Trip from Saltville, 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

6h 41m

Distance

354.1 mi

570 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$55

one way

EV Charging

Good

7 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min

4 AM

6h 29m ★

6 AM

6h 41m

8 AM

7h 5m

10 AM

6h 50m

12 PM

6h 47m

3 PM

6h 51m

5 PM

7h 4m

8 PM

6h 34m

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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Saltville, VA

Airam Dato-on

Alexandria, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 354.1-mile journey from Saltville, VA, to Alexandria, VA, is designed for a single day of driving, taking an estimated 6 hours and 41 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-81, I-66, and the Capital Beltway, this highway-focused route has a 93% highway share, making it a direct path through Virginia. With an estimated fuel cost of $55, it's an economical trip. You'll be covering a significant distance, including a 264.4-mile stretch on I-81, so be prepared for a full day behind the wheel. This route is a straightforward option for getting from Southwest Virginia to the Northern Virginia area.

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

177.1 miles from Saltville, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 20m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 81	264.4 mi	4h 49m
I 66	64.1 mi	1h 11m
Capital Beltway	12.1 mi	15m
Worthy Boulevard	8.4 mi	14m
Capital Beltway (Local)	2 mi	2m
South Washington Street	0.5 mi	1m
South Patrick Street	0.3 mi	<1m
I 64	0.3 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: I 81 — 264.4 mi, about 4h 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on this road

101 ft · 12 sec · this road

Turn left

62 ft · 6 sec

Turn right onto VA 91

0.1 mi · 18 sec · East Main Street

Turn right onto VA 107

8.4 mi · 14 min · Worthy Boulevard

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 23 sec

Merge onto I 81

46 mi · 49 min · I 81

Use the straight lane.

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.

Continue on I 64; I 81

0.3 mi · 17 sec · I 64; 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

21 mi · 25 min · I 66

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 41 sec

Exit 64A Toward I 495 South: Richmond, Alexandria Use the right lane.

Merge onto I 495

12 mi · 15 min · Capital Beltway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec

Exit 177A-B Toward US 1: Alexandria, Fort Belvoir Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 56 sec

Exit 177B Toward US 1 North: Alexandria

Merge onto US 1

440 ft · 8 sec · Richmond Highway

Continue on US 1

0.3 mi · 45 sec · South Patrick Street

Turn right onto Franklin Street

0.2 mi · 28 sec · Franklin Street

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto VA 400

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Washington Street

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

VA 400

Trip Plan

Given the 6-hour 41-minute estimated duration, this 354.1-mile trip is manageable as a single-day drive, but an early start is recommended to maximize daylight and minimize traffic, especially as you near Alexandria. You'll want to plan for at least one significant stop to break up the 264.4-mile stretch on I-81. Factor in the $55 fuel cost and ensure your vehicle is ready for sustained highway speeds. A practical tip: be aware that the Capital Beltway can experience heavy traffic, so monitor conditions as you approach your final destination to adjust your timing if needed.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 177.1 miles from Saltville, VA, or about 3h 20m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 264.4 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 78 miles or 1h 30m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 177.1 miles or 3h 20m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 28m

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 Saltville, 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 Saltville, VA

This is one driving day of about 354.1 miles and 6h 41m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 78 miles from Saltville, 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 264.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Amherst, VA

177 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

Mount Airy, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 78 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lynchburg, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 177.1 miles from Saltville, 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 264.4 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

Field & Main Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Marshall, Virginia

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $100 or ab mile 303.5

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+15403648166

Visit website

The Rail Stop Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The Plains, Virginia

2.4 mi

Field & Main Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $100 or ab mile 303.5

Marshall, Virginia

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+15403648166

Visit website

The Rail Stop Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30 mile 303.5

The Plains, Virginia

Hours: 5–8 pm

+15402535644

Visit website

Cafe Aurora

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 354.1

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–5 pm

+17035674050

Visit website

Log House 1776 Restaurant

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $20 to $30 mile 50.6

Wytheville, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–2:30 pm

+12762284139

Visit website

Main Street Mill Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 278.2

Front Royal, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+15406363123

Visit website

Cameron Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 354.1

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+17032128211

Visit website

Later in the drive, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 252.9

Woodstock, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 354.1

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 354.1

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 17

5 decision points cluster between mile 54.6 and 352.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

54.6 mi into trip | ~1h 5m 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

316.6 mi into trip | ~5h 52m in | I 66

Keep slight right at fork onto I 66

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

337.9 mi into trip | ~6h 18m 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

350.5 mi into trip | ~6h 34m 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

352.5 mi into trip | ~6h 36m 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

$55.37 one way

$110.75 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 124 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$60.55	$121.09
premium	$4.70	$65.54	$131.07
diesel	$5.61	$78.18	$156.36

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$55

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$80–$105

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 123.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $37 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	106.2	1	$37.18	$17.00
Efficient EV	88.5	1	$30.98	$14.16
EV Truck/SUV	141.6	1	$49.57	$22.66

Gas CO2

124 kg

EV CO2

41 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 17, 2026

Origin

Saltville, VA

Late night in Saltville on Sunday

Local time

4:10 AM

EDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Alexandria, VA

Late night in Alexandria on Sunday

Local time

4:10 AM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Mostly Cloudy then Scattered Rain Showers

W 6 to 13 mph 33% chance Live forecast

72°F

Amherst, VA

177 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

23 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

6h 41m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a highway-focused drive for most of this 354.1-mile trip, with 93% of the route on major interstates. The bulk of your mileage will be on I-81, where you'll encounter a lengthy 264.4-mile stretch without significant breaks from the highway. While the majority of the drive is on high-speed roads, the character shifts as you approach the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, with the Capital Beltway presenting a different kind of interstate experience. This route prioritizes efficiency over winding backroads, offering a consistent driving pace for much of the journey.

93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 264.4 mi on I 81.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

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 54.6 miles in near I 81; US 11.

Driving Effort 9/10

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 17 significant decision points across 354.1 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 54.6 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 316.6 miles (I 66): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 337.9 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 Saltville, VA to Alexandria, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Washington along the way.

Washington

273.5 mi in | ~5h 5m

About the Cities

Arriving in Alexandria, VA

Full guide →

Alexandria is a city in Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C., in the United States.

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 6h 41m. Total distance: 354.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 41m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 264.4 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 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.4 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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Saltville, VA or browse trips ending in Alexandria, VA.

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Trip from Saltville, VA to Alexandria, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Field & Main Restaurant

Field & Main Restaurant

The Rail Stop Restaurant

Cafe Aurora

Log House 1776 Restaurant

Main Street Mill Restaurant

Cameron Cafe

The Grind

Rivian Adventure Network

Electrify America Charging Station

Electrify America Charging Station

Blink Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

ChargePoint Charging Station

Chevrolet Charging Station

Mount Vernon Trail

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

The Capital Wheel

Escapology Escape Room National Harbor

National Harbor

The Awakening

American Way Outdoor Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Saltville, VA

Alexandria, VA

Same local time

23 degrees warmer at arrival

6h 41m on the road

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Arriving in Alexandria, 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?

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

How this page is built

Explore More

Continue From Alexandria, VA

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