South Boston, VA to Alexandria, VA is 212.1 miles and takes about 4h 22m via Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and I-95, with a fuel budget near $33 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. The drive is a mixed-use route, meaning you'll experience both faster highway sections and potentially some slower segments. With a recommended one-day drive, this route is convenient for a quick journey between these two Virginia locations.
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
106 miles from South Boston, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 15m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
51.8 mi
57m
I 95
42.1 mi
50m
Kings Highway
39.7 mi
47m
West Patrick Henry Highway
24.6 mi
31m
James D Hagood Highway
14.5 mi
18m
Hull Street Road
14.2 mi
20m
Powhite Parkway
11.2 mi
14m
Beltline Expressway
2.2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
— 51.8 mi, about 57m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 158 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,283 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,892
Quietest
2 AM
~449 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
7.3×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
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 South Boston, VA and Alexandria, VA.
1
Start on VA 129
0.5 mi·53 sec·North Main Street
2
Turn right onto VA 34
0.5 mi·59 sec·Hodges Street
3
Turn left onto US 360
0.6 mi·1 min·John Randolph Boulevard
4
Continue on US 360
15 mi·18 min·James D Hagood Highway
5
Continue on US 360
40 mi·47 min·Kings Highway
6
Merge onto US 360; US 460
1.5 mi·2 min·West Colonial Trail Highway
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 360
25 mi·31 min·West Patrick Henry Highway
8
Continue on US 360
14 mi·20 min·Hull Street Road
Use the straight lane.
9
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward VA 288 North: Powhite Parkway
10
Merge onto VA 288
2.1 mi·2 min·World War II Veterans Memorial Highway
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward VA 76: Lucks Lane, Old Hundred RoadUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway, RichmondUse the slight right lane.
13
Merge onto VA 76
8.5 mi·10 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
1.8 mi·2 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 76
0.9 mi·1 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the straight lane.
16
Merge onto I 195
2.2 mi·3 min·Beltline Expressway
Use the straight lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork
502 ft·12 sec
Toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, NorfolkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North: WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 95
52 mi·57 min·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi·1 min·I 95; US 17
21
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
22
Merge onto I 95
35 mi·41 min·I 95
Use the slight left lane.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
5.5 mi·7 min·I 95
Toward I 95 North, I 495 East: BaltimoreUse the slight left / straight lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; I 495
2.0 mi·2 min·Capital Beltway (Local)
Toward I 95, I 495: AlexandriaUse the slight right lane.
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 177A-BToward US 1: Alexandria, Fort BelvoirUse the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·56 sec
Exit 177BToward US 1 North: Alexandria
27
Merge onto US 1
440 ft·8 sec·Richmond Highway
28
Continue on US 1
0.3 mi·45 sec·South Patrick Street
29
Turn right onto Franklin Street
0.2 mi·28 sec·Franklin Street
Use the right lane.
30
Turn left onto VA 400
0.5 mi·1 min·South Washington Street
Use the left lane.
31
Arrive at destination
VA 400
Trip Plan
Given this route is a comfortable one-day drive, you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving earlier in the morning could help you avoid some traffic, especially as you approach Alexandria. Plan for at least one stop to stretch your legs and refuel; the roughly 4.5-hour duration makes it manageable without extensive breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longest stretch on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, to ensure you're well-prepared for the entire 212.1-mile journey.
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 106 miles from South Boston, VA, or about 2h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.8 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 47 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106 miles or 2h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 34m
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 South Boston, 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 South Boston, VA
This is one driving day of about 212.1 miles and 4h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from South Boston, 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 Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike for about 51.8 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 98.7 and 210.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
98.7 mi into trip|~2h 6m in
Keep slight right at fork toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway, Richmond
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway, Richm...
8
112.7 mi into trip|~2h 25m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, Norfolk
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, Norfolk
8
202.9 mi into trip|~4h 8m in|I 95
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 toward I 95 North, I 495 East: Baltimore
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward I 95 North, I 495 East: Baltimore
8
208.5 mi into trip|~4h 15m 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
8
210.4 mi into trip|~4h 18m 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
$31.31 one way
$62.63 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg74 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$34.41
$68.82
premium
$4.49
$37.51
$75.02
diesel
$4.80
$40.05
$80.10
Estimated Tolls: $3.63
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(51.8 mi)$3.63
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
63.6
0
$22.27
$10.18
Efficient EV
53
0
$18.56
$8.48
EV Truck/SUV
84.8
1
$29.69
$13.57
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
South Boston, VA
Late night
in South Boston on Monday
Local time
2:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Mostly Cloudy
SW 3 to 10 mph55% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 6:53PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 2:14PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Alexandria, VA
Late night
in Alexandria on Monday
Local time
2:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
75°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
SW 5 to 10 mph62% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 6:53PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Blacksburg VA
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 2:14PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
86°F
Woodlake, VA
106 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
2 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
4h 22m 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.
Petersburg National Battlefield
National Battlefield
Two hundred ninety-two days, eight offensives, over 70,000 casualties, U. S. Colored Troops, and the decline of Gen. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia all describe the Siege of Petersburg. U.S. forces c...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
Free
near mile 95.1
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Question...
30 mi from route
~74 min detour
Free
near mile 36.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route offers a mixed drive experience, with 51% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter stretches like the 51.8-mile segment on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, which likely provides a more consistent, higher-speed driving environment. As you progress, expect the road to transition, incorporating highways like I-95 and potentially more local roads like Kings Highway. This blend means you'll experience varied driving conditions, from open highway cruising to potentially navigating more varied traffic and speed limits.
51% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 51.8 mi on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 98.7 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 24 significant decision points across 212.1 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 98.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 112.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 202.9 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
591 ft37 ft
Total Climb
328 ft
Total Descent
686 ft
Highest Point
591 ft
~30.3 mi in
Elevation Range
554 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between South Boston, VA and Alexandria, VA, road signs point toward Richmond and Norfolk.
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 22m. Total distance: 212.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 22m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 51.8 miles on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.63 in tolls one way, starting with Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
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.
The main spots that need attention: at 98.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 112.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 202.9 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.4 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Alexandria, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
