Wolf Trap to Richmond is 110.1 miles and takes about 2h 15m via I 95 and Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway, with a fuel budget near $17 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Virginia, moving south from the Southeast region to another part of the Southeast. It's a pretty straightforward drive that makes for a convenient day trip or the start of a longer adventure. You'll spend a good portion of your time on major highways, so expect a consistent pace. Given the relatively short duration, it’s an easy drive to tackle in one go.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
55 miles from Wolf Trap, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 11m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
55.7 mi
1h 2m
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
35.7 mi
42m
Capital Beltway
10.1 mi
12m
Dulles Toll Road
2.4 mi
3m
Hermitage Road
1.1 mi
2m
Beulah Road
1 mi
2m
Trap Road
0.6 mi
1m
Lozano Drive
0.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 55.7 mi, about 1h 2m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wolf Trap, VA and Richmond, VA.
1
Start on Lozano Drive
0.3 mi·1 min·Lozano Drive
2
At end of road, turn right onto SR 675
1.0 mi·2 min·Beulah Road
Use the straight lane.
3
Turn left onto SR 676
0.3 mi·48 sec·Trap Road
4
At end of road, turn left onto SR 676
0.3 mi·42 sec·Trap Road
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward VA 267 Toll East: Washington
6
Merge onto VA 267
1.2 mi·1 min·Dulles Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 267
1.2 mi·1 min·Dulles Toll Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 18AToward I 495 South: RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 18AToward I 495 South: Richmond
10
Merge onto I 495
10 mi·12 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 57AToward I 95 South: RichmondUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward I 95 South, SR 644 East: Richmond, FranconiaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi·33 sec
Toward I 95 South: Richmond
14
Merge onto I 395
36 mi·42 min·Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
56 mi·1 hr 2 min·I 95
Use the straight lane.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·40 sec
Exit 78Toward VA 161: Arthur Ashe BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Turn right onto VA 161
0.2 mi·28 sec·North Arthur Ashe Boulevard
18
Turn left onto Robin Hood Road
0.2 mi·30 sec·Robin Hood Road
19
Turn right onto Hermitage Road
1.1 mi·2 min·Hermitage Road
20
Continue on North Meadow Street
0.2 mi·34 sec·North Meadow Street
21
Turn left onto Monument Avenue
0.1 mi·26 sec·Monument Avenue
22
Enter roundabout onto Marcus-David Peters Circle
81 ft·2 sec·Marcus-David Peters Circle
23
Arrive at destination
Marcus-David Peters Circle
Trip Plan
Consider leaving Wolf Trap mid-morning to avoid the heaviest commute traffic, aiming to arrive in Richmond in the early afternoon. With a drive time of just over two hours, you won't need to plan for extensive stops, but keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is always wise, especially given the $17 estimated fuel cost. The longest stretch of highway is over 55 miles, so plan for a fuel stop before or after that segment if your tank is low. This short distance offers flexibility, allowing you to depart and arrive on your own schedule without feeling rushed.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 55 miles from Wolf Trap, VA, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 55.7 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 24 miles or 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 55 miles or 1h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 50m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Richmond, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Wolf Trap, 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 Wolf Trap, VA
This is one driving day of about 110.1 miles and 2h 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 24 miles from Wolf Trap, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 55.7 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 108 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.3 mi into trip|~1m in|SR 675 / Beulah Road
At end of road, turn right onto SR 675 / Beulah Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
4.6 mi into trip|~9m in
Take the exit toward I 495 South: Richmond
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 18A
Toward I 495 South: Richmond
7
15.4 mi into trip|~23m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South: Richmond
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 57A
Toward I 95 South: Richmond
8
15.9 mi into trip|~24m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 South, SR 644 East: Richmond, Franconia
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 South, SR 644 East: Richmond, Franc...
7
108 mi into trip|~2h 10m in
Take the exit toward VA 161: Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 78
Toward VA 161: Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$17.22 one way
$34.43 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg39 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$18.83
$37.65
premium
$4.70
$20.38
$40.75
diesel
$5.61
$24.31
$48.62
Estimated Tolls: $0.47
Dulles Toll Road
(2.4 mi)$0.47
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
$17
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 38.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
33
0
$11.56
$5.28
Efficient EV
27.5
0
$9.63
$4.40
EV Truck/SUV
44
0
$15.41
$7.05
Gas CO2
39 kg
EV CO2
13 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 17, 2026
Origin
Wolf Trap, VA
Late night
in Wolf Trap on Sunday
Local time
1:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Richmond, VA
Late night
in Richmond on Sunday
Local time
1:58 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
NW 3 to 10 mph17% chanceLive forecast
85°F
Woodbridge, VA
55 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 warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 15m 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.
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
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!
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
Caution: Great Allegheny Passage Erosion Near Confluence, Pennsylvania (Mile Marker 56)
Park Closure: Trail Closure at Veterans Park at Balls Bluff (Leesburg, Virginia)
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 110.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is a mixed bag, with 51% of it being highway driving. You'll navigate parts of the Capital Beltway before getting onto I 95 South, also known as the Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 55.7 miles on I 95. Expect a generally consistent driving experience for much of the journey, with the highway sections offering a steady pace. As you approach Richmond, the road character remains predominantly highway-focused.
51% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 55.7 mi on I 95.
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 0.3 miles in near SR 675 / Beulah Road.
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 20 significant decision points across 110.1 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 0.3 miles (SR 675 / Beulah Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 Wolf Trap, VA to Richmond, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Franconia along the way.
Franconia
15.9 mi in|~24m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 15m. Total distance: 110.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 15m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (51%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 55.7 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.47 in tolls one way, starting with Dulles Toll Road. 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 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 Richmond, 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. There are 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (SR 675 / Beulah Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and Petersburg National Battlefield. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Richmond, VA before heading back.
