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Trip from Arlington, VA to Bowling Green, VA

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

1h 38m

Distance

74.1 mi

119 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$12

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min
4 AM
1h 31m ★
6 AM
1h 39m
8 AM
1h 54m
10 AM
1h 44m
12 PM
1h 42m
3 PM
1h 45m
5 PM
1h 53m
8 PM
1h 34m

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

town in Virginia

Bowling Green, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Arlington, VA to Bowling Green, VA covers 74.1 miles and takes about 1h 38m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway, Fredericksburg Turnpike, I 95 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is turn-heavy local drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 42.2 miles on Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $11.59 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

37.1 miles from Arlington, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 49m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 38m. Total distance: 74.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 38m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

Expect a 1h 38m drive with frequent turns across 74.1 miles of local and secondary roads.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 42.2 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 3.3 miles in.

Driving Effort 9/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 74.1 miles you will encounter 15 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: 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 3.5 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. 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
5
3.5 mi into trip | ~9m in | I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway

Merge onto I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
53.7 mi into trip | ~1h 9m in | US 17

Take the exit onto US 17 toward US 1, US 17: Spotsylvania

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 126 Toward US 1, US 17: Spotsylvania
8
54.1 mi into trip | ~1h 9m in | US 17

Keep slight right at fork onto US 17 toward US 1 South, US 17 South: Spotsylvania, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center

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

Use the straight / slight left / slight right lanes. Toward US 1 South, US 17 South: Spotsylvania, S...

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 Arlington, VA to Bowling Green, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center along the way.

Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center

54.1 mi in | ~1h 9m | via US 17

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway 42.2 mi 50m
Fredericksburg Turnpike 11.4 mi 15m
I 95 8.1 mi 9m
Mills Drive 5.8 mi 8m
North Glebe Road 2.4 mi 6m
Sandy Lane Drive 1.3 mi 1m
North Main Street 0.9 mi 1m
Patriot Highway 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway — 42.2 mi, about 50m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Arlington, VA and Bowling Green, 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

8.1 mi · 9 min · I 95
11

Take the exit onto US 17

0.3 mi · 41 sec · US 17
Exit 126 Toward US 1, US 17: Spotsylvania Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto US 17

261 ft · 6 sec · US 17
Toward US 1 South, US 17 South: Spotsylvania, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center Use the straight / slight left / slight right lanes.
13

Merge onto US 1; US 17

0.6 mi · 1 min · Patriot Highway
Use the straight lane.
14

Turn left onto Mills Drive

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Mills Drive
Use the left lane.
15

Turn left onto US 17

5.5 mi · 8 min · Mills Drive
Use the left lane.
16

Take the exit

277 ft · 8 sec
17

Turn straight onto VA 2

1.3 mi · 1 min · Sandy Lane Drive
18

Continue on VA 2

11 mi · 15 min · Fredericksburg Turnpike
19

Continue on VA 2

0.9 mi · 1 min · North Main Street
20

Arrive at destination

US 301 BUS; VA 2

Trip Plan

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 37.1 miles from Arlington, VA, or about 49m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.2 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 16 miles or 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 37.1 miles or 49m 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 23m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bowling Green, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Arlington, VA

This is one driving day of about 74.1 miles and 1h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Arlington, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway for about 42.2 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 37.1 mi from Arlington, VA · 49m into the drive

census designated place in Stafford County, Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Aquia Harbour, VA

37 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

Woodbridge, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Aquia Harbour, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 37.1 miles from Arlington, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Bowling Green, VA

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

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.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument

George Washington Birthplace National Monument

National Monument

George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located in the Northern Neck of Virginia. It encompasses 551 acres of land where seven generations of the Washington family lived and where George Was...

25 mi from route ~63 min detour Free near mile 74.1
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!

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

$11.59 one way

$23.18 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 26 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $12.67 $25.34
premium $4.70 $13.71 $27.43
diesel $5.61 $16.36 $32.72

Estimated Tolls: $0.80

Fredericksburg Turnpike (11.4 mi) $0.80

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

$12

Tolls

$1

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$37–$62

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 25.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 22.2 0 $7.78 $3.56
Efficient EV 18.5 0 $6.48 $2.96
EV Truck/SUV 29.6 0 $10.37 $4.74

Gas CO2

26 kg

EV CO2

9 kg (65% 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

Arlington, VA

Late night in Arlington on Friday

Local time

12:57 AM

EDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bowling Green, VA

Late night in Bowling Green on Friday

Local time

12:57 AM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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 cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 38m 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 Bowling Green, VA covers 74.1 miles and takes about 1h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway, Fredericksburg Turnpike, I 95. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 37.1 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 $11.59 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 74.1 miles you will encounter 15 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
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 3.5 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Arlington, VA to Bowling Green, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include George Washington Birthplace National Monument and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

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