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Trip from Alexandria, VA to Cana, VA

Data updated 4 hours ago

Drive Time

6h 15m

Distance

331.6 mi

534 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$52

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
6h 3m ★
6 AM
6h 16m
8 AM
6h 41m
10 AM
6h 24m
12 PM
6h 22m
3 PM
6h 26m
5 PM
6h 40m
8 PM
6h 8m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Alexandria, VA, VA

Alexandria, VA

Wikimedia Commons

census designated place in Carroll County, Virginia, United States

Cana, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 331.6-mile drive from Alexandria, VA to Cana, VA is a solid one-day trip, taking approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes to complete. The route is predominantly highway, with 92% of the journey on major interstates like I-81 and I-66, making for a relatively straightforward travel day. Expect a fuel cost of around $52 for this journey through Virginia. Given its highway focus, it’s designed for efficient travel, allowing you to cover ground quickly. This trip is ideal for those looking to get from point A to point B without many detours, fitting comfortably within a single day.

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

165.8 miles from Alexandria, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 9m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Get ready for a highway-focused experience, as this route boasts a 92% highway share. You'll spend most of your time on interstates, with a significant uninterrupted stretch of 218.7 miles on I-81. This means consistent speeds and minimal traffic disruptions for large portions of the drive. While primarily interstate, the landscape will gradually shift as you travel southwest through Virginia. The long stretches on I-81 are the backbone of this journey, offering a predictable and efficient driving experience.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 218.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 66. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 331.6 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 0.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.6 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 20 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

8
0.9 mi into trip | ~3m in

Take the exit toward I 95 South, I 495 West, I 95 North, I 495 East: Richmond, Baltimore

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 95 South, I 495 West, I 95 North, I 49...
8
1 mi into trip | ~3m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 95 South, I 495 West

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 95 South, I 495 West
6
6.6 mi into trip | ~11m in | I 495 / Capital Beltway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 495 / Capital Beltway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
8
15.4 mi into trip | ~22m in

Take the exit toward I 66 West: Vienna, Front Royal

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 49B Toward I 66 West: Vienna, Front Royal
8
80.5 mi into trip | ~1h 36m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 81 South: Roanoke

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Exit 1A Toward I 81 South: Roanoke

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 81 218.7 mi 4h
I 66 64.2 mi 1h 12m
I 77 23.1 mi 26m
Capital Beltway 8.8 mi 10m
Fancy Gap Highway 6.8 mi 7m
Capital Beltway (Local) 5 mi 6m
Chance Creek Road 0.9 mi 1m
South Washington Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 81 — 218.7 mi, about 4h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Alexandria, VA and Cana, VA.

1

Start on VA 400

75 ft · 6 sec · South Washington Street
2

Turn right onto King Street

314 ft · 14 sec · King Street
3

Turn right onto South Saint Asaph Street

0.2 mi · 41 sec · South Saint Asaph Street
4

Turn right onto Duke Street

334 ft · 18 sec · Duke Street
5

Turn left onto VA 400

0.2 mi · 50 sec · South Washington Street
6

Turn right onto Gibbon Street

0.2 mi · 37 sec · Gibbon Street
7

Turn left onto US 1

0.2 mi · 34 sec · South Patrick Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
8

Take the exit

438 ft · 10 sec
Toward I 95 South, I 495 West, I 95 North, I 495 East: Richmond, Baltimore Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 95 South, I 495 West Use the slight right lane.
10

Merge onto I 95; I 495

5.0 mi · 6 min · Capital Beltway (Local)
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 495

0.7 mi · 47 sec · Capital Beltway
Use the straight lane.
12

Continue on I 495

2.4 mi · 2 min · Capital Beltway
Exit 170A Toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight right at fork onto I 495

5.7 mi · 7 min · Capital Beltway
Use the straight lane.
14

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Exit 49B Toward I 66 West: Vienna, Front Royal Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Merge onto I 66

64 mi · 1 hr 12 min · I 66
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 1A Toward I 81 South: Roanoke Use the straight lane.
17

Merge onto I 81

109 mi · 1 hr 58 min · I 81
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
18

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

110 mi · 2 hr 1 min · I 81
Use the straight lane.
19

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 49 sec
Toward I 77 South: Charlotte NC Use the slight right lane.
20

Continue on this road

0.4 mi · 53 sec · this road
Toward I 77 South: Charlotte NC
21

Continue on I 77

23 mi · 26 min · I 77
22

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward VA 148, SR 775: Fancy Gap
23

Turn straight onto VA 148

0.9 mi · 1 min · Chance Creek Road
24

At end of road, turn right onto US 52

6.8 mi · 7 min · Fancy Gap Highway
25

Arrive at destination

US 52

Trip Plan

With a duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes, this trip from Alexandria to Cana is well-suited for a single day. To make the most of it, consider an early morning departure to avoid any potential rush hour traffic leaving the DC metro area. You'll have one primary stop recommended, but feel free to add others as needed, especially given the flexibility of a one-day drive. Keep an eye on your fuel, particularly during the longest stretch of 218.7 miles on I-81, where services might be less frequent. Planning your fuel stops in advance can save you time and ensure a smooth journey.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 165.8 miles from Alexandria, VA, or about 3h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 218.7 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 80 miles or 1h 35m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 165.8 miles or 3h 9m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 6m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cana, VA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Alexandria, 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 Alexandria, VA

This is one driving day of about 331.6 miles and 6h 15m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Alexandria, 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 81 for about 218.7 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 165.8 mi from Alexandria, VA · 3h 9m into the drive

town in the west-central part of Garrett County, Maryland, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oakland, MD

166 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

Cumberland, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Oakland, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 165.8 miles from Alexandria, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 218.7 miles.

Arriving in Cana, VA

The final approach into Cana, VA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Cana, VA.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires today. Native Americans first shaped the land, followed by colonists and settlers. The fertile valley became an important...

1 mi from route ~3 min detour Free near mile 80
View on nps.gov
Shenandoah National Park

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...

16 mi from route ~41 min detour $30 near mile 114.4
View on nps.gov
Booker T Washington National Monument

Booker T Washington National Monument

National Monument

Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...

22 mi from route ~55 min detour Free near mile 240.1
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

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!

22 mi from route ~55 min detour Free near mile 22.9
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$51.85 one way

$103.71 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 116 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $56.70 $113.40
premium $4.70 $61.37 $122.74
diesel $5.61 $73.21 $146.43

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$52

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$77–$102

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 116 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $35 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 99.5 1 $34.82 $15.92
Efficient EV 82.9 0 $29.02 $13.26
EV Truck/SUV 132.6 1 $46.42 $21.22

Gas CO2

116 kg

EV CO2

39 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

Alexandria, VA

Night in Alexandria on Tuesday

Local time

11:22 PM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Cana, VA

Night in Cana on Tuesday

Local time

11:22 PM

EDT

Current temp

59°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

76°F

Oakland, MD

166 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

6h 15m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Alexandria, VA to Cana, VA covers 331.6 miles and takes about 6h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, I 66, I 77. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 165.8 miles from Alexandria, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $51.85 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 331.6 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.6 miles (I 495 / Capital Beltway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Alexandria, VA to Cana, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Cana, VA to Alexandria, VA

Plan the drive back the other way.

329.9 mi 6h 11m

Continue From Cana, VA

East Hampton, VA 318.3 mi · 6h 23m

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