Colonial Heights, VA to McLean, VA is 363.1 miles and takes about 6h 43m via I-81, I-77, and I-66, with a fuel budget near $57 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within the Southeast region, primarily traversing Virginia. Given its mostly highway profile, it's a straightforward drive suitable for a single day if you get an early start. Plan for a relatively efficient trip focused on covering ground rather than extensive sightseeing.
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
181.6 miles from Colonial Heights, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 18m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 81
285.2 mi
5h 11m
I 66
64.3 mi
1h 11m
I 77
7.1 mi
7m
Capital Beltway
2.2 mi
2m
Dolley Madison Boulevard
1.7 mi
4m
Old Dominion Drive
0.5 mi
1m
I 64
0.3 mi
<1m
Old Airport Road
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 285.2 mi, about 5h 11m
Traffic on I-81
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 131 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~1,680 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,230
Quietest
2 AM
~243 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.9×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 52 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Colonial Heights, VA and McLean, VA.
1
Start on US 11; US 19
506 ft·16 sec·Lee Highway
2
Turn left onto Old Airport Road
0.2 mi·30 sec·Old Airport Road
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·33 sec
4
Merge onto I 81; US 58
67 mi·1 hr 11 min·I 81; US 58
Use the straight lane.
5
Continue on I 77; I 81; US 11; US 52
7.1 mi·7 min·I 77; I 81; US 11; US 52
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11
140 mi·2 hr 33 min·I 81; US 11
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: RoanokeUse the straight lane.
7
Continue on I 64; I 81
0.3 mi·17 sec·I 64; I 81
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81
79 mi·1 hr 26 min·I 81
9
Take the exit
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
10
Continue on I 66
43 mi·46 min·I 66
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 66
22 mi·25 min·I 66
Use the straight lane.
12
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 64BToward I 495 North: Tysons Corner, BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 495
2.2 mi·2 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Exit 46BToward VA 123 North: McLeanUse the slight right lane.
15
Turn straight onto VA 123
1.7 mi·4 min·Dolley Madison Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
16
Turn right onto VA 309
0.5 mi·1 min·Old Dominion Drive
Use the right lane.
17
Turn sharp left onto Elm Street
101 ft·2 sec·Elm Street
18
Arrive at destination
Elm Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 6h 43m drive, aim to depart Colonial Heights early, ideally before 7 AM, to avoid potential traffic and maximize daylight. With only one recommended stop and a highway-heavy profile, you can manage the 363.1 miles efficiently. Consider a brief stop around the halfway point for fuel and a stretch, as the longest continuous stretch on I-81 is quite substantial at 285.2 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially in more rural sections, and utilize the readily available services along the interstates.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 181.6 miles from Colonial Heights, VA, or about 3h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 285.2 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 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 181.6 miles or 3h 18m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 31m
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 Colonial Heights, 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 Colonial Heights, VA
This is one driving day of about 363.1 miles and 6h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Colonial Heights, 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 81 for about 285.2 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 13
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 360.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.3 mi into trip|~0m in
Take the ramp
Navigation decision point
8
74.3 mi into trip|~1h 20m in|I 81; US 11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11 toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
6
336.3 mi into trip|~6h 7m in|I 66
Keep slight right at fork onto I 66
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
8
357.8 mi into trip|~6h 33m in
Take the exit toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner, Baltimore
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 64B
Toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner, Baltimore
7
360.5 mi into trip|~6h 37m 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
$57.75 one way
$115.51 round trip
$4.04/gal25.4 MPG avg127 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.41
$62.97
$125.94
premium
$4.78
$68.32
$136.63
diesel
$5.35
$76.48
$152.96
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$58
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 127 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-06-01.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
108.9
1
$38.13
$17.43
Efficient EV
90.8
1
$31.77
$14.52
EV Truck/SUV
145.2
1
$50.83
$23.24
Gas CO2
127 kg
EV CO2
42 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 Jun 2, 2026
Origin
Colonial Heights, VA
Afternoon
in Colonial Heights on Wednesday
Local time
3:01 PM
EDT
Current temp
56°F
Partly Cloudy
NE 5 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued June 1 at 6:59PM EDT until June 2 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
Destination
McLean, VA
Afternoon
in McLean on Wednesday
Local time
3:01 PM
EDT
Current temp
54°F
Scattered Rain Showers
E 5 to 10 mph9% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued June 1 at 6:59PM EDT until June 2 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Wakefield VA
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
2 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
6h 43m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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.
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley has a long and rich heritage that still inspires today. Native Americans first shaped the land, followed by colonists and settlers. The fertile valley became an important...
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
$30
near mile 250.4
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
21 mi from route
~53 min detour
Free
near mile 137.7
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!
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 350.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is almost entirely on major highways, with a 98% highway share. You'll experience a long stretch of 285.2 miles on I-81, which means extended periods of consistent cruising. Since it's mostly highway, expect frequent exits and interchanges, particularly as you approach your destination. The transition to surface roads will be minimal, occurring only in the final moments of the drive.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 285.2 mi on I 81.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and I 66. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in.
Driving Effort9/10
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 13 significant decision points across 363.1 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 0.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 74.3 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 336.3 miles (I 66): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,526 ft286 ft
Total Climb
1,311 ft
Total Descent
2,830 ft
Highest Point
2,526 ft
~51.9 mi in
Elevation Range
2,240 ft
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 Colonial Heights, VA to McLean, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Washington along the way.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 43m. Total distance: 363.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 43m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 285.2 miles on I 81. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 37 rest areas or service plazas 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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 37 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles: Navigation decision point; at 74.3 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 336.3 miles (I 66): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Shenandoah National Park and Booker T Washington National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at McLean, VA before the return drive.
