Traveling from South Suffolk to Fairfax spans 191.2 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 55 minutes of drive time. This trip works perfectly as a one-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You will navigate a mix of roads, including Benns Church Boulevard, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, and a significant portion of I-95. Budgeting around $31 for fuel should cover your needs for the journey. Since both locations are situated in the Southeast region of Virginia, you can expect a fairly consistent regional atmosphere throughout the drive. Overall, this route offers a straightforward connection between the two areas, making it a practical choice for a quick trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
95.6 miles from South Suffolk, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 59m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
73.7 mi
1h 22m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
26.3 mi
28m
Benns Church Boulevard
16.3 mi
21m
James River Drive
14.6 mi
19m
Colonial Trail West
13.3 mi
15m
Ox Road
12.4 mi
19m
Colonial Trail East
9.9 mi
11m
Godwin Boulevard
8.9 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 73.7 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Suffolk, VA and Fairfax, VA.
1
Start on US 13 BUS; VA 32
0.9 mi·1 min·Carolina Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
2
Continue on US 13 BUS; VA 10; VA 32
2.2 mi·4 min·North Main Street
3
Continue on US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32
366 ft·8 sec·Pruden Boulevard
4
Turn right onto Godwin Boulevard
8.9 mi·10 min·Godwin Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on VA 10; VA 32
16 mi·21 min·Benns Church Boulevard
6
Continue on VA 10
9.9 mi·11 min·Colonial Trail East
7
Turn left onto VA 10; VA 31
1.0 mi·1 min·Rolfe Highway
8
Turn right onto VA 10
13 mi·15 min·Colonial Trail West
9
Continue on VA 10
15 mi·19 min·James River Drive
10
Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS
2.9 mi·4 min·East Randolph Road
11
Continue on VA 10
2.5 mi·3 min·East Hundred Road
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward I 295 North: Washington
13
Continue on this road
0.4 mi·46 sec·this road
Toward I 295 North: Washington
14
Merge onto I 295
26 mi·28 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
15
Take the exit
2.4 mi·2 min
Exit 43AToward I 95 North: WashingtonUse the slight left lane.
16
Merge onto I 95
46 mi·49 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi·1 min·I 95; US 17
18
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
19
Merge onto I 95
26 mi·31 min·I 95
Use the slight left lane.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 160BToward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake RidgeUse the right lane.
21
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·17 sec
Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge
22
Continue on VA 123
1.0 mi·2 min·Gordon Boulevard
23
Continue on VA 123
8.9 mi·13 min·Ox Road
Use the left lane.
24
Continue on VA 123
3.5 mi·6 min·Ox Road
Use the straight lane.
25
Continue on VA 123
0.7 mi·1 min·Chain Bridge Road
26
Turn right onto VA 236
69 ft·2 sec·Main Street
27
Arrive at destination
VA 236
Trip Plan
Since the drive is under four hours, you have the flexibility to complete the journey in one go, though planning for at least one stop is a smart way to stay refreshed. Given the reliance on I-95 for a significant portion of the trip, monitor traffic reports closely before you pull out of your driveway to avoid peak congestion. You will find that keeping a consistent pace is easier once you clear the local segments and join the main highway flow. Aim to depart early in the day to take full advantage of your time in Fairfax. Remember that your fuel budget is estimated at $31, so topping off your tank before hitting the longest 73.7-mile stretch on I-95 will help ensure a smooth, worry-free transit.
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 95.6 miles from South Suffolk, VA, or about 1h 59m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.7 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 42 miles or 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 95.6 miles or 1h 59m 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 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fairfax, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving South Suffolk, 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 Suffolk, VA
This is one driving day of about 191.2 miles and 3h 55m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from South Suffolk, 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 95 for about 73.7 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.1 and 176.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
3.1 mi into trip|~7m in|Godwin Boulevard
Turn right onto Godwin Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
99.5 mi into trip|~2h 4m in
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Washington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 43A
Toward I 95 North: Washington
5
101.9 mi into trip|~2h 6m in|I 95
Merge onto I 95
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
176.6 mi into trip|~3h 30m in
Take the exit toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 160B
Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge
7
176.8 mi into trip|~3h 31m in
Keep slight left at fork toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$29.90 one way
$59.80 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg67 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$32.69
$65.38
premium
$4.70
$35.39
$70.77
diesel
$5.61
$42.21
$84.43
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$30
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$55–$80
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 66.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $20 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
57.4
0
$20.08
$9.18
Efficient EV
47.8
0
$16.73
$7.65
EV Truck/SUV
76.5
0
$26.77
$12.24
Gas CO2
67 kg
EV CO2
22 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 Apr 18, 2026
Origin
South Suffolk, VA
Late night
in South Suffolk on Sunday
Local time
4:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Fairfax, VA
Late night
in Fairfax on Sunday
Local time
4:02 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
86°F
Colonial Heights, VA
96 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
3 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
3h 55m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
Colonial National Historical Park
National Historical Park
On May 13, 1607, Jamestown was established as the first permanent English settlement in North America. Three cultures came together – European, Virginia Indian and African–to create a new society that...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
$15
near mile 33
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
13 mi from route
~32 min detour
Free
near mile 72.5
Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Those escapi...
18 mi from route
~44 min detour
Free
near mile 13.2
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!
24 mi from route
~60 min detour
Free
near mile 191.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a mixed driving experience as you transition between local roads and major arteries. With a highway share of 39%, you will encounter a blend of steady interstate cruising and slower-paced thoroughfares. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-95, where you will spend 73.7 miles focused on highway travel. This route balances the intensity of high-speed transit with the more measured pace of regional highways. By combining these different road types, the journey keeps you engaged as the landscape and traffic patterns shift from the start in Suffolk to your arrival in Fairfax.
39% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 73.7 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 3.1 miles in near Godwin Boulevard.
Driving Effort9/10
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 13 significant decision points across 191.2 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 3.1 miles (Godwin Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 99.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 101.9 miles (I 95): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
432 ft43 ft
Total Climb
646 ft
Total Descent
268 ft
Highest Point
432 ft
~191.2 mi in
Elevation Range
389 ft
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 South Suffolk, VA to Fairfax, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Lake Ridge along the way.
Lake Ridge
176.6 mi in|~3h 30m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 55m. Total distance: 191.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 73.7 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza 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 Fairfax, 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 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.1 miles (Godwin Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 99.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 101.9 miles (I 95): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Petersburg National Battlefield and Fort Monroe National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Fairfax, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
