Trip from Farmville, VA to Alexandria, VA

Drive Time

3h 25m

Distance

163.4 mi

263 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$26

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min

4 AM

3h 13m ★

6 AM

3h 25m

8 AM

3h 50m

10 AM

3h 34m

12 PM

3h 31m

3 PM

3h 35m

5 PM

3h 48m

8 PM

3h 18m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Farmville, VA

Mark Stebnicki

Alexandria, VA

Jimmy Elizarraras

Trip Overview

Traveling from Farmville to Alexandria covers 163.4 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 25 minutes. Because this is a relatively straightforward trek within Virginia, you can easily complete it as a single-day trip without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via the Patrick Henry Highway, the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, and I-95. Budgeting around $26 for fuel should cover your expenses for the journey. This route transitions you from the more rural, southeastern-leaning landscape of Farmville toward the bustling urban environment of Northern Virginia. It is a practical, efficient path that prioritizes speed and direct connectivity over scenic meandering.

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

81.7 miles from Farmville, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 48m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive, as roughly 66% of your time behind the wheel will be spent on major roads. The experience shifts from quieter stretches to the busier, high-traffic corridors of the interstate system. Your longest uninterrupted segment is a 51.8-mile stretch on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, which requires steady focus. While the first portion of your trip offers a more relaxed pace, the character of the drive intensifies once you merge onto the main highway arteries leading toward Alexandria. Be prepared for the transition from open road to the characteristic density of the I-95 corridor.

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

There are about 28 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 50 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 163.4 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 50 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 64 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 154.2 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

50 mi into trip | ~1h 8m in

Keep slight right at fork toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway, Richmond

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

Use the slight right lane. Toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway, Richm...

64 mi into trip | ~1h 27m 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

154.2 mi into trip | ~3h 11m 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

159.7 mi into trip | ~3h 18m 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

161.7 mi into trip | ~3h 21m 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 Along This Route

Between Farmville, VA and Alexandria, VA, road signs point toward Richmond and Norfolk.

Richmond

50 mi in | ~1h 8m

Norfolk

64 mi in | ~1h 27m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike	51.8 mi	57m
I 95	42.1 mi	50m
Patrick Henry Highway	17.2 mi	21m
Hull Street Road	14.2 mi	20m
Powhite Parkway	11.2 mi	14m
Holly Farms Road	9.3 mi	12m
East 3rd Street	6.7 mi	9m
Beltline Expressway	2.2 mi	3m

Longest stretch: Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike — 51.8 mi, about 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on this road

140 ft · 12 sec · this road

Turn right onto US 460 BUS

6.7 mi · 9 min · East 3rd Street

Turn left onto VA 307

9.3 mi · 12 min · Holly Farms Road

Turn left onto US 360

17 mi · 21 min · Patrick Henry Highway

Continue on US 360

14 mi · 20 min · Hull Street Road

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 31 sec

Toward VA 288 North: Powhite Parkway

Merge onto VA 288

2.1 mi · 2 min · World War II Veterans Memorial Highway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec

Toward VA 76: Lucks Lane, Old Hundred Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 1 min

Toward VA 76 Toll North: Powhite Parkway, Richmond Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto VA 76

8.5 mi · 10 min · Powhite Parkway

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76

1.8 mi · 2 min · Powhite Parkway

Use the slight right lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto VA 76

0.9 mi · 1 min · Powhite Parkway

Use the none lane.

Merge onto I 195

2.2 mi · 3 min · Beltline Expressway

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork

502 ft · 12 sec

Toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, Norfolk Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

0.8 mi · 1 min

Toward I 95 North: Washington Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 95

52 mi · 57 min · Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17

1.6 mi · 1 min · I 95; US 17

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min

Merge onto I 95

35 mi · 41 min · I 95

Use the none lane.

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.

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 Use the none lane.

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

Since this is a 3-hour and 25-minute commitment, planning for at least one stop is recommended to keep your energy up. Aim to depart outside of peak commuting hours to avoid the inevitable slowdowns often associated with I-95. Because the route is highway-heavy, keep a close watch on your fuel gauge before entering the high-traffic segments where stops can be less convenient. If you find yourself hitting heavy traffic, remember that your flexibility is your greatest advantage on a trip this length. Use that single planned break to stretch your legs and reset before tackling the final stretch into Alexandria.

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 81.7 miles from Farmville, VA, or about 1h 48m 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 46m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 81.7 miles or 1h 48m 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 47m

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 Farmville, 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 Farmville, VA

This is one driving day of about 163.4 miles and 3h 25m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Farmville, 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 51.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 81.7 mi from Farmville, VA · 1h 48m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

82 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

Middletown, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Middletown, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 81.7 miles from Farmville, 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

$26.15 one way

$52.30 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 57 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$28.49	$56.98
premium	$4.78	$30.74	$61.47
diesel	$5.64	$36.30	$72.60

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

$26

Tolls

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 57.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	49	$17.16	$7.84
Efficient EV	40.9	$14.30	$6.54
EV Truck/SUV	65.4	$22.88	$10.46

Gas CO2

57 kg

EV CO2

19 kg (67% 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Farmville, VA

Evening in Farmville on Sunday

Local time

8:57 PM

EDT

Current temp

91°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Alexandria, VA

Evening in Alexandria on Sunday

Local time

8:57 PM

EDT

Current temp

68°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

86°F

Middletown, MD

82 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

23 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

3h 25m 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 Farmville, VA to Alexandria, VA covers 163.4 miles and takes about 3h 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, I 95, Patrick Henry 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 81.7 miles from Farmville, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.15 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Between Farmville, VA and Alexandria, VA, road signs point toward Richmond and Norfolk.

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Return Trip

Alexandria, VA to Farmville, VA

Plan the drive back the other way.

163.2 mi 3h 25m

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

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Trip from Farmville, VA to Alexandria, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Towns Along This Route

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Alexandria, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Farmville, VA

Alexandria, VA

Same local time

23 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 25m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

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