How far is Gretna, VA from Arlington, VA?
The driving distance from Gretna, VA to Arlington, VA is about 212.4 miles (341.8 km), with a travel time of about 03h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 181.2 miles (291.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 39m 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 49m.
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.
Independent city in Virginia, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gretna and Arlington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gretna and Arlington.
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1
Start on Northside Drive
772 ft · 20 sec · Northside Drive
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2
Turn right onto Main Street
32.3 mi · 43 min · Main Street
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3
Take the exit slight right toward US 29 North, US 460 East
6.5 mi · 9 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward US 29 North: Amherst, Charlottesville
64.2 mi · 1 hr 19 min
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5
Take the exit slight right
882 ft · 26 sec
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6
Turn slight right onto Emmet Street North
44 m · 11 sec · Emmet Street North
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7
Continue on Emmet Street North
2610 ft · 1 min · Emmet Street North
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8
Continue on Seminole Trail
33.9 mi · 49 min · Seminole Trail
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9
Continue on James Monroe Highway
7.7 mi · 10 min · James Monroe Highway
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10
Continue on James Madison Highway
23.3 mi · 30 min · James Madison Highway
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11
Continue on Eastern Bypass
2.4 mi · 3 min · Eastern Bypass
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12
Keep slight left to continue on US 15 North, US 29 North
11.7 mi · 17 min
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13
Take the exit slight right toward I 66 East: Washington
1.4 km · 2 min
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14
Merge slight left
27.2 mi · 34 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward VA 120, VA 237
1641 ft · 31 sec
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16
Continue on Fairfax Drive
573 ft · 25 sec · Fairfax Drive
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17
Turn right onto North Glebe Road
985 ft · 33 sec · North Glebe Road
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18
Turn slight left onto Wilson Boulevard
2854 ft · 2 min · Wilson Boulevard
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Wilson Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gretna and Arlington.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 29 North
Take the exit slight right toward US 29 North: Amherst, Charlottesville
64.2 mi · 01h 19m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny leaving Gretna and Chance Rain Showers near Arlington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gretna to Arlington?
The road trip is about 212.4 miles (341.8 km) and usually takes 03h 49m 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?
Franklin is a useful midpoint, sitting about 106.1 miles from Gretna and 106.3 miles from Arlington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 181.2 miles (291.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.2 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 9:20 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $29.67 one way or $59.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 66.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny around Gretna and Chance Rain Showers near Arlington.
Stop Ideas Near Franklin
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Franklin.
Charlottesville Union Station
Staunton station
Culpeper station
Ashland
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gretna and Arlington. Straight-line distance: 181.19 mi (291.6 km).
#1 Gretna
Town of the United States
| Population | 1,179 |
| Coordinates | 36.9537500, -79.3589100 |
| Altitude | 256 |
| 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: 342 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $29.67 | $59.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $33.17 | $66.35 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $35.79 | $71.57 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $42.12 | $84.25 |
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 · Apr 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.