Trip from Martinsville, VA to Arlington, VA

Drive Time

5h 38m

Distance

285.9 mi

460 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$46

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min

4 AM

5h 25m ★

6 AM

5h 38m

8 AM

6h 5m

10 AM

5h 47m

12 PM

5h 45m

3 PM

5h 49m

5 PM

6h 3m

8 PM

5h 30m

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

Martinsville, VA

Mark Stebnicki

Arlington, VA

Dominik Gryzbon

Trip Overview

Spanning 285.9 miles, the drive from Martinsville to Arlington takes approximately 5 hours and 38 minutes to complete. This route is well-suited for a single-day trip, as it connects the southern portion of Virginia to the northern suburbs of Washington, D.C. You can expect to spend about $46 in fuel for the journey. Since the trip stays entirely within the Southeast region, you will experience a consistent geographic transition from Martinsville's local roads onto major interstate corridors. It is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that favors efficiency over scenic detours, making it a reliable choice for travelers looking to reach their destination in one go.

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

142.9 miles from Martinsville, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 56m into the drive .

Drive Character

With 83% of the journey spent on highways, this trip is defined by its focus on steady, high-speed travel. You will navigate via Virgil H. Goode Highway before transitioning to the primary arteries of I-81 and I-66. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 143.6 miles on I-81, where you can settle into a consistent driving rhythm. Because the route is highway-heavy, expect a functional experience that prioritizes speed and directness. While it lacks the complexity of winding backroads, the transition from state highways to these major interstates provides a clear, predictable flow for your time behind the wheel.

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.

I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 143.6 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 early in the drive near East Church Street.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 285.9 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: near the start (East Church Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 0.7 miles (VA 457 / West Church Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 24.1 miles (US 220 / Virgil H Goode Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

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

0 mi into trip | ~0m in | East Church Street

At end of road, turn left onto East Church Street

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

0.7 mi into trip | ~1m in | VA 457 / West Church Street

Turn left onto VA 457 / West Church Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.

24.1 mi into trip | ~35m in | US 220 / Virgil H Goode Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto US 220 / Virgil H Goode Highway toward US 220 North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Toward US 220 North

57.1 mi into trip | ~1h 22m in | US 220

Keep slight right at fork onto US 220 toward I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington

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

Use the straight lane. Exit 1N Toward I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington

284.7 mi into trip | ~5h 34m 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 Along This Route

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

Washington

213.8 mi in | ~4h 13m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 81	143.6 mi	2h 35m
I 66	70.5 mi	1h 20m
Virgil H Goode Highway	35.4 mi	50m
US 220	13.1 mi	15m
Roy L. Webber Expressway	10 mi	13m
Virginia Avenue	9.5 mi	13m
Memorial Boulevard North	0.8 mi	1m
Wilson Boulevard	0.5 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 81 — 143.6 mi, about 2h 35m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Martinsville, VA and Arlington, VA.

Start on Walnut Street

255 ft · 14 sec · Walnut Street

At end of road, turn left onto East Church Street

417 ft · 15 sec · East Church Street

Turn right onto Broad Street

0.2 mi · 31 sec · Broad Street

Turn right onto East Market Street

0.4 mi · 55 sec · East Market Street

Turn left onto VA 457

0.5 mi · 57 sec · West Church Street

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto US 220 BUS

0.8 mi · 1 min · Memorial Boulevard North

Continue on US 220 BUS

3.9 mi · 6 min · Virginia Avenue

Take the ramp onto US 220 BUS

0.2 mi · 29 sec · US 220 BUS

Toward US 220 North: Roanoke

Merge onto US 220

5.6 mi · 7 min · Virginia Avenue

Toward US 220 North: Roanoke

Continue on US 220

12 mi · 16 min · Virgil H Goode Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto US 220

23 mi · 33 min · Virgil H Goode Highway

Toward US 220 North Use the straight lane.

Continue on US 220

10.0 mi · 13 min · Roy L. Webber Expressway

Toward US 220 North Use the straight lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto US 220

13 mi · 15 min · US 220

Exit 1N Toward I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington Use the straight lane.

Continue on I 81

65 mi · 1 hr 9 min · 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

28 mi · 34 min · I 66

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 31 sec

Exit 71 Toward VA 120, VA 237 Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on Fairfax Drive

0.1 mi · 24 sec · Fairfax Drive

Turn right onto VA 120

0.2 mi · 32 sec · North Glebe Road

Use the right lane.

Turn slight left onto Wilson Boulevard

0.5 mi · 1 min · Wilson Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

Wilson Boulevard

Trip Plan

Planning for one main stop is the best way to manage the 5-hour and 38-minute duration effectively. Given the heavy reliance on I-81 and I-66, consider checking traffic reports before you depart, as these corridors are prone to congestion during peak hours. Budgeting around $46 for fuel should keep you covered, but it is wise to top off your tank before merging onto the longer interstate stretches. Since this is a single-day commitment, leaving early in the morning allows you to avoid the busiest traffic periods near your destination. Use your single planned stop to stretch your legs during the transition between the Virgil H. Goode Highway and the interstate system to keep your energy up for the final push.

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 142.9 miles from Martinsville, VA, or about 2h 56m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 143.6 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 48m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 142.9 miles or 2h 56m 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 36m

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 Martinsville, 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 Martinsville, VA

This is one driving day of about 285.9 miles and 5h 38m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Martinsville, 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 I 81 for about 143.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 142.9 mi from Martinsville, VA · 2h 56m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Oakland, MD

143 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

Oakland, MD

Fuel and coffee

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

Oakland, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 142.9 miles from Martinsville, 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 143.6 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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$45.76 one way

$91.51 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 100 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$49.85	$99.70
premium	$4.78	$53.78	$107.56
diesel	$5.64	$63.52	$127.03

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$46

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$71–$96

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 100 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	85.8	1	$30.02	$13.72
Efficient EV	71.5	0	$25.02	$11.44
EV Truck/SUV	114.4	1	$40.03	$18.30

Gas CO2

100 kg

EV CO2

33 kg (67% 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 2 days ago

Origin

Martinsville, VA

Evening in Martinsville on Sunday

Local time

5:19 PM

EDT

Current temp

63°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Arlington, VA

Evening in Arlington on Sunday

Local time

5:19 PM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

76°F

Oakland, MD

143 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

4 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 38m 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 Martinsville, VA to Arlington, VA covers 285.9 miles and takes about 5h 38m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 81, I 66, Virgil H Goode 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 142.9 miles from Martinsville, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $45.76 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.

On the drive from Martinsville, VA to Arlington, 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 Martinsville, VA or browse trips ending in Arlington, VA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.

Explore maps for Martinsville, VA or Arlington, VA on MapSof.net.

Trip from Martinsville, VA to Arlington, 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 Arlington, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Martinsville, VA

Arlington, VA

Same local time

4 degrees warmer at arrival

5h 38m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Arlington, VA

More from Martinsville, VA

More trips to Arlington, VA