Known as Airport Drive, the highway runs 1.60 miles (2.57 km) from SR 895 near Varina north to Charles City Road near Sandston in eastern Henrico County.

SR 281 provides access to Richmond International Airport from the south.

SR 281 heads north as four-lane divided Airport Drive.

The highway has one intermediate intersection, with 7 Hills Drive next to an industrial park.

SR 281 crosses over Sprouse Drive and CSX's Peninsula Subdivision rail line then reaches its northern terminus at Charles City Road south of Sandston.