke

Merge onto US 220

18 mi · 27 min · Virgil H Goode Highway

Use the straight lane.

Continue on US 220

10.0 mi · 13 min · Roy L. Webber Expressway

Toward US 220 North Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto US 220

13 mi · 15 min · US 220

Exit 1N Toward I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington Use the straight lane.

Continue on I 81

65 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 81

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

79 mi · 1 hr 26 min · I 81

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec

Toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington

Continue on I 66

43 mi · 46 min · I 66

Keep slight right at fork onto I 66

28 mi · 34 min · I 66

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 31 sec

Exit 71 Toward VA 120, VA 237 Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on Fairfax Drive

0.1 mi · 24 sec · Fairfax Drive

Turn right onto VA 120

0.2 mi · 32 sec · North Glebe Road

Use the right lane.

Turn slight left onto Wilson Boulevard

0.5 mi · 1 min · Wilson Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

Wilson Boulevard

Trip Plan

For this 5-hour drive, starting early can help you avoid potential traffic as you approach Arlington. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 143.6 miles on I-81, so plan your fuel and rest stops accordingly, perhaps before you begin that segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as highway services can sometimes be spread out. The $41 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always factor in a little extra for unexpected detours or changes in gas prices.

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 129.8 miles from Rocky Mount, VA, or about 2h 33m 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 57 miles or 1h 14m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 129.8 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 3m

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 Rocky Mount, 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 Rocky Mount, VA

This is one driving day of about 259.6 miles and 5h.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Rocky Mount, 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.

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Weyers Cave, VA

130 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

Bedford, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 57 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Weyers Cave, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 129.8 miles from Rocky Mount, 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 143.6 miles.

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

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · home stretch

Bostan Uyghur Cuisine

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Arlington, Virginia

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 0min to go 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+17035272026

Nando's PERi-PERi

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Rosslyn, Virginia

2.1 mi

Mrs. B’s Restaurant and Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Buchanan, Virginia

2 mi

Bostan Uyghur Cuisine

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $20 to $30

Arlington, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+17035272026

Nando's PERi-PERi

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Rosslyn, Virginia

Hours: 10:30 am–10 pm

+15712007909

Visit website

Mrs. B’s Restaurant and Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Buchanan, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15402548048

Visit website

The Rail Stop Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $20 to $30

The Plains, Virginia

Hours: 5–8 pm

+15402535644

Visit website

Banh Cuon Saigon

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Falls Church, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+17035344482

Visit website

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour $50 to $10

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 5–9 pm

+15405663891

Visit website

Cafe Aurora

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+17035674050

Visit website

La Bendicion Restaurant

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Halfway reset 4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+15407422253

Jackson's Corner Coffee Roastery and Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

Halfway reset 4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

New Market, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15407409010

Visit website

The Albemarle Bakery & Coffee House

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

First break 4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15409823842

Visit website

The Maple Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Halfway reset 4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15404800662

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Strasburg, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

Early stretch 3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Lexington, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Washington, District of Columbia

Long Branch Nature Center & Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Arlington, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–6 pm

+17032286535

Visit website

Shirlington Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Arlington, Virginia

Hours: 7:30 am–6 pm

+17032286525

Visit website

Virginia Highlands Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour

Arlington, Virginia

Hours: 6:30 am–10 pm

+17032286525

Visit website

Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

Home stretch 3.6 mi from route ~9 min detour

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–4 pm

+17037464848

Visit website

Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

Home stretch 4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+17037465559

Visit website

Green Spring Gardens

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

Home stretch 4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–4:30 pm

+17036425173

Visit website

Virginia Museum of Transportation

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

First break 4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour

Roanoke, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15403425670

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 11

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 258.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

0.4 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 220 Business / North Main Street

At end of road, turn left onto US 220 Business / North Main Street

Navigation decision point

30.8 mi into trip | ~44m 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

230.6 mi into trip | ~4h 22m in | I 66

Keep slight right at fork onto I 66

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

258.4 mi into trip | ~4h 57m 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

258.8 mi into trip | ~4h 58m 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

$40.60 one way

$81.19 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 91 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$44.39	$88.78
premium	$4.70	$48.05	$96.09
diesel	$5.61	$57.32	$114.63

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$41

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$66–$91

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 90.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	77.9	0	$27.26	$12.46
Efficient EV	64.9	0	$22.72	$10.38
EV Truck/SUV	103.8	1	$36.34	$16.61

Gas CO2

91 kg

EV CO2

30 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 Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Rocky Mount, VA

Late night in Rocky Mount on Tuesday

Local time

5:11 AM

EDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Arlington, VA

Late night in Arlington on Tuesday

Local time

5:11 AM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Scattered Rain Showers

W 7 to 10 mph 38% chance 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

6 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 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 188

View on nps.gov

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...

11 mi from route ~29 min detour Free near mile 9

View on nps.gov

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 152.2

View on nps.gov

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 241.7

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 on this route, with 91% of the drive taking place on major interstates. You'll spend a significant stretch, 143.6 miles, navigating I-81 before transitioning to I-66. While the profile suggests a more direct highway approach, be aware that the inclusion of Virgil H Goode Highway might offer a slight variation in scenery or road type. The overall feel is one of steady progress, making it suitable for covering ground efficiently.

91% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

16 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 around 0.4 miles in near US 220 Business / North Main Street.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 259.6 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 0.4 miles (US 220 Business / North Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 30.8 miles (US 220): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 230.6 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.

On the drive from Rocky Mount, VA to Arlington, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Washington along the way.

Washington

187.5 mi in | ~3h 36m

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. Total distance: 259.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (91%). 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.

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 5.0 hours each way, a round trip means 10.0 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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Trip from Rocky Mount, VA to Arlington, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Stops Along Your Drive

Bostan Uyghur Cuisine

Bostan Uyghur Cuisine

Nando's PERi-PERi

Mrs. B’s Restaurant and Bar

The Rail Stop Restaurant

Banh Cuon Saigon

bloom Restaurant & Wine Bar

Cafe Aurora

La Bendicion Restaurant

Jackson's Corner Coffee Roastery and Cafe

The Albemarle Bakery & Coffee House

The Maple Cafe

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Electrify America Charging Station

Rivian Waypoints

Tesla Destination Charger

Blink Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Gnade Hotel

Long Branch Nature Center & Park

Shirlington Park

Virginia Highlands Park

Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site

Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center

Green Spring Gardens

Virginia Museum of Transportation

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Rocky Mount, VA

Arlington, VA

Same local time

6 degrees cooler at arrival

5h on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park

Booker T Washington National Monument

Shenandoah National Park

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Arriving in Arlington, VA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

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Continue From Arlington, VA

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