Arlington, VA to Cloverdale, VA is 224.4 miles and takes about 4h 12m via I 81, with a fuel budget near $35 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Virginia, moving from the Southeast region to the Southeast region. Expect a very highway-focused experience, making it a straightforward, efficient trip. With a recommended 1 day for this drive, it's well-suited for a quick transition between these two points. Consider this route if you prioritize speed and directness over a leisurely exploration.
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
112.2 miles from Arlington, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 9m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 12m. Total distance: 224.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 12m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (98%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is almost entirely on highways, with a 98% highway share. You'll primarily be on I 81, which forms the longest uninterrupted stretch of your journey at 149.7 miles. The Custis Memorial Parkway and Lee Highway are also part of the itinerary, though they represent a small portion. Prepare for a consistent, high-speed driving experience for the majority of the trip, characterized by its efficiency and directness. The profile is clearly defined as a highway-focused drive.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 16 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 149.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Custis Memorial Parkway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in near Fairfax Drive.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 224.4 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 0.7 miles (Fairfax Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.6 miles (I 66 / Custis Memorial Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.7 mi into trip|~2m in|Fairfax Drive
Turn left onto Fairfax Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
4.6 mi into trip|~8m in|I 66 / Custis Memorial Parkway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 66 / Custis Memorial Parkway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
71.7 mi into trip|~1h 24m 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
4
72.3 mi into trip|~1h 26m in|I 81
Merge onto I 81 toward I 81 South: Roanoke
Merge point - match speed before joining
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
7
222.1 mi into trip|~4h 8m in
Take the exit toward US 220 North: Daleville, Fincastle
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 220 North: Daleville, Fincastle
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
149.7 mi
2h 42m
Custis Memorial Parkway
70.4 mi
1h 20m
Lee Highway
1.3 mi
2m
Wilson Boulevard
0.5 mi
1m
Read Mountain Road
0.3 mi
<1m
Cloverdale Road
0.3 mi
<1m
North Glebe Road
0.2 mi
<1m
Fairfax Drive
0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 149.7 mi, about 2h 42m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Arlington, VA and Cloverdale, VA.
1
Start on Wilson Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Wilson Boulevard
2
Turn slight right onto VA 120
0.2 mi·30 sec·North Glebe Road
Use the right lane.
3
Turn left onto Fairfax Drive
0.1 mi·27 sec·Fairfax Drive
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on this road
0.5 mi·1 min·this road
Toward I 66 Toll West
5
Merge onto I 66
3.3 mi·4 min·Custis Memorial Parkway
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 66
67 mi·1 hr 16 min·Custis Memorial Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 1AToward I 81 South: RoanokeUse the straight lane.
8
Merge onto I 81
109 mi·1 hr 58 min·I 81
Toward I 81 South: Roanoke
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
41 mi·44 min·I 81
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward US 220 North: Daleville, FincastleUse the slight right lane.
11
Merge onto US 220
217 ft·8 sec·Roanoke Road
12
Continue on US 220
337 ft·14 sec·Roanoke Road
13
Continue on US 220 Alternate
0.3 mi·24 sec·Cloverdale Road
14
Turn right onto US 11
1.3 mi·2 min·Lee Highway
15
Turn left onto SR 654
0.3 mi·35 sec·Read Mountain Road
16
Arrive at destination
SR 654
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 4 hours and 12 minutes, this trip is easily doable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to maximize daylight and potentially avoid heavier traffic, especially around the Arlington area. You'll only need one planned stop, so consider breaking up the 149.7-mile stretch on I 81 for fuel or a quick stretch. The fuel cost is estimated at $35, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you begin. Since this is a single-day trip, you have flexibility in your departure time.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 112.2 miles from Arlington, VA, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 149.7 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 49 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 112.2 miles or 2h 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 3h 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cloverdale, 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 224.4 miles and 4h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 49 miles from Arlington, 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 149.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 112.2 mi from Arlington, VA
· 2h 9m into the drive
The midpoint is around 112.2 miles from Arlington, 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 149.7 miles.
Arriving in Cloverdale, VA
The final approach into Cloverdale, 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 Cloverdale, 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
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...
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...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
$30
near mile 108.3
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...
20 mi from route
~49 min detour
Free
near mile 224.4
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 15.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.09 one way
$70.18 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg79 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$38.37
$76.74
premium
$4.70
$41.53
$83.06
diesel
$5.61
$49.54
$99.09
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$35
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$60–$85
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 78.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
67.3
0
$23.56
$10.77
Efficient EV
56.1
0
$19.63
$8.98
EV Truck/SUV
89.8
1
$31.42
$14.36
Gas CO2
79 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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 16, 2026
Origin
Arlington, VA
Night
in Arlington on Friday
Local time
9:42 PM
EDT
Current temp
94°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 3 to 14 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued April 16 at 9:43AM EDT until April 16 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 5:34AM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
Cloverdale, VA
Night
in Cloverdale on Friday
Local time
9:42 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°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
46 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
4h 12m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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 Cloverdale, VA covers 224.4 miles and takes about 4h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, Custis Memorial Parkway, Lee Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 112.2 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 $35.09 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
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 12 significant decision points across 224.4 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 0.7 miles (Fairfax Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.6 miles (I 66 / Custis Memorial Parkway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 71.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Arlington, VA to Cloverdale, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Shenandoah National Park and Booker T Washington National Monument. There are 4 parks within detour distance of this route.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
