Origin
Bon Air, VA
Late night in Bon Air on Wednesday
Local time
4:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
83°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Bon Air, VA to Alexandria, VA
Data updated 2 hours ago
Drive Time
2h 10m
Distance
107.3 mi
173 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$17
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 1m
★
6 AM
2h 10m
8 AM
2h 29m
10 AM
2h 17m
12 PM
2h 15m
3 PM
2h 18m
5 PM
2h 28m
8 PM
2h 5m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Bon Air, VA
Sami Aksu
Alexandria, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 107.3-mile drive from Bon Air, VA to Alexandria, VA is a straightforward journey, taking approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. Designed as a single-day trip, you'll spend most of your time on major highways, making it a convenient option if you're looking for a direct route within Virginia's Southeast region. The estimated fuel cost is around $17, which is quite manageable for a trip of this length. Given its highway-focused profile and efficient duration, this route is ideal for a day excursion without the need for an overnight stop.
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
53.7 miles from Bon Air, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 4m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for 93% of this journey. You'll primarily be on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and I-95, with a portion on Powhite Parkway. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 51.8 miles on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. This means you're in for a relatively fast-paced drive with minimal distractions, allowing you to cover ground efficiently. The road character remains consistent, emphasizing smooth travel on well-maintained expressways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike is the longest continuous segment at about 51.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.6 miles in near SR 686 / Jahnke Road.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 107.3 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 0.6 miles (SR 686 / Jahnke Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.2 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0.6 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
SR 686 / Jahnke Road
Turn sharp left onto SR 686 / Jahnke Road
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
7.9 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, Norfolk
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, Norfolk
8
98.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 56m in
|
I 95
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 toward I 95 North, I 495 East: Baltimore
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward I 95 North, I 495 East: Baltimore
8
103.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 3m in
|
I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local)
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local) toward I 95, I 495: Alexandria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 95, I 495: Alexandria
8
105.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 5m in
Take the exit toward US 1: Alexandria, Fort Belvoir
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 177A-B
Toward US 1: Alexandria, Fort Belvoir
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 Bon Air, VA to Alexandria, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Norfolk along the way.
Norfolk
7.9 mi in
|
~12m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike | 51.8 mi | 57m |
| I 95 | 42.1 mi | 50m |
| Powhite Parkway | 3.7 mi | 5m |
| Beltline Expressway | 2.2 mi | 3m |
| Capital Beltway (Local) | 2 mi | 2m |
| Jahnke Road | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Buford Road | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| South Washington Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
— 51.8 mi, about 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bon Air, VA and Alexandria, VA.
1
Start on SR 718
14 ft
·
2 sec
·
Rockaway Road
2
Turn right onto SR 678
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Buford Road
3
Turn sharp left onto SR 686
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Jahnke Road
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway North
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto VA 76
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
Powhite Parkway
6
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Powhite Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 76
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Powhite Parkway
Use the straight lane.
8
Merge onto I 195
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Beltline Expressway
Use the straight lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork
502 ft
·
12 sec
Toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, Norfolk
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 95 North: Washington
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto I 95
52 mi
·
57 min
·
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
I 95; US 17
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
14
Merge onto I 95
35 mi
·
41 min
·
I 95
Use the slight left lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
5.5 mi
·
7 min
·
I 95
Toward I 95 North, I 495 East: Baltimore
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; I 495
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Capital Beltway (Local)
Toward I 95, I 495: Alexandria
Use the slight right lane.
17
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 177A-B
Toward US 1: Alexandria, Fort Belvoir
Use the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 177B
Toward US 1 North: Alexandria
19
Merge onto US 1
440 ft
·
8 sec
·
Richmond Highway
20
Continue on US 1
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
·
South Patrick Street
21
Turn right onto Franklin Street
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
Franklin Street
Use the right lane.
22
Turn left onto VA 400
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Washington Street
Use the left lane.
23
Arrive at destination
VA 400
Trip Plan
For this 107.3-mile trip, leaving Bon Air, VA, consider an early morning departure to bypass potential traffic as you approach Alexandria, VA. Since the drive is only about 2 hours and 10 minutes, you won't need extensive breaks, but there are no designated stops in the data, so plan for a quick fuel or restroom stop if needed. Keep an eye on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, as it constitutes the longest stretch of your drive at 51.8 miles, so ensure you're fueled up beforehand. The $17 fuel cost is a good estimate, but always check current prices.
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 53.7 miles from Bon Air, VA, or about 1h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.8 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 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 53.7 miles or 1h 4m 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 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alexandria, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bon Air, 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 Bon Air, VA
This is one driving day of about 107.3 miles and 2h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Bon Air, 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 Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike for about 51.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 53.7 mi from Bon Air, VA · 1h 4m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
54 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 53.7 miles from Bon Air, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Alexandria, VA
The final approach into Alexandria, 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 Alexandria, 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
$16.78 one way
$33.56 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
38 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $18.35 | $36.69 |
| premium | $4.70 | $19.86 | $39.72 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $23.69 | $47.38 |
Estimated Tolls: $3.63
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(51.8 mi)
$3.63
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
$17
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 32.2 | 0 | $11.27 | $5.15 |
| Efficient EV | 26.8 | 0 | $9.39 | $4.29 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 42.9 | 0 | $15.02 | $6.87 |
Gas CO2
38 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Alexandria, VA
Late night in Alexandria on Wednesday
Local time
4:41 AM
EDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
62°F
La Plata, MD
54 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
14 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
2h 10m 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 Bon Air, VA to Alexandria, VA covers 107.3 miles and takes about 2h 10m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, I 95, Powhite Parkway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 53.7 miles from Bon Air, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $16.78 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 20 significant decision points across 107.3 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 0.6 miles (SR 686 / Jahnke Road): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.2 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Bon Air, VA to Alexandria, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Norfolk along the way.
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