Chatmoss, VA to Arlington, VA is 252.3 miles and takes about 5h 43m via US 29 and I 66, with a fuel budget near $39 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you across Virginia, staying within the Southeast region. It's a practical drive, mostly on major roads, making it a straightforward journey. Given the relatively short duration and manageable distance, it's well-suited for a single-day trip, offering a good balance of highway travel and local road access as you approach your destination. You'll find this route offers a direct path without extensive detours.
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
126.1 miles from Chatmoss, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 52m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 43m. Total distance: 252.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 43m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This drive offers a mixed experience, with 56% of the journey on highways. You'll encounter a significant stretch of 103.1 miles primarily on US 29, which can feel like a continuous segment before transitioning to other major routes. The Seminole Trail and I 66 sections will likely feel faster-paced compared to any local roads you might navigate. Expect the road character to shift as you progress, moving from potentially more open stretches to busier, more urban-influenced driving as you near Arlington. It's a route that balances efficiency with varied driving conditions.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 29 is the longest continuous segment at about 103.1 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 72.6 miles in near US 29.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 252.3 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 72.6 miles (US 29): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.1 miles (US 29): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 211.4 miles (US 15; US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
72.6 mi into trip|~1h 46m in|US 29
Take the exit onto US 29 toward US 29 North, US 460 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward US 29 North, US 460 East
7
79.1 mi into trip|~1h 54m in|US 29
Take the exit onto US 29 toward US 29 North: Amherst, Charlottesville
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 29 North: Amherst, Charlottesville
8
211.4 mi into trip|~4h 47m in|US 15; US 29
Keep slight left at fork onto US 15; US 29 toward US 15 North, US 29 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left / straight lanes.
Toward US 15 North, US 29 North
6
223 mi into trip|~5h 4m in
Take the exit toward I 66 East: Washington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 66 East: Washington
8
251.1 mi into trip|~5h 40m in
Take the exit toward VA 120, VA 237
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 71
Toward VA 120, VA 237
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 Chatmoss, VA to Arlington, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Charlottesville along the way.
Charlottesville
79.1 mi in|~1h 54m|via US 29
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 29
103.1 mi
2h 8m
Seminole Trail
33.9 mi
48m
I 66
27.2 mi
33m
James Madison Highway
23.3 mi
30m
Chatham Road
12.2 mi
18m
Callands Road
12.1 mi
18m
US 15
11.7 mi
17m
James Monroe Highway
7.7 mi
9m
Longest stretch:
US 29
— 103.1 mi, about 2h 8m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chatmoss, VA and Arlington, VA.
1
Start on SR 777
3.3 mi·7 min·Mount Olivet Road
2
Turn right onto VA 57
12 mi·18 min·Chatham Road
3
Continue on VA 57
12 mi·18 min·Callands Road
4
Turn left onto SR 799
6.1 mi·10 min·Climax Road
5
Keep slight right at fork onto SR 790
4.4 mi·7 min·Piney Road
6
Turn right onto VA 40
1.9 mi·2 min·West Gretna Road
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·34 sec
Toward US 29 North
8
Merge onto US 29
32 mi·40 min·US 29
9
Take the exit onto US 29
6.5 mi·8 min·US 29
Toward US 29 North, US 460 EastUse the straight lane.
10
Take the exit onto US 29
64 mi·1 hr 19 min·US 29
Toward US 29 North: Amherst, CharlottesvilleUse the slight right lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
12
Turn slight right onto US 29 BUS
144 ft·10 sec·Emmet Street North
13
Continue on US 29 BUS
0.5 mi·1 min·Emmet Street North
14
Continue on US 29
34 mi·48 min·Seminole Trail
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Continue on US 29
7.7 mi·9 min·James Monroe Highway
16
Continue on US 15; US 29
23 mi·30 min·James Madison Highway
17
Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29
2.4 mi·3 min·Eastern Bypass
18
Keep slight left at fork onto US 15; US 29
12 mi·17 min·US 15; US 29
Toward US 15 North, US 29 NorthUse the left / straight lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 66 East: WashingtonUse the slight right lane.
20
Merge onto I 66
27 mi·33 min·I 66
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.3 mi·31 sec
Exit 71Toward VA 120, VA 237Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on Fairfax Drive
0.1 mi·24 sec·Fairfax Drive
23
Turn right onto VA 120
0.2 mi·32 sec·North Glebe Road
Use the right lane.
24
Turn slight left onto Wilson Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Wilson Boulevard
Use the left lane.
25
Arrive at destination
Wilson Boulevard
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5h 43m drive, consider an early morning departure from Chatmoss to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Northern Virginia area. With a total distance of 252.3 miles, you can comfortably complete this in one day. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 103.1 miles on US 29, so plan for a break before or after this segment. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is around $39, and while there's only one suggested stop, it's wise to identify potential gas stations along US 29 and I 66 in advance.
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 126.1 miles from Chatmoss, VA, or about 2h 52m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.1 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 56 miles or 1h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 126.1 miles or 2h 52m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Arlington, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chatmoss, 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 Chatmoss, VA
This is one driving day of about 252.3 miles and 5h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Chatmoss, 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 US 29 for about 103.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 126.1 mi from Chatmoss, VA
· 2h 52m into the drive
The midpoint is around 126.1 miles from Chatmoss, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before US 29 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 103.1 miles.
Arriving in Arlington, VA
The final approach into Arlington, 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 Arlington, 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.
Shenandoah National Park
National Park
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
~36 min detour
$30
near mile 165.3
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Question...
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 34.8
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
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 234.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.45 one way
$78.91 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg88 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$43.14
$86.28
premium
$4.70
$46.70
$93.39
diesel
$5.61
$55.70
$111.41
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$39
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$64–$89
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 88.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
75.7
0
$26.49
$12.11
Efficient EV
63.1
0
$22.08
$10.09
EV Truck/SUV
100.9
1
$35.32
$16.15
Gas CO2
88 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% 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 15, 2026
Origin
Chatmoss, VA
Afternoon
in Chatmoss on Friday
Local time
2:25 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Arlington, VA
Afternoon
in Arlington on Friday
Local time
2:25 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
72°F
Amherst, VA
126 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
6 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
5h 43m 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 Chatmoss, VA to Arlington, VA covers 252.3 miles and takes about 5h 43m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 29, Seminole Trail, I 66. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 126.1 miles from Chatmoss, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.45 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 15 significant decision points across 252.3 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 72.6 miles (US 29): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79.1 miles (US 29): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 211.4 miles (US 15; US 29): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Chatmoss, VA to Arlington, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Charlottesville along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Shenandoah National Park, Appomattox Court House National Historical 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.
