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Trip from Arlington, VA to Bellwood, VA

Data updated 1 hour ago

Drive Time

2h 20m

Distance

114.9 mi

185 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$18

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
2h 11m ★
6 AM
2h 21m
8 AM
2h 40m
10 AM
2h 28m
12 PM
2h 26m
3 PM
2h 29m
5 PM
2h 39m
8 PM
2h 15m

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 Arlington, VA, VA

Arlington, VA

Dominik Gryzbon

Downtown Bellwood, VA, VA

Bellwood, VA

Francesco Ungaro

Trip Overview

This 114.9-mile drive from Arlington, VA to Bellwood, VA is a straightforward trip that can comfortably be completed in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-95, also known as Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway and the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike for significant portions, this route is ideal as a single-day excursion. With an estimated fuel cost of $18, it's an economical option for a quick getaway within the Southeast region. The drive offers a mixed driving profile, suggesting you'll experience both highway travel and potentially some varied road conditions. Given its manageable length and clear main roads, it’s an accessible journey for most drivers.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

57.4 miles from Arlington, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 12m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway experience on this route, with 59% of the drive taking place on interstates like I-95. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 58.4 miles, providing a solid period of consistent driving. This journey is characterized as a 'Mixed drive,' indicating that while the majority is highway, you might transition through different types of roads, especially as you approach your destination. The route's personality leans towards efficient travel, prioritizing getting you from point A to point B with minimal detours.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 58.4 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

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 3.3 miles in.

Route Complexity 9/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 114.9 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 3.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 45.7 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

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

6
3.3 mi into trip | ~8m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 395 South: Richmond, Quaker Lane

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward I 395 South: Richmond, Quaker Lane
8
3.4 mi into trip | ~9m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 395 South: Richmond

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 395 South: Richmond
6
45.7 mi into trip | ~59m in | I 95

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
7
111.7 mi into trip | ~2h 15m in

Take the exit toward VA 150 North: Chippenham Parkway

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 67 Toward VA 150 North: Chippenham Parkway
8
112.8 mi into trip | ~2h 17m in

Take the exit toward US 1 South, US 301 South: Route 1, Petersburg

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

Use the right lane. Toward US 1 South, US 301 South: Route 1, Peter...

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 58.4 mi 1h 5m
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway 42.2 mi 50m
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike 7.6 mi 9m
North Glebe Road 2.4 mi 6m
Route 1 1.9 mi 3m
North Oakland Street 0.4 mi 1m
Pocahontas Parkway 0.3 mi <1m
North Pershing Drive 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 58.4 mi, about 1h 5m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Arlington, VA and Bellwood, VA.

1

Start on Wilson Boulevard

90 ft · 8 sec · Wilson Boulevard
2

Turn right onto North Oakland Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · North Oakland Street
3

Turn right onto North Pershing Drive

0.1 mi · 28 sec · North Pershing Drive
4

Turn left onto VA 120

2.4 mi · 6 min · North Glebe Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 395 South: Richmond
6

Keep slight left at fork

315 ft · 7 sec
Toward I 395 South: Richmond, Quaker Lane
7

Keep slight left at fork

0.2 mi · 20 sec
Toward I 395 South: Richmond Use the slight left lane.
8

Merge onto I 395

5.8 mi · 7 min · Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on I 395

36 mi · 43 min · Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 1A Toward I 95 South: Richmond Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

58 mi · 1 hr 5 min · I 95
Use the straight lane.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 95

7.6 mi · 9 min · Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Exit 67 Toward VA 150 North: Chippenham Parkway Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto VA 150

0.3 mi · 19 sec · Pocahontas Parkway
14

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Toward US 1 South, US 301 South: Route 1, Petersburg Use the right lane.
15

Turn straight onto US 1; US 301

1.7 mi · 2 min · Route 1
Use the left lane.
16

Continue on US 1; US 301

0.2 mi · 21 sec · Route 1
Use the left lane.
17

Arrive at destination

US 1; US 301

Trip Plan

For this 2-hour and 20-minute drive, planning your departure to avoid peak Northern Virginia or Richmond traffic is advisable. Since it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility with stops, but consider breaking up the longest stretch of 58.4 miles on I-95 to stretch your legs. The estimated fuel cost is $18, so ensure your tank is adequately full before setting off. Keep an eye on road conditions, as interstate travel can sometimes present unexpected delays. A practical tip for this route is to be aware of the transitions between the different names for I-95 (Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway, Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike) to better follow signage.

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 57.4 miles from Arlington, VA, or about 1h 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 58.4 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 80 miles or 1h 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 57.4 miles or 1h 12m 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 54m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Arlington, 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 Arlington, VA

This is one driving day of about 114.9 miles and 2h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Arlington, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 58.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 57.4 mi from Arlington, VA · 1h 12m into the drive

town in Maryland, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

La Plata, MD

57 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

Middletown, MD

Fuel and coffee

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

Middletown, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 57.4 miles from Arlington, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Bellwood, VA

The final approach into Bellwood, 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 Bellwood, VA.

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.

Petersburg National Battlefield

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...

16 mi from route ~40 min detour Free near mile 114.9
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
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!

29 mi from route ~73 min detour Free
View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$17.97 one way

$35.94 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 40 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $19.65 $39.29
premium $4.70 $21.27 $42.53
diesel $5.61 $25.37 $50.74

Estimated Tolls: $0.53

Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike (7.6 mi) $0.53

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

$18

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$44–$69

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 40.2 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 34.5 0 $12.06 $5.52
Efficient EV 28.7 0 $10.05 $4.60
EV Truck/SUV 46 0 $16.09 $7.35

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 data refreshed 1 day ago

Origin

Arlington, VA

Late night in Arlington on Wednesday

Local time

5:18 AM

EDT

Current temp

78°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bellwood, VA

Late night in Bellwood on Wednesday

Local time

5:18 AM

EDT

Current temp

87°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

62°F

La Plata, MD

57 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 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 20m 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 Arlington, VA to Bellwood, VA covers 114.9 miles and takes about 2h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway, Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 57.4 miles from Arlington, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $17.97 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 114.9 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 3.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 3.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 45.7 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Arlington, VA to Bellwood, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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