Trip from South Suffolk, VA to Fairfax, VA

Drive Time

3h 55m

Distance

191.2 mi

308 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min

4 AM

3h 42m ★

6 AM

3h 55m

8 AM

4h 21m

10 AM

4h 4m

12 PM

4h 2m

3 PM

4h 6m

5 PM

4h 20m

8 PM

3h 48m

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

South Suffolk, VA

Mark Stebnicki

Fairfax, VA

Eric Joseph

Trip Overview

Traveling from South Suffolk to Fairfax spans 191.2 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 55 minutes of drive time. This trip works perfectly as a one-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You will navigate a mix of roads, including Benns Church Boulevard, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, and a significant portion of I-95. Budgeting around $31 for fuel should cover your needs for the journey. Since both locations are situated in the Southeast region of Virginia, you can expect a fairly consistent regional atmosphere throughout the drive. Overall, this route offers a straightforward connection between the two areas, making it a practical choice for a quick trip.

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

95.6 miles from South Suffolk, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 59m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a mixed driving experience as you transition between local roads and major arteries. With a highway share of 39%, you will encounter a blend of steady interstate cruising and slower-paced thoroughfares. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on I-95, where you will spend 73.7 miles focused on highway travel. This route balances the intensity of high-speed transit with the more measured pace of regional highways. By combining these different road types, the journey keeps you engaged as the landscape and traffic patterns shift from the start in Suffolk to your arrival in Fairfax.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.

There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

I 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 73.7 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.1 miles in near Godwin Boulevard.

Route Complexity 9/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 13 significant decision points across 191.2 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 3.1 miles (Godwin Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 73.2 miles (I 295 / Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 99.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 13 key points

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

3.1 mi into trip | ~7m in | Godwin Boulevard

Turn right onto Godwin Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

73.2 mi into trip | ~1h 35m in | I 295 / Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway

Merge onto I 295 / Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.

99.5 mi into trip | ~2h 4m in

Take the exit toward I 95 North: Washington

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight left lane. Exit 43A Toward I 95 North: Washington

176.6 mi into trip | ~3h 30m in

Take the exit toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge

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

Use the right lane. Exit 160B Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge

176.8 mi into trip | ~3h 31m in

Keep slight left at fork toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from South Suffolk, VA to Fairfax, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Lake Ridge along the way.

Lake Ridge

176.6 mi in | ~3h 30m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 95	73.7 mi	1h 22m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway	26.3 mi	28m
Benns Church Boulevard	16.3 mi	21m
James River Drive	14.6 mi	19m
Colonial Trail West	13.3 mi	15m
Ox Road	12.4 mi	19m
Colonial Trail East	9.9 mi	11m
Godwin Boulevard	8.9 mi	10m

Longest stretch: I 95 — 73.7 mi, about 1h 22m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between South Suffolk, VA and Fairfax, VA.

Start on US 13 BUS; VA 32

0.9 mi · 1 min · Carolina Road

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on US 13 BUS; VA 10; VA 32

2.2 mi · 4 min · North Main Street

Use the none lane.

Continue on US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32

366 ft · 8 sec · Pruden Boulevard

Turn right onto Godwin Boulevard

8.9 mi · 10 min · Godwin Boulevard

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on VA 10; VA 32

16 mi · 21 min · Benns Church Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Continue on VA 10

9.9 mi · 11 min · Colonial Trail East

Turn left onto VA 10; VA 31

1.0 mi · 1 min · Rolfe Highway

Turn right onto VA 10

13 mi · 15 min · Colonial Trail West

Continue on VA 10

15 mi · 19 min · James River Drive

Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS

2.9 mi · 4 min · East Randolph Road

Continue on VA 10

2.5 mi · 3 min · East Hundred Road

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec

Toward I 295 North: Washington

Continue on this road

0.4 mi · 46 sec · this road

Toward I 295 North: Washington

Merge onto I 295

26 mi · 28 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

2.4 mi · 2 min

Exit 43A Toward I 95 North: Washington Use the slight left lane.

Merge onto I 95

46 mi · 49 min · I 95

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

26 mi · 31 min · I 95

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 34 sec

Exit 160B Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge Use the right lane.

Keep slight left at fork

0.1 mi · 17 sec

Toward VA 123 North: Occoquan, Lake Ridge

Continue on VA 123

1.0 mi · 2 min · Gordon Boulevard

Use the none lane.

Continue on VA 123

8.9 mi · 13 min · Ox Road

Use the left / none lanes.

Continue on VA 123

3.5 mi · 6 min · Ox Road

Use the none lane.

Continue on VA 123

0.7 mi · 1 min · Chain Bridge Road

Use the none lane.

Turn right onto VA 236

69 ft · 2 sec · Main Street

Arrive at destination

VA 236

Trip Plan

Since the drive is under four hours, you have the flexibility to complete the journey in one go, though planning for at least one stop is a smart way to stay refreshed. Given the reliance on I-95 for a significant portion of the trip, monitor traffic reports closely before you pull out of your driveway to avoid peak congestion. You will find that keeping a consistent pace is easier once you clear the local segments and join the main highway flow. Aim to depart early in the day to take full advantage of your time in Fairfax. Remember that your fuel budget is estimated at $31, so topping off your tank before hitting the longest 73.7-mile stretch on I-95 will help ensure a smooth, worry-free transit.

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 95.6 miles from South Suffolk, VA, or about 1h 59m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 73.7 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 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 95.6 miles or 1h 59m 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 7m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fairfax, VA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving South Suffolk, 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 South Suffolk, VA

This is one driving day of about 191.2 miles and 3h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from South Suffolk, 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 95 for about 73.7 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 95.6 mi from South Suffolk, VA · 1h 59m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

96 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 95.6 miles from South Suffolk, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 73.7 miles.

Arriving in Fairfax, VA

The final approach into Fairfax, 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 Fairfax, 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

$30.60 one way

$61.20 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 67 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$33.34	$66.68
premium	$4.78	$35.97	$71.93
diesel	$5.64	$42.48	$84.96

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 66.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	57.4	$20.08	$9.18
Efficient EV	47.8	$16.73	$7.65
EV Truck/SUV	76.5	$26.77	$12.24

Gas CO2

67 kg

EV CO2

22 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 2 days ago

Origin

South Suffolk, VA

Afternoon in South Suffolk on Sunday

Local time

3:56 PM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fairfax, VA

Afternoon in Fairfax on Sunday

Local time

3:56 PM

EDT

Current temp

64°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Along the Route

86°F

Middletown, MD

96 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

3 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 55m 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 South Suffolk, VA to Fairfax, VA covers 191.2 miles and takes about 3h 55m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 95, Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, Benns Church Boulevard. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 95.6 miles from South Suffolk, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.60 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.

On the drive from South Suffolk, VA to Fairfax, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Lake Ridge along the way.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from South Suffolk, VA or browse trips ending in Fairfax, VA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.

Explore maps for South Suffolk, VA or Fairfax, VA on MapSof.net.

Trip from South Suffolk, VA to Fairfax, 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 Fairfax, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

South Suffolk, VA

Fairfax, VA

Same local time

3 degrees cooler at arrival

3h 55m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Fairfax, VA

More from South Suffolk, VA

More trips to Fairfax, VA