Traveling from South Boston to Arlington covers 214.8 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 26 minutes behind the wheel. Because this is a single-day trip, you can easily complete the journey without needing an overnight stay, though you should budget approximately $34 for fuel. You will transition from the Southeast region of South Boston into the Northern Virginia corridor, utilizing a mix of the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, Kings Highway, and I-95. Whether you are heading north for business or a change of scenery, this route is straightforward and manageable. Expect a balanced drive that moves you efficiently through the heart of Virginia.
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
107.4 miles from South Boston, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 17m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
51.8 mi
57m
Kings Highway
39.7 mi
47m
I 95
36.6 mi
43m
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
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
8.7 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
— 51.8 mi, about 57m
Traffic on I-95
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 144 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 Arlington, 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 right at fork onto I 395
0.6 mi·52 sec·Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 170A; 170BToward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons CornerUse the straight / slight left lanes.
24
Continue on I 395
8.1 mi·9 min·Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 170AToward I 395 North: WashingtonUse the straight lane.
25
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 8AToward VA 27: Washington Boulevard, Columbia PikeUse the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward VA 27 West: Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Washington Boulevard, Columbia PikeUse the slight left lane.
27
Merge onto VA 27
1.8 mi·3 min·Washington Boulevard
Toward Columbia PikeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Turn left onto VA 237
0.3 mi·1 min·10th Street North
29
Turn slight left
137 ft·8 sec
30
Turn left onto Wilson Boulevard
0.4 mi·1 min·Wilson Boulevard
31
Arrive at destination
Wilson Boulevard
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 4-hour and 26-minute drive, plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and refuel. Since the trip is relatively compact, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule, but keep in mind that I-95 congestion can significantly impact your arrival time. Monitor your fuel gauge closely, as the $34 estimate assumes consistent highway speeds that may fluctuate depending on traffic density. A smart strategy is to complete your primary stop after clearing the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike stretch to avoid peak congestion zones. Prioritize your departure to avoid the heaviest commute hours near Arlington, ensuring a smoother transition into your final destination.
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 107.4 miles from South Boston, VA, or about 2h 17m 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 107.4 miles or 2h 17m 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 36m
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 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 214.8 miles and 4h 26m.
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 22
5 decision points cluster between mile 98.7 and 212 — 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
9
202.9 mi into trip|~4h 8m in|I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Exit 170A; 170B
Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Ty...
8
211.7 mi into trip|~4h 19m in
Take the exit toward VA 27: Washington Boulevard, Columbia Pike
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 8A
Toward VA 27: Washington Boulevard, Columbia Pi...
8
212 mi into trip|~4h 19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward VA 27 West: Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Washington Boulevard, Columbia Pike
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward VA 27 West: Joint Base Myer-Henderson Ha...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.71 one way
$63.43 round trip
$3.75/gal25.4 MPG avg75 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.12
$34.85
$69.70
premium
$4.49
$37.99
$75.97
diesel
$4.80
$40.56
$81.12
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
$32
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: 75.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
64.4
0
$22.55
$10.31
Efficient EV
53.7
0
$18.80
$8.59
EV Truck/SUV
85.9
1
$30.07
$13.75
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% 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 Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 6:44PM EDT until July 18 at 7:30PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 6:29PM EDT until July 18 at 7:30PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Arlington, VA
Late night
in Arlington on Monday
Local time
2:50 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
SW 6 to 10 mph61% chanceLive forecast
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 6:44PM EDT until July 18 at 7:30PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued July 18 at 6:29PM EDT until July 18 at 7:30PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
86°F
Woodlake, VA
107 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
1 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 26m 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 96.3
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...
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!
29 mi from route
~73 min detour
Free
near mile 214.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip offers a mixed driving profile, transitioning between faster interstate segments and local roadway navigation. With 47% of your travel time spent on highways, you will encounter varying road speeds and traffic patterns throughout the 214.8-mile journey. Be prepared for the longest uninterrupted stretch, a 51.8-mile portion on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, which serves as the primary backbone of your transit. As you shift from quieter regional roads onto the busier I-95 corridor, the character of the drive shifts from steady cruising to a more high-traffic experience. Staying alert is essential as the road environment evolves toward the denser urban landscape of Arlington.
47% 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 22 significant decision points across 214.8 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 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
600 ft104 ft
Total Climb
75 ft
Total Descent
562 ft
Highest Point
600 ft
~35.8 mi in
Elevation Range
496 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 Arlington, VA, road signs point toward Richmond, Norfolk and Tysons Corner.
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 4h 26m. Total distance: 214.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 26m 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.
Yes — we found about 15 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 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
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 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. 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 8.9 hours — manageable with a long break at Arlington, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
