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Trip from Alexandria, VA to Hollymead, VA

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

2h 32m

Distance

112.9 mi

182 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 30 min
4 AM
2h 23m ★
6 AM
2h 33m
8 AM
2h 53m
10 AM
2h 40m
12 PM
2h 38m
3 PM
2h 41m
5 PM
2h 52m
8 PM
2h 27m

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

Downtown Alexandria, VA, VA

Alexandria, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Hollymead, VA, VA

Hollymead, VA

Marcella Soáres

Trip Overview

This 112.9-mile drive from Alexandria, VA to Hollymead, VA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes. You'll navigate primarily on North Seminole Trail and James Madison Highway, with a smaller portion on I-66, making for a varied driving experience. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $18, and with just one recommended stop, it's a straightforward excursion. This route connects two points within the Southeast region, offering a practical way to travel within Virginia. Its relatively short distance and reasonable duration make it an ideal 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

56.5 miles from Alexandria, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 17m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 32m. Total distance: 112.9 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 32m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile.

Drive Character

Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for much of this 112.9-mile journey. While 19% of the route involves highway driving, the majority unfolds on local roads, demanding your attention with frequent turns. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 29.1 miles on North Seminole Trail, offering a brief period of more consistent travel before the roadwork resumes. This profile suggests a route that winds through communities rather than a high-speed interstate cruise, so be prepared for a more engaged driving experience.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
North Seminole Trail is the longest continuous segment at about 29.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.9 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 112.9 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 15.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 22 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
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
37.6 mi into trip | ~49m in

Take the exit toward US 29 South: Gainesville, Warrenton

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 43A Toward US 29 South: Gainesville, Warrenton
8
38.3 mi into trip | ~51m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 29 South: Gainesville, Warrenton

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

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward US 29 South: Gainesville, Warrenton

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Alexandria, VA and Hollymead, VA, road signs point toward Front Royal and Warrenton.

Front Royal

15.4 mi in | ~22m

Warrenton

37.6 mi in | ~49m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
North Seminole Trail 29.1 mi 39m
James Madison Highway 23.3 mi 30m
I 66 21.3 mi 25m
Lee Highway 10.6 mi 15m
Capital Beltway 8.8 mi 10m
James Monroe Highway 7.8 mi 9m
Capital Beltway (Local) 5 mi 6m
Eastern Bypass 2.6 mi 3m
Longest stretch: North Seminole Trail — 29.1 mi, about 39m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Alexandria, VA and Hollymead, 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

21 mi · 25 min · I 66
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 43A Toward US 29 South: Gainesville, Warrenton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Toward US 29 South: Gainesville, Warrenton Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
18

Merge onto US 29

11 mi · 15 min · Lee Highway
Use the left lane.
19

Keep slight left at fork onto US 15; US 29

0.5 mi · 44 sec · US 15; US 29
Toward US 15 South, US 29 South
20

Merge onto US 15; US 17; US 29

2.6 mi · 3 min · Eastern Bypass
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29

5.1 mi · 7 min · James Madison Highway
22

Keep slight left at fork onto US 15; US 29

18 mi · 23 min · James Madison Highway
23

Continue on US 29

7.8 mi · 9 min · James Monroe Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Continue on US 29

29 mi · 39 min · North Seminole Trail
25

Turn left onto SR 1520

0.4 mi · 1 min · Hollymead Drive
26

Turn left onto SR 1523

128 ft · 5 sec · Goldentree Place
27

Arrive at destination

SR 1523

Trip Plan

Given the 2 hour and 32 minute duration, this 112.9-mile trip is perfectly suited for a single day. You can depart Alexandria at your leisure, though an early start might help you avoid potential local traffic. With a fuel cost estimated at $18, planning your fill-up before leaving or at a station along the way is simple. The longest stretch without significant turns is 29.1 miles on North Seminole Trail, which could be a good point to assess your progress or take a brief break if needed. Remember to stay aware of the many turns characteristic of this route to ensure a smooth arrival in Hollymead.

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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 56.5 miles from Alexandria, VA, or about 1h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29.1 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 25 miles or 34m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 56.5 miles or 1h 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 2h 4m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Hollymead, 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 112.9 miles and 2h 32m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 25 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 North Seminole Trail for about 29.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 56.5 mi from Alexandria, VA · 1h 17m into the drive

census designated place in Virginia, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Gainesville, VA

56 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

Manassas, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 25 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Gainesville, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 56.5 miles from Alexandria, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Hollymead, VA

The final approach into Hollymead, 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 Hollymead, VA.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$17.66 one way

$35.31 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 40 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $19.30 $38.61
premium $4.70 $20.90 $41.79
diesel $5.61 $24.93 $49.85

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$18

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$43–$68

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 39.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $12 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 33.9 0 $11.85 $5.42
Efficient EV 28.2 0 $9.88 $4.52
EV Truck/SUV 45.2 0 $15.81 $7.23

Gas CO2

40 kg

EV CO2

13 kg (68% 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 15, 2026

Origin

Alexandria, VA

Late night in Alexandria on Friday

Local time

12:20 AM

EDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Hollymead, VA

Late night in Hollymead on Friday

Local time

12:20 AM

EDT

Current temp

80°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

78°F

Gainesville, VA

56 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

11 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 32m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Alexandria, VA to Hollymead, VA covers 112.9 miles and takes about 2h 32m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are North Seminole Trail, James Madison Highway, I 66. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 56.5 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 $17.66 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 112.9 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 15.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Alexandria, VA and Hollymead, VA, road signs point toward Front Royal and Warrenton.

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