How far is Buena Vista, VA from Alexandria, VA?
The driving distance from Buena Vista, VA to Alexandria, VA is about 196.5 miles (316.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 145.3 miles (233.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 06h 08m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 04m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Shenandoah County, Virginia, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Occasional Showers And Thunderstorms
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Buena Vista and Alexandria.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buena Vista and Alexandria.
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1
Start on East 21st Street
135 m · 24 sec · East 21st Street
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2
Turn right onto Sycamore Avenue
147 m · 6 sec · Sycamore Avenue
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3
Turn straight onto Beech Avenue
2457 ft · 42 sec · Beech Avenue
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4
Turn left onto West 29th Street
1 km · 43 sec · West 29th Street
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5
Continue on East Midland Trail
2.7 mi · 3 min · East Midland Trail
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6
Take the exit slight right
1800 ft · 44 sec
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7
Merge slight left
32.4 mi · 35 min
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8
Keep slight left
78.9 mi · 1 hr 26 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
1920 ft · 47 sec
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10
Continue straight
42.8 mi · 46 min
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11
Keep slight right
21.4 mi · 26 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward I 495 South: Richmond, Alexandria
2186 ft · 42 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto Capital Beltway
12.1 mi · 15 min · Capital Beltway
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14
Keep slight right to continue on Capital Beltway (Local)
2 mi · 3 min · Capital Beltway (Local)
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15
Take the exit slight right toward US 1: Alexandria, Fort Belvoir
969 ft · 24 sec
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16
Keep slight left to continue on US 1 North: Alexandria
2328 ft · 57 sec
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17
Merge slight left onto Richmond Highway
134 m · 8 sec · Richmond Highway
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18
Continue on South Patrick Street
1551 ft · 46 sec · South Patrick Street
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19
Turn right onto Franklin Street
953 ft · 28 sec · Franklin Street
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20
Turn left onto South Washington Street
2462 ft · 2 min · South Washington Street
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Washington Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Buena Vista and Alexandria.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
East Midland Trail
Keep slight left
78.9 mi · 01h 26m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Occasional Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Buena Vista and Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Alexandria.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Buena Vista to Alexandria?
The road trip is about 196.5 miles (316.2 km) and usually takes 03h 04m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Woodstock is a useful midpoint, sitting about 98.1 miles from Buena Vista and 98.4 miles from Alexandria.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 145.3 miles (233.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 51.2 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 10:52 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.45 one way or $54.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 61.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Occasional Showers And Thunderstorms around Buena Vista and Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Alexandria.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Buena Vista and Alexandria. Straight-line distance: 145.36 mi (233.94 km).
#1 Buena Vista
Independent city in Virginia, United States
| Population | 6,402 |
| Coordinates | 37.7343000, -79.3539200 |
| Altitude | 255 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Alexandria
A city in Virginia.
| Population | 158,726 |
| Coordinates | 38.8048400, -77.0469200 |
| Altitude | 12 |
| Country | United States |
End: South Washington Street (-77.04696, 38.804845)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 316 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $27.45 | $54.90 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $30.69 | $61.39 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $33.11 | $66.22 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $38.97 | $77.95 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Virginia · May 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.