Trip from Clintwood, VA to Alexandria, VA

Data updated 0 seconds ago

Drive Time

8h 16m

Distance

424.5 mi

683 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

2-day trip

Fuel Cost

$66

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 23 min

4 AM

8h 9m ★

6 AM

8h 17m

8 AM

8h 32m

10 AM

8h 22m

12 PM

8h 21m

3 PM

8h 23m

5 PM

8h 31m

8 PM

8h 12m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

town in Dickenson County, Virginia, United States

Clintwood, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Alexandria, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 424.5-mile journey from Clintwood, Virginia, to Alexandria, Virginia, is estimated to take about 8 hours and 16 minutes of driving time. With 86% of the route on highways, it's a drive primarily focused on efficient travel. Given the duration, it's best split over two days to allow for rest and enjoying the drive. The estimated fuel cost is around $66, and you'll make about two planned stops. This Southeast to Southeast trip is well-suited for those prioritizing getting to their destination smoothly.

Trip Pace

Best split across 2 days

Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.

Break Rhythm

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

212.3 miles from Clintwood, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 16m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 86% of the miles on interstates like I-81 and I-66. You'll encounter a significant uninterrupted stretch of 275.8 miles on I-81, offering a consistent pace. While primarily interstate, the inclusion of Dante Mountain Road suggests a potential for more varied terrain as you transition between major highways and local access roads. This route balances direct travel with moments of changing scenery.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 36 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 275.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 66. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 59.8 miles in near US 58 ALT; VA 75 / Cummings Street.

Route Complexity 9/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 424.5 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 59.8 miles (US 58 ALT; VA 75 / Cummings Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 125 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 408.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 23 key points

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

59.8 mi into trip | ~1h 29m in | US 58 ALT; VA 75 / Cummings Street

At end of road, turn right onto US 58 ALT; VA 75 / Cummings Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

125 mi into trip | ~2h 40m in | I 81; US 11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11 toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke

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

Use the straight lane. Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke

408.3 mi into trip | ~7h 53m in

Take the exit toward I 495 South: Richmond, Alexandria

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

Use the right lane. Exit 64A Toward I 495 South: Richmond, Alexandria

420.9 mi into trip | ~8h 9m 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

422.9 mi into trip | ~8h 12m 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 Clintwood, VA to Alexandria, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Washington along the way.

Washington

343.9 mi in | ~6h 41m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 81	275.8 mi	5h 1m
I 66	64.1 mi	1h 11m
Dante Mountain Road	13.9 mi	20m
US 19	12.7 mi	18m
Capital Beltway	12.1 mi	15m
Dante Road	8.9 mi	13m
Trail of the Lonesome Pine	7.9 mi	10m
I 77	7.1 mi	7m

Longest stretch: I 81 — 275.8 mi, about 5h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Clintwood, VA and Alexandria, VA.

Start on Skeens Avenue

58 ft · 9 sec · Skeens Avenue

Turn left onto SR 607

0.2 mi · 23 sec · Clintwood Main Street

Enter roundabout onto VA 83

207 ft · 3 sec · Dickenson Highway

Continue on VA 83

6.4 mi · 9 min · Dickenson Highway

Turn sharp right onto VA 63

14 mi · 20 min · Dante Mountain Road

Continue on VA 63

8.9 mi · 13 min · Dante Road

Continue on VA 63

1.1 mi · 1 min · Wise Street

Turn left onto VA 270

0.3 mi · 50 sec · 4th Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto US 58 ALT

0.2 mi · 24 sec · Castlewood Drive

Continue on US 58 ALT

365 ft · 6 sec · Trail of the Lonesome Pine

Continue on US 58 ALT

6.9 mi · 9 min · US Highway 58 Alternate

Continue on US 58 ALT; VA 71

7.8 mi · 10 min · Trail of the Lonesome Pine

Turn right onto US 19

13 mi · 18 min · US 19

Turn left onto US 11

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Main Street

Turn right onto Preston Street Southwest

0.2 mi · 33 sec · Preston Street Southwest

At end of road, turn left onto Bradley Street Southwest

0.5 mi · 1 min · Bradley Street Southwest

At end of road, turn right onto US 58 ALT; VA 75

0.6 mi · 1 min · Cummings Street

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Merge onto I 81; US 58

57 mi · 1 hr 1 min · I 81; US 58

Use the straight lane.

Continue on I 77; I 81; US 11; US 52

7.1 mi · 7 min · I 77; I 81; US 11; US 52

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11

140 mi · 2 hr 33 min · I 81; US 11

Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke Use the straight lane.

Continue on I 64; I 81

0.3 mi · 17 sec · I 64; I 81

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81

79 mi · 1 hr 26 min · I 81

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 47 sec

Toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington

Continue on I 66

43 mi · 46 min · I 66

Keep slight right at fork onto I 66

21 mi · 25 min · I 66

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 41 sec

Exit 64A Toward I 495 South: Richmond, Alexandria Use the right lane.

Merge onto I 495

12 mi · 15 min · Capital Beltway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

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.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec

Exit 177A-B Toward US 1: Alexandria, Fort Belvoir Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 56 sec

Exit 177B Toward US 1 North: Alexandria

Merge onto US 1

440 ft · 8 sec · Richmond Highway

Continue on US 1

0.3 mi · 45 sec · South Patrick Street

Turn right onto Franklin Street

0.2 mi · 28 sec · Franklin Street

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto VA 400

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Washington Street

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

VA 400

Trip Plan

For this 8-hour drive, consider an early morning departure to maximize daylight, especially if splitting the trip over two days. With 424.5 miles and an estimated 8 hours 16 minutes of driving, planning for two stops is sensible for stretching and refueling. The longest stretch without a major exit is 275.8 miles on I-81, so ensure you're fueled up before entering that segment. The $66 fuel cost is a good budget point, and breaking the drive into two roughly equal days will make it more comfortable.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 212.3 miles from Clintwood, VA, or about 4h 16m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 275.8 miles.

Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 93 miles or 2h 6m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 212.3 miles or 4h 16m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Overnight split

Day 1 wrap after about 212.3 miles or 4h 16m

Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 7h 3m

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 Clintwood, 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.

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Clintwood, VA

Aim for roughly 212 miles and 4.1 hours of wheel time on this day.

Day 2

Finish the approach into Alexandria, VA

Aim for roughly 212 miles and 4.1 hours of wheel time on this day.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 93 miles from Clintwood, VA.

This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 275.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 212.3 mi from Clintwood, VA · 4h 16m into the drive

Mid-route town

Overnight candidate

Winston-Salem, NC

212 mi into the route

Best for: Hotel check-in, dinner, and a fresh start

This lines up well with a realistic day-end stop if you are breaking the drive into stages.

Find hotels in Winston-Salem, NC

Overnight Options

Night 1

Winston-Salem, NC

212 mi · about 4.1h in

A practical overnight split lands near Winston-Salem, NC after about 212 miles or 4.1 hours of driving.

Find hotels

Pacing Suggestions

Johnson City, TN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 93 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Oakland, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 212.3 miles from Clintwood, 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 275.8 miles.

Overnight split

Hotel stop

For a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 212 miles or 4.1 hours on the road.

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.

On a multi-day trip, keep the last day a little lighter so you reach Alexandria, VA with some flexibility left in the schedule.

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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$66.38 one way

$132.76 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 149 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.34	$72.58	$145.17
premium	$4.70	$78.57	$157.13
diesel	$5.61	$93.72	$187.45

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$66

Hotel (1n)

$80–$140

Meals

$50–$100

Total

$196–$306

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 148.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $45 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	127.4	1	$44.57	$20.38
Efficient EV	106.1	1	$37.14	$16.98
EV Truck/SUV	169.8	2	$59.43	$27.17

Gas CO2

149 kg

EV CO2

50 kg (66% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

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 4 days ago

Origin

Clintwood, VA

Late night in Clintwood on Wednesday

Local time

1:34 AM

EDT

Current temp

58°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Alexandria, VA

Late night in Alexandria on Wednesday

Local time

1:34 AM

EDT

Current temp

68°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.

For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.

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

10 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

8h 16m on the road

This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Clintwood, VA to Alexandria, VA covers 424.5 miles and takes about 8h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 81, I 66, Dante Mountain Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.

Yes. This route is usually more comfortable as a 2-day drive. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 212 miles on day one.

The midpoint is about 212.3 miles from Clintwood, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $66.38 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

On the drive from Clintwood, VA to Alexandria, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Washington along the way.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Clintwood, VA or browse trips ending in Alexandria, VA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.

Explore maps for Clintwood, VA or Alexandria, VA on MapSof.net.

Trip from Clintwood, VA to Alexandria, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Overnight Options

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Alexandria, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Clintwood, VA

Alexandria, VA

Same local time

10 degrees warmer at arrival

8h 16m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Alexandria, VA

More from Clintwood, VA

More trips to Alexandria, VA