This 121.5-mile drive from Brandermill, VA to McLean, VA is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 29 minutes. You'll primarily travel on major highways like the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike, I-95, and Powhite Parkway, with 86% of the route being highway driving. The estimated fuel cost for this journey is around $19. Both your origin and destination are within the Southeast region, so expect a consistent feel throughout. This route is straightforward and efficient, making it a convenient option for a quick trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
60.7 miles from Brandermill, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 14m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
51.8 mi
57m
I 95
36.6 mi
43m
Powhite Parkway
12.3 mi
16m
Capital Beltway
9.5 mi
11m
Beltline Expressway
2.2 mi
3m
Dolley Madison Boulevard
1.7 mi
4m
Charter Colony Parkway
0.8 mi
1m
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
0.6 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
— 51.8 mi, about 57m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Brandermill, VA and McLean, VA.
1
Start on this road
112 ft·9 sec·this road
2
Turn right onto SR 1883
370 ft·19 sec·Timber Ridge Road
3
Continue on East Timber Ridge Road
263 ft·16 sec·East Timber Ridge Road
4
Turn left onto Millridge Parkway
0.3 mi·43 sec·Millridge Parkway
5
Turn right onto SR 1921
0.5 mi·1 min·Brandermill Parkway
6
Enter roundabout onto SR 754
243 ft·5 sec·South Old Hundred Road
7
Continue on SR 754
0.6 mi·1 min·South Old Hundred Road
8
Continue on SR 754
0.8 mi·1 min·Charter Colony Parkway
Use the left / straight lanes.
9
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·12 sec
Toward Richmond
10
Merge onto VA 76
9.6 mi·12 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the straight lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto VA 76
1.8 mi·2 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the slight right lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 76
0.9 mi·1 min·Powhite Parkway
Use the straight lane.
13
Merge onto I 195
2.2 mi·3 min·Beltline Expressway
Use the straight lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork
502 ft·12 sec
Toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, NorfolkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 95 North: WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 95
52 mi·57 min·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
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; 170BToward I 395 North, I 495 North: Washington, Tysons CornerUse the straight / slight left lanes.
21
Take the exit
1.4 mi·1 min
Exit 170BToward I 495 North: Tysons CornerUse 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 46BToward VA 123 North: McLeanUse 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 2 hours and 29-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable in one day. Consider departing early in the morning to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach McLean. With 121.5 miles and a highway-focused profile, you can comfortably complete the drive without needing extensive stops, though planning for a quick break around the halfway point might be wise. Keep an eye on your fuel, with an estimated cost of $19 for the journey; filling up before you leave Brandermill is a good strategy.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 60.7 miles from Brandermill, VA, or about 1h 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 51.8 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 27 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60.7 miles or 1h 14m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 59m
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 Brandermill, 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 Brandermill, VA
This is one driving day of about 121.5 miles and 2h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from Brandermill, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike for about 51.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 16.9 and 118.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
16.9 mi into trip|~24m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, Norfolk
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95, I 64 East: Washington, Norfolk
7
17 mi into trip|~25m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 95 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 North: Washington
9
107.2 mi into trip|~2h 8m 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
107.9 mi into trip|~2h 9m 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
7
118.8 mi into trip|~2h 22m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.00 one way
$38.00 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg43 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$20.77
$41.55
premium
$4.70
$22.49
$44.97
diesel
$5.61
$26.83
$53.65
Estimated Tolls: $3.63
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(51.8 mi)$3.63
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Tolls
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
36.4
0
$12.76
$5.83
Efficient EV
30.4
0
$10.63
$4.86
EV Truck/SUV
48.6
0
$17.01
$7.78
Gas CO2
43 kg
EV CO2
14 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 as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Brandermill, VA
Late night
in Brandermill on Sunday
Local time
1:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
86°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
McLean, VA
Late night
in McLean on Sunday
Local time
1:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
82°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
79°F
Fredericksburg, VA
61 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
4 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
2h 29m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
19 mi from route
~48 min detour
Free
Park Closure: Eastern Front Tour Road south of Route 36 - Closed
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 121.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this trip, with 86% of the route utilizing major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 51.8 miles on the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. While primarily highway, this route offers a consistent pace, allowing you to cover ground efficiently. The road character remains largely the same, emphasizing smooth travel and minimal interruptions as you head north.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 51.8 mi on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike and I 95. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 16.9 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 121.5 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 16.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 107.2 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Brandermill, VA and McLean, VA, road signs point toward Norfolk and Tysons Corner.
Norfolk
16.9 mi in|~24m
Tysons Corner
107.2 mi in|~2h 8m|via I 395
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 29m. Total distance: 121.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 29m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (86%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 51.8 miles on Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $3.63 in tolls one way, starting with Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 1 rest area or service plaza within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at McLean, VA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. There are 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 16.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 107.2 miles (I 395 / Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Petersburg National Battlefield and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at McLean, VA before heading back.
