Origin
Colonial Heights, VA
Evening in Colonial Heights on Sunday
Local time
6:36 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Colonial Heights, VA to Alexandria, VA
Drive Time
2h 30m
Distance
124 mi
200 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 21m
★
6 AM
2h 31m
8 AM
2h 51m
10 AM
2h 38m
12 PM
2h 36m
3 PM
2h 39m
5 PM
2h 50m
8 PM
2h 25m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Colonial Heights, VA
Pavan Sai .D
Alexandria, VA
Jimmy Elizarraras
Trip Overview
If you are planning to travel from Colonial Heights to Alexandria, expect a straightforward 124-mile journey that typically takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. This trip is designed as a single-day excursion, making it an efficient connection within the Southeast region of Virginia. You will primarily navigate the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, I-95, and the Capital Beltway. Budget approximately $20 for fuel to cover the distance. Because of the direct highway focus, this route is best suited for those looking to reach their destination quickly rather than lingering along the way.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
62 miles from Colonial Heights, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 15m into the drive .
Drive Character
This 124-mile drive is almost entirely highway-focused, with 94% of the route consisting of major interstates and turnpikes. You should prepare for a consistent, high-speed pace as you navigate the longest uninterrupted stretch of 73.1 miles on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. The experience is defined by the heavy infrastructure of I-95 and the final transition into the dense traffic patterns of the Capital Beltway. While the road is efficient, it remains a functional interstate grind rather than a leisurely backroad tour. Expect a steady, predictable rhythm behind the wheel as you transition from the Southeast Virginia landscape toward Northern Virginia.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 73.1 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 2.7 miles in near SR 620 / Woods Edge Road.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 124 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 2.7 miles (SR 620 / Woods Edge Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 114.9 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120.4 miles (I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
2.7 mi into trip
|
~5m in
|
SR 620 / Woods Edge Road
Turn right onto SR 620 / Woods Edge Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
8
114.9 mi into trip
|
~2h 16m 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
120.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 23m 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
122.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m 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
8
122.5 mi into trip
|
~2h 26m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 1 North: Alexandria
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Exit 177B
Toward US 1 North: Alexandria
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike | 73.1 mi | 1h 24m |
| I 95 | 42.1 mi | 50m |
| Capital Beltway (Local) | 2 mi | 2m |
| Route 1 | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| Woods Edge Road | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Boulevard | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| South Washington Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| East Ellerslie Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
— 73.1 mi, about 1h 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Colonial Heights, VA and Alexandria, VA.
1
Start on this road
257 ft
·
24 sec
·
this road
2
At end of road, turn left onto East Ellerslie Avenue
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
·
East Ellerslie Avenue
3
Turn right onto US 1; US 301; VA 144
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Boulevard
Use the right lane.
4
Continue on US 1; US 301; VA 144
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Route 1
Use the none lane.
5
Turn right onto SR 620
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Woods Edge Road
Use the right lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.6 mi
·
1 min
7
Merge onto I 95
20 mi
·
25 min
·
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the none lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95
53 mi
·
58 min
·
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
I 95; US 17
10
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi
·
1 min
11
Merge onto I 95
35 mi
·
41 min
·
I 95
Use the none lane.
12
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.
13
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.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 177A-B
Toward US 1: Alexandria, Fort Belvoir
Use the slight right lane.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
Exit 177B
Toward US 1 North: Alexandria
Use the none lane.
16
Merge onto US 1
440 ft
·
8 sec
·
Richmond Highway
17
Continue on US 1
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
·
South Patrick Street
18
Turn right onto Franklin Street
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
Franklin Street
Use the right lane.
19
Turn left onto VA 400
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Washington Street
Use the left lane.
20
Arrive at destination
VA 400
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have plenty of flexibility, but keep in mind that the route includes one recommended stop to break up the drive. Given the heavy reliance on I-95, try to avoid peak rush hours to minimize time spent in unpredictable traffic on the Capital Beltway. Fueling up before you merge onto the main highway corridors can save you time and help keep your $20 budget on track. Because you are tackling 124 miles of high-speed transit, check your tire pressure and fluid levels before departing to ensure a smooth ride. Aiming for a mid-morning or early afternoon departure is usually your best bet for a stress-free arrival.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 62 miles from Colonial Heights, VA, or about 1h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.1 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 80 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 62 miles or 1h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 1m
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 Colonial Heights, 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 Colonial Heights, VA
This is one driving day of about 124 miles and 2h 30m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Colonial Heights, 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 Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike for about 73.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 62 mi from Colonial Heights, VA · 1h 15m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
62 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 62 miles from Colonial Heights, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.1 miles.
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
$19.84 one way
$39.69 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
43 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $21.62 | $43.24 |
| premium | $4.78 | $23.33 | $46.65 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $27.55 | $55.10 |
Estimated Tolls: $5.11
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(73.1 mi)
$5.11
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
$20
Tolls
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 43.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 37.2 | 0 | $13.02 | $5.95 |
| Efficient EV | 31 | 0 | $10.85 | $4.96 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 49.6 | 0 | $17.36 | $7.94 |
Gas CO2
43 kg
EV CO2
15 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.
Destination
Alexandria, VA
Evening in Alexandria on Sunday
Local time
6:36 PM
EDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
86°F
Middletown, MD
62 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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
2h 30m 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 Colonial Heights, VA to Alexandria, VA covers 124 miles and takes about 2h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, I 95, Capital Beltway (Local). Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 62 miles from Colonial Heights, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $19.84 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 124 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 2.7 miles (SR 620 / Woods Edge Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 114.9 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 120.4 miles (I 95; I 495 / Capital Beltway (Local)): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Colonial Heights, VA to Alexandria, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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