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Trip from South Suffolk, VA to McLean, VA

Data updated 4 hours ago

Drive Time

4h 2m

Distance

199.4 mi

321 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$31

one way

EV Charging

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station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
3h 49m ★
6 AM
4h 2m
8 AM
4h 28m
10 AM
4h 11m
12 PM
4h 9m
3 PM
4h 12m
5 PM
4h 27m
8 PM
3h 54m

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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Downtown South Suffolk, VA, VA

South Suffolk, VA

Mark Stebnicki

census-designated place and unincorporated community in Virginia, United States

McLean, VA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 199.4-mile drive from South Suffolk, VA, to McLean, VA, is a manageable one-day trip, estimated to take just over 4 hours. You'll navigate primarily on major highways, including I-95 and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, with some time spent on Benns Church Boulevard. With a fuel cost estimated at $31, it's an economical journey. The mixed drive profile means you'll experience a blend of road types, making it a straightforward but varied trip within the Southeast region. This route is well-suited for a single day's travel, allowing ample time for departure and arrival without needing an overnight stop.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

99.7 miles from South Suffolk, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 4m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a mixed driving experience on this 199.4-mile route, with 41% of your travel occurring on highways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 82.3 miles on I-95, offering a period of consistent speed. While much of the drive involves efficient highway travel, the inclusion of roads like Benns Church Boulevard suggests transitions to potentially slower, more localized sections. This combination means you'll experience both the ease of interstate cruising and the more varied pace of secondary roads as you progress toward McLean.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 28 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 82.3 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 99.5 miles in.

Route Complexity 10/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 199.4 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 99.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 185.2 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

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

7
99.5 mi into trip | ~2h 4m 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
9
185.2 mi into trip | ~3h 41m in | I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight left lanes. Exit 170A; 170B Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Ty...
7
185.8 mi into trip | ~3h 41m in

Take the exit toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 170B Toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner
6
188.2 mi into trip | ~3h 45m in | I 495 / Capital Beltway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 495 / Capital Beltway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
7
196.8 mi into trip | ~3h 55m in

Take the exit toward VA 123 North: McLean

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 46B Toward VA 123 North: McLean

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from South Suffolk, VA to McLean, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Tysons Corner along the way.

Tysons Corner

185.2 mi in | ~3h 41m | via I 395

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 95 82.3 mi 1h 33m
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
Capital Beltway 9.5 mi 11m
Godwin Boulevard 8.9 mi 10m
Longest stretch: I 95 — 82.3 mi, about 1h 33m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on US 13 BUS; VA 32

0.9 mi · 1 min · Carolina Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
2

Continue on US 13 BUS; VA 10; VA 32

2.2 mi · 4 min · North Main Street
3

Continue on US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32

366 ft · 8 sec · Pruden Boulevard
4

Turn right onto Godwin Boulevard

8.9 mi · 10 min · Godwin Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Continue on VA 10; VA 32

16 mi · 21 min · Benns Church Boulevard
6

Continue on VA 10

9.9 mi · 11 min · Colonial Trail East
7

Turn left onto VA 10; VA 31

1.0 mi · 1 min · Rolfe Highway
8

Turn right onto VA 10

13 mi · 15 min · Colonial Trail West
9

Continue on VA 10

15 mi · 19 min · James River Drive
10

Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS

2.9 mi · 4 min · East Randolph Road
11

Continue on VA 10

2.5 mi · 3 min · East Hundred Road
12

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 32 sec
Toward I 295 North: Washington
13

Continue on this road

0.4 mi · 46 sec · this road
Toward I 295 North: Washington
14

Merge onto I 295

26 mi · 28 min · Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
15

Take the exit

2.4 mi · 2 min
Exit 43A Toward I 95 North: Washington Use the slight left lane.
16

Merge onto I 95

46 mi · 49 min · I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17

1.6 mi · 1 min · I 95; US 17
18

Keep slight left at fork

1.0 mi · 1 min
19

Merge onto I 95

35 mi · 41 min · I 95
Use the slight left lane.
20

Keep slight right at fork onto I 395

0.6 mi · 52 sec · Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Exit 170A; 170B Toward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons Corner Use the straight / slight left lanes.
21

Take the exit

1.4 mi · 1 min
Exit 170B Toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner Use the slight right lane.
22

Merge onto I 495

1.0 mi · 1 min · Capital Beltway
23

Keep slight right at fork onto I 495

8.5 mi · 10 min · Capital Beltway
Use the straight lane.
24

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 53 sec
Exit 46B Toward VA 123 North: McLean Use the slight right lane.
25

Turn straight onto VA 123

1.7 mi · 4 min · Dolley Madison Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
26

Turn right onto VA 309

0.5 mi · 1 min · Old Dominion Drive
Use the right lane.
27

Turn sharp left onto Elm Street

101 ft · 2 sec · Elm Street
28

Arrive at destination

Elm Street

Trip Plan

Given the 4-hour duration, departing from South Suffolk in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and avoid the worst of potential traffic. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost around $31, planning a single break for fuel or a quick stretch is straightforward. The longest stretch on I-95 is a good opportunity for steady progress, but be aware of the transition points to other roads. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before entering the longer highway segment, to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted journey to McLean.

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 99.7 miles from South Suffolk, VA, or about 2h 4m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.3 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 80 miles or 1h 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 99.7 miles or 2h 4m 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 15m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near McLean, VA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving South 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 South Suffolk, VA

This is one driving day of about 199.4 miles and 4h 2m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from South 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 82.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 99.7 mi from South Suffolk, VA · 2h 4m into the drive

Downtown Middletown, MD, MD

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Middletown, MD

100 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.

Pacing Suggestions

Middletown, MD

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Middletown, MD

Meal break

The midpoint is around 98.3 miles from South Suffolk, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in McLean, VA

The final approach into McLean, 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 McLean, VA.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Colonial National Historical Park

Colonial National Historical Park

National Historical Park

On May 13, 1607, Jamestown was established as the first permanent English settlement in North America. Three cultures came together – European, Virginia Indian and African–to create a new society that...

11 mi from route ~28 min detour $15 near mile 27.1
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
View on nps.gov
Petersburg National Battlefield

Petersburg National Battlefield

National Battlefield

Two hundred ninety-two days, eight offensives, over 70,000 casualties, U. S. Colored Troops, and the decline of Gen. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia all describe the Siege of Petersburg. U.S. forces c...

13 mi from route ~33 min detour Free near mile 67.8
View on nps.gov
Fort Monroe National Monument

Fort Monroe National Monument

National Monument

Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Those escapi...

17 mi from route ~43 min detour Free near mile 13.6
View on nps.gov
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail

The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!

24 mi from route ~60 min detour Free near mile 196.6
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$31.18 one way

$62.36 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 70 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.34 $34.09 $68.19
premium $4.70 $36.90 $73.81
diesel $5.61 $44.03 $88.05

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$31

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$56–$81

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 69.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $21 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 59.8 0 $20.94 $9.57
Efficient EV 49.9 0 $17.45 $7.98
EV Truck/SUV 79.8 0 $27.92 $12.76

Gas CO2

70 kg

EV CO2

23 kg (67% 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 data refreshed 1 day ago

Origin

South Suffolk, VA

Late night in South Suffolk on Wednesday

Local time

1:33 AM

EDT

Current temp

85°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

McLean, VA

Late night in McLean on Wednesday

Local time

1:33 AM

EDT

Current temp

77°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

86°F

Middletown, MD

100 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

8 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

4h 2m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from South Suffolk, VA to McLean, VA covers 199.4 miles and takes about 4h 2m 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 99.7 miles from South Suffolk, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.18 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 199.4 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 99.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 185.2 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 185.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from South Suffolk, VA to McLean, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Tysons Corner along the way.

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