The drive from Motley, VA to Arlington, VA covers 203.6 miles and takes about 4h 29m behind the wheel.
This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.
The route leans on US 29, Seminole Trail, I 66 for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is highway-focused drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 93.5 miles on US 29.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $31.84 one way before food or hotel costs.
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
101.8 miles from Motley, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 10m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 29m. Total distance: 203.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Drive Character
This is a 4h 29m highway drive covering 203.6 miles, with most of the trip on US 29 and Seminole Trail. The longest continuous stretch is about 93.5 miles on US 29.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 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 93.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 29 and Seminole Trail. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 23.9 miles in near US 29.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 203.6 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 23.9 miles (US 29): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.4 miles (US 29): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 162.7 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 12 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
23.9 mi into trip|~31m 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
30.4 mi into trip|~40m 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
162.7 mi into trip|~3h 33m 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
174.3 mi into trip|~3h 50m 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
202.4 mi into trip|~4h 25m 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 Motley, VA to Arlington, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Charlottesville along the way.
Charlottesville
30.4 mi in|~40m|via US 29
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
US 29
93.5 mi
1h 56m
Seminole Trail
33.9 mi
48m
I 66
27.2 mi
33m
James Madison Highway
23.3 mi
30m
US 15
11.7 mi
17m
James Monroe Highway
7.7 mi
9m
Eastern Bypass
2.4 mi
3m
Highwayview Road
0.8 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
US 29
— 93.5 mi, about 1h 56m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Motley, VA and Arlington, VA.
1
Start on this road
88 ft·8 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto SR 988
0.8 mi·1 min·Highwayview Road
3
Continue on US 29 BUS
0.1 mi·13 sec·Main Street
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward US 29 North
5
Merge onto US 29
23 mi·29 min·US 29
6
Take the exit onto US 29
6.5 mi·8 min·US 29
Toward US 29 North, US 460 EastUse the straight lane.
7
Take the exit onto US 29
64 mi·1 hr 19 min·US 29
Toward US 29 North: Amherst, CharlottesvilleUse the slight right lane.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·25 sec
9
Turn slight right onto US 29 BUS
144 ft·10 sec·Emmet Street North
10
Continue on US 29 BUS
0.5 mi·1 min·Emmet Street North
11
Continue on US 29
34 mi·48 min·Seminole Trail
Use the straight / right lanes.
12
Continue on US 29
7.7 mi·9 min·James Monroe Highway
13
Continue on US 15; US 29
23 mi·30 min·James Madison Highway
14
Continue on US 15; US 17; US 29
2.4 mi·3 min·Eastern Bypass
15
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.
16
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 66 East: WashingtonUse the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto I 66
27 mi·33 min·I 66
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·31 sec
Exit 71Toward VA 120, VA 237Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on Fairfax Drive
0.1 mi·24 sec·Fairfax Drive
20
Turn right onto VA 120
0.2 mi·32 sec·North Glebe Road
Use the right lane.
21
Turn slight left onto Wilson Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·Wilson Boulevard
Use the left lane.
22
Arrive at destination
Wilson Boulevard
Trip Plan
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 101.8 miles from Motley, VA, or about 2h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93.5 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 45 miles or 58m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 101.8 miles or 2h 10m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 39m
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 Motley, 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 Motley, VA
This is one driving day of about 203.6 miles and 4h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Motley, 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 93.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 101.8 mi from Motley, VA
· 2h 10m into the drive
The midpoint is around 101.8 miles from Motley, 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 93.5 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.
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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
$30
near mile 119.3
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...
16 mi from route
~40 min detour
Free
near mile 35.1
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...
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
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 189.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.84 one way
$63.68 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg71 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$34.81
$69.62
premium
$4.70
$37.68
$75.36
diesel
$5.61
$44.95
$89.90
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$32
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$57–$82
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 71.2 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
49 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
Blink Charging Station
Washington, District of Columbia
Blink
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination Charger
Washington, District of Columbia
Tesla Destination
1 DCFC
EVgo Charging Station
Lynchburg, Virginia
EVgo
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Washington, District of Columbia
Tesla
1 DCFC
Blink Charging Station
Washington, District of Columbia
Blink
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Rustburg, Virginia
Tesla
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Washington, District of Columbia
Tesla
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination Charger
Washington, District of Columbia
Tesla Destination
1 DCFC
Blink: 16
ChargePoint: 10
Tesla Destination: 8
Other: 8
Tesla: 3
EV Connect: 3
EVgo: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $21 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
61.1
0
$21.38
$9.77
Efficient EV
50.9
0
$17.81
$8.14
EV Truck/SUV
81.4
1
$28.50
$13.03
Gas CO2
71 kg
EV CO2
24 kg (66% 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 as of Apr 13, 2026
Origin
Motley, VA
Afternoon
in Motley on Friday
Local time
1:02 PM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Arlington, VA
Afternoon
in Arlington on Friday
Local time
1:02 PM
EDT
Current temp
52°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.
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
4h 29m 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 Motley, VA to Arlington, VA covers 203.6 miles and takes about 4h 29m 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. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 101.8 miles from Motley, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.84 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 12 significant decision points across 203.6 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 23.9 miles (US 29): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 30.4 miles (US 29): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 162.7 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 Motley, VA to Arlington, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Charlottesville along the way.
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, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
