Ladysmith Safety Rest Area North
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Suffolk, VA to Culpeper, VA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jun 3, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 44m
Distance
178.4 mi
287 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 31m
★
6 AM
3h 44m
8 AM
4h 9m
10 AM
3h 53m
12 PM
3h 50m
3 PM
3h 54m
5 PM
4h 8m
8 PM
3h 36m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Suffolk, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Culpeper, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Suffolk, VA to Culpeper, VA is 178.4 miles and takes about 3h 44m via I 95 and Germanna Highway, with a fuel budget near $30 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Virginia, moving you from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, this trip is easily manageable as a single-day excursion. Expect a mix of highway travel and surface roads as you make your way north.
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
89.2 miles from Suffolk, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 52m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 44.4 mi | 48m |
| Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway | 26.3 mi | 28m |
| Germanna Highway | 19.2 mi | 27m |
| Benns Church Boulevard | 16.3 mi | 21m |
| James River Drive | 14.6 mi | 19m |
| Colonial Trail West | 13.3 mi | 15m |
| Plank Road | 12.7 mi | 19m |
| Colonial Trail East | 9.9 mi | 11m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 44.4 mi, about 48m
Traffic on I-295
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 41 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
5 PM
~2,725 veh/hr typical · worst 3,223
Quietest
2 AM
~162 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
16.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
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 Suffolk, VA and Culpeper, VA.
1
Start on South Saratoga Street
165 ft
·
10 sec
·
South Saratoga Street
2
Turn right onto VA 337
454 ft
·
16 sec
·
West Washington Street
3
Turn left onto US 13 BUS; VA 10; VA 32
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
North Main Street
4
Continue on US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32
366 ft
·
8 sec
·
Pruden Boulevard
5
Turn right onto Godwin Boulevard
8.9 mi
·
10 min
·
Godwin Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on VA 10; VA 32
16 mi
·
21 min
·
Benns Church Boulevard
7
Continue on VA 10
9.9 mi
·
11 min
·
Colonial Trail East
8
Turn left onto VA 10; VA 31
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Rolfe Highway
9
Turn right onto VA 10
13 mi
·
15 min
·
Colonial Trail West
10
Continue on VA 10
15 mi
·
19 min
·
James River Drive
11
Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
East Randolph Road
12
Continue on VA 10
2.5 mi
·
3 min
·
East Hundred Road
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
Toward I 295 North: Washington
14
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
·
this road
Toward I 295 North: Washington
15
Merge onto I 295
26 mi
·
28 min
·
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
16
Take the exit
2.4 mi
·
2 min
Exit 43A
Toward I 95 North: Washington
Use the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto I 95
44 mi
·
48 min
·
I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 130B
Toward VA 3 West: Culpeper
Use the right lane.
19
Merge onto VA 3
13 mi
·
19 min
·
Plank Road
Use the left lane.
20
Continue on VA 3
18 mi
·
26 min
·
Germanna Highway
21
Continue on US 522; VA 3
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Germanna Highway
22
Turn right onto Orange Road
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Orange Road
23
Turn slight right onto US 522; US 15 BUS; US 29 BUS
0.3 mi
·
1 min
·
South Main Street
24
Turn left onto West Culpeper Street
146 ft
·
8 sec
·
West Culpeper Street
25
Turn right
162 ft
·
11 sec
26
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 44m estimated drive time, leaving in the morning should allow ample time to reach Culpeper, VA without feeling rushed. There's only one stop suggested, so you have flexibility in when and where you take a break. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $30. Since this is a single-day trip, consider an early start to maximize your time at your destination. Pay attention as you transition from I 95 to the Germanna Highway, as this is where the road profile changes significantly.
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 89.2 miles from Suffolk, VA, or about 1h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 44.4 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 39 miles or 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 89.2 miles or 1h 52m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Culpeper, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving 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 Suffolk, VA
This is one driving day of about 178.4 miles and 3h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from 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 44.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
89 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 39 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 89.2 miles from Suffolk, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
Ladysmith Safety Rest Area south
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Mr. Fuel Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.1 mi from route
Virginia Welcome Center
1.3 mi from route
Dorey Park Maintenance Facility
1.7 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 145 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 145.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
VA 337 / West Washington Street
Turn right onto VA 337 / West Washington Street
Navigation decision point
5
2.4 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
Godwin Boulevard
Turn right onto Godwin Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
98.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 2m 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
101.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 5m in
|
I 95
Merge onto I 95
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
145.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 53m in
Take the exit toward VA 3 West: Culpeper
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 130B
Toward VA 3 West: Culpeper
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$28.38 one way
$56.75 round trip
$4.04/gal
25.4 MPG avg
62 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.41 | $30.94 | $61.88 |
| premium | $4.78 | $33.57 | $67.13 |
| diesel | $5.35 | $37.58 | $75.15 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 62.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 53.5 | 0 | $18.73 | $8.56 |
| Efficient EV | 44.6 | 0 | $15.61 | $7.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 71.4 | 0 | $24.98 | $11.42 |
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 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.
Origin
Suffolk, VA
Evening in Suffolk on Wednesday
Local time
5:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Chance Rain Showers
NE 7 mph
44% chance
Live forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 22 at 4:06AM EDT until May 22 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 22 at 4:06AM EDT until May 22 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Culpeper, VA
Evening in Culpeper on Wednesday
Local time
5:44 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Rain Showers
N 6 mph
80% chance
Live forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 22 at 4:06AM EDT until May 22 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued May 22 at 4:06AM EDT until May 22 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
61°F
Colonial Heights, VA
89 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
9 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 44m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
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...
10 mi from route
~26 min detour
$15
near mile 30.8
Park Closure: Jamestown Island Loop Drive to Temporarily Close to Vehicles
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
13 mi from route
~33 min detour
Free
near mile 67.7
View on nps.gov
Fort Monroe National Monument
National Monument
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 12.3
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...
26 mi from route
~64 min detour
$30
near mile 178.4
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
About 25% of this drive is on highways, meaning you'll spend the majority of your time on surface roads. You'll encounter 44.4 miles on I 95, which will likely feature more consistent speeds and potentially denser exit traffic. After leaving the interstate, the profile shifts to mostly surface roads, suggesting a more varied driving experience with potential for lower speeds and more local interactions.
Only 25% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 44.4 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
5/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near VA 337 / West Washington Street.
Driving Effort
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 178.4 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (VA 337 / West Washington Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.4 miles (Godwin Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 98.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Mostly flat terrain
419 ft
33 ft
Total Climb
472 ft
Total Descent
103 ft
Highest Point
419 ft
~178.4 mi in
Elevation Range
386 ft
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Starbucks
Cafe
Near the start, short detour
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Starbucks
Cafe
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.8 mi from route
~4 min detour
Culpeper, VA
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Visit websiteStarbucks
Cafe
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
2.2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Glen Allen, VA
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Visit websiteGarden Cafe
Cafe
Around the midpoint, short detour
Halfway reset
3.1 mi from route
~8 min detour
The Baron's Pub
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
Suffolk, VA
Cuisine: grill
Hours: Mo-Sa 11:00-2:00, Su 12:00-2:00
Visit websiteFlavor on Main
Restaurant
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0 mi from route
Cuisine: american
Visit websiteGrass Rootes
Restaurant
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.1 mi from route
Cuisine: american
Visit websiteDQ Grill & Chill
Fast_food
Around the midpoint, right off the route
Halfway reset
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Richmond, VA
Cuisine: ice_cream;burger;chicken
Hours: Su-Th 10:00-22:30; Fr-Sa 10:00-23:00
Visit websitePinto Thai
Restaurant
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.1 mi from route
Cuisine: thai
Taqueria La Tapatia
Restaurant
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.6 mi from route
~2 min detour
VA
Cuisine: mexican
Visit websiteSuffolk Historic District
Park
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park
Park
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.1 mi from route
~5 min detour
Jackson's Flank Attack
Viewpoint
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
2.6 mi from route
~6 min detour
Museum of Culpeper History
Museum
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.2 mi from route
Culpeper, VA
Hours: Mo-Su 10:00-16:00
Visit websiteSuffolk Historic District
District
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
Wilderness Chapel
Ruins
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Wilderness Tavern Site
Ruins
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Grant's Headquarters
Battlefield
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
LOVE
Artwork
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.9 mi from route
~2 min detour
Points of interest from OpenStreetMap contributors. Listings may not reflect current hours or availability.
About the Cities
Starting in Suffolk, VA
Full guide →Founded 1742
Suffolk is a city in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.
Top landmarks
- • Cedar Hill Cemetery — cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia
- • East Suffolk Complex — historic school complex for African-American students located at Suffolk, Virgin...
- • Suffolk Historic District — historic district in Virginia, USA
Arriving in Culpeper, VA
Full guide →Culpeper is a town of over 20,000 people (2020) in the center of Culpeper County in Central Virginia. Culpeper is the literal heart of the county, and has grown rapidly since 2000 when it was home to fewer than 10,000 people.
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 3h 44m. Total distance: 178.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 44m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (25%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 44.4 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 11 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.
Yes, with realistic expectations. Build in a stop roughly every 2 hours, have snacks and activities ready, and check the Nearby Places tabs for kid-friendly stops along the way.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (VA 337 / West Washington Street): Navigation decision point; at 2.4 miles (Godwin Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 98.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 3.7 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.5 hours — manageable with a long break at Culpeper, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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