How far is Gainesville, VA from Arlington, VA?
The driving distance from Gainesville, VA to Arlington, VA is about 29.9 miles (48.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 28 miles (45.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 11m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 35m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Independent city in Virginia, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gainesville and Arlington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gainesville and Arlington.
-
1
Start on Lee Highway
1 km · 53 sec · Lee Highway
-
2
Take the exit slight right toward I 66 East: Washington
1.4 km · 2 min
-
3
Merge slight left
27.2 mi · 34 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right toward VA 120, VA 237
1641 ft · 31 sec
-
5
Continue on Fairfax Drive
573 ft · 25 sec · Fairfax Drive
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6
Turn right onto North Glebe Road
985 ft · 33 sec · North Glebe Road
-
7
Turn slight left onto Wilson Boulevard
2854 ft · 2 min · Wilson Boulevard
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Wilson Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gainesville and Arlington.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 66 East
Merge slight left
27.2 mi · 00h 34m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Gainesville and Sunny near Arlington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gainesville to Arlington?
The road trip is about 29.9 miles (48.1 km) and usually takes 00h 35m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Fairfax is a useful midpoint, sitting about 14.9 miles from Gainesville and 15 miles from Arlington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 28 miles (45.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.9 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:18 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.16 one way or $8.32 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Gainesville and Sunny near Arlington.
Stop Ideas Near Fairfax
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Herndon Old Town Hall
Tele-Town Hall
Manassas Park City Hall
Town Hall Pool
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Fairfax.
Burke Centre
Lorton station
Manassas station
Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gainesville and Arlington. Straight-line distance: 28.05 mi (45.15 km).
#1 Gainesville
Gainesville is a place in Virginia, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 38.7956700, -77.6138800 |
| Altitude | 108 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Arlington
A county in Virginia.
| Population | 229,164 |
| Coordinates | 38.8810100, -77.1042800 |
| Altitude | 71 |
| Country | United States |
End: Wilson Boulevard (-77.104347, 38.881084)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 48 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 22m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $4.16 | $8.32 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $4.65 | $9.30 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $5.02 | $10.03 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $5.91 | $11.81 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.