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Trip from Suffolk, VA to Alexandria, VA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 53m

Distance

193.5 mi

311 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Fair

2 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 38 min
4 AM
3h 41m ★
6 AM
3h 54m
8 AM
4h 19m
10 AM
4h 3m
12 PM
4h 0m
3 PM
4h 4m
5 PM
4h 18m
8 PM
3h 46m

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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independent city in Virginia, United States

Suffolk, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Alexandria, VA, VA

Alexandria, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Suffolk, VA to Alexandria, VA covers 193.5 miles and takes about 3h 53m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 95, Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, Benns Church Boulevard for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 87.8 miles on I 95. At current regular gas prices, budget about $30.26 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

96.8 miles from Suffolk, VA

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

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 53m. Total distance: 193.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Drive Character

The drive from Suffolk, VA to Alexandria, VA covers 193.5 miles and takes about 3h 53m, using a mix of highways and local roads.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 29 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 87.8 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 98.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 193.5 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 98.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 184.4 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 189.9 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 19 key points

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

7
98.7 mi into trip | ~2h 2m 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
8
184.4 mi into trip | ~3h 39m 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
189.9 mi into trip | ~3h 46m 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
191.9 mi into trip | ~3h 49m 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
6
192.1 mi into trip | ~3h 49m in

Keep slight left at fork toward US 1 North: Alexandria

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Exit 177B Toward US 1 North: Alexandria

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 87.8 mi 1h 40m
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
Colonial Trail East 9.9 mi 11m
Godwin Boulevard 8.9 mi 10m
East Randolph Road 2.9 mi 4m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 87.8 mi, about 1h 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on South Saratoga Street

165 ft · 10 sec · South Saratoga Street
2

Turn right onto VA 337

454 ft · 16 sec · West Washington Street
3

Turn left onto US 13 BUS; VA 10; VA 32

2.2 mi · 4 min · North Main Street
4

Continue on US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32

366 ft · 8 sec · Pruden Boulevard
5

Turn right onto Godwin Boulevard

8.9 mi · 10 min · Godwin Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Continue on VA 10; VA 32

16 mi · 21 min · Benns Church Boulevard
7

Continue on VA 10

9.9 mi · 11 min · Colonial Trail East
8

Turn left onto VA 10; VA 31

1.0 mi · 1 min · Rolfe Highway
9

Turn right onto VA 10

13 mi · 15 min · Colonial Trail West
10

Continue on VA 10

15 mi · 19 min · James River Drive
11

Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS

2.9 mi · 4 min · East Randolph Road
12

Continue on VA 10

2.5 mi · 3 min · East Hundred Road
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec
Toward I 295 North: Washington
14

Continue on this road

0.4 mi · 46 sec · this road
Toward I 295 North: Washington
15

Merge onto I 295

26 mi · 28 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
16

Take the exit

2.4 mi · 2 min
Exit 43A Toward I 95 North: Washington Use the slight left lane.
17

Merge onto I 95

46 mi · 49 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17

1.6 mi · 1 min · I 95; US 17
19

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
20

Merge onto I 95

35 mi · 41 min · I 95
Use the slight left lane.
21

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.
22

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.
23

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
Exit 177A-B Toward US 1: Alexandria, Fort Belvoir Use the slight right lane.
24

Keep slight left at fork

0.4 mi · 56 sec
Exit 177B Toward US 1 North: Alexandria
25

Merge onto US 1

440 ft · 8 sec · Richmond Highway
26

Continue on US 1

0.3 mi · 45 sec · South Patrick Street
27

Turn right onto Franklin Street

0.2 mi · 28 sec · Franklin Street
Use the right lane.
28

Turn left onto VA 400

0.5 mi · 1 min · South Washington Street
Use the left lane.
29

Arrive at destination

VA 400

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 96.8 miles from Suffolk, VA, or about 2h into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 87.8 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 43 miles or 56m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 96.8 miles or 2h 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 9m

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 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 Suffolk, VA

This is one driving day of about 193.5 miles and 3h 53m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 43 miles from 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 87.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 96.8 mi from Suffolk, VA · 2h into the drive

independent city in Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Colonial Heights, VA

97 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.

Popular next leg

Colonial Heights, VA to Alexandria, VA

124 mi · 2h 30m

Pacing Suggestions

Waverly, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 43 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

East Highland Park, VA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 96.8 miles from 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 87.8 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Del Ray Café

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Alexandria, Virginia

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 193.5

Hours: 9 am–2:30 pm

+17037179151

Visit website

Starline Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Springfield, Virginia

2.1 mi

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Fredericksburg, Virginia

2.6 mi

Del Ray Café

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour $20 to $30 mile 193.5

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–2:30 pm

+17037179151

Visit website

Starline Restaurant

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 179.7

Springfield, Virginia

Hours: 6:30 am–4 pm

+17034554141

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~6 min detour Inexpensiv mile 138.2

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+15407107025

Visit website

Himalayan Heritage Restaurant & Bar VA

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $20 to $30 mile 138.2

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 10:30 am–9:30 pm

+15409934252

Visit website

Roberto Italian Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 82.9

Sandston, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18042222250

Visit website

Brickmakers Cafe

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 179.7

Lorton, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17036469486

Visit website

The Caboose Market & Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 110.6

Ashland, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+18047982933

Visit website

Jake's Place Restaurant & Market

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 110.6

Ashland, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+18047983287

Visit website

Cameron Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 193.5

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+17032128211

Visit website

Dubai Girls Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4.1 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 96.8

Glen Allen, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18044001505

Ordnance Cafe

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 69.1

Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour

Suffolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

Around the midpoint, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 69.1

Hopewell, Virginia

+18333994638

Visit website

2 stars hotel

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 124.4

Ruther Glen, Virginia

National Museum of the Marine Corps

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 165.9

Triangle, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

Visit website

Mount Vernon Trail

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 193.5

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+17032892500

Visit website

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 193.5

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+17036832007

Visit website

Lake Meade Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Suffolk, Virginia

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+17575147250

Visit website

National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 193.5

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+15712720095

Visit website

The Capital Wheel

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 193.5

Oxon Hill, Maryland

Hours: 4–10 pm

+13018428650

Visit website

Escapology Escape Room National Harbor

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 193.5

Oxon Hill, Maryland

Hours: 10 am–9:30 pm

+13015501873

Visit website

National Harbor

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 193.5

Oxon Hill, Maryland

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18776285427

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$30.26 one way

$60.52 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 68 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $33.09 $66.17
premium $4.70 $35.81 $71.63
diesel $5.61 $42.72 $85.44

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 67.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 58.1 0 $20.32 $9.29
Efficient EV 48.4 0 $16.93 $7.74
EV Truck/SUV 77.4 0 $27.09 $12.38

Gas CO2

68 kg

EV CO2

23 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 18, 2026

Origin

Suffolk, VA

Morning in Suffolk on Saturday

Local time

6:31 AM

EDT

Current temp

86°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Alexandria, VA

Morning in Alexandria on Saturday

Local time

6:31 AM

EDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

86°F

Colonial Heights, VA

97 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

17 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 53m 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 Suffolk, VA to Alexandria, VA covers 193.5 miles and takes about 3h 53m 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 96.8 miles from Suffolk, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.26 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.

This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 193.5 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 98.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 184.4 miles (I 95): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 189.9 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 Suffolk, VA to Alexandria, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Alexandria, VA to Suffolk, VA

Plan the drive back the other way.

193.8 mi 3h 54m

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