This 178.6-mile drive from Hampton, VA to McLean, VA will take approximately 3 hours and 28 minutes, making it a very manageable one-day trip. You'll primarily be on major highways, with about 80% of the journey being interstate driving. Expect a fuel cost of around $28 for this segment. The route focuses on efficient travel, connecting two points within the Southeast region of Virginia. Given its relatively short duration and highway-focused profile, this trip is ideal for a single day of travel without the need for an overnight stop.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
89.3 miles from Hampton, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 41m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 95
82.3 mi
1h 33m
I 64
61.1 mi
1h 7m
Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
11.9 mi
12m
Capital Beltway
9.5 mi
11m
Hampton Roads Beltway
2.5 mi
3m
Dolley Madison Boulevard
1.7 mi
4m
North Armistead Avenue
0.9 mi
1m
Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
0.6 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 82.3 mi, about 1h 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hampton, VA and McLean, VA.
1
Start on North King Street
126 ft·5 sec·North King Street
2
Turn left onto VA 351
0.3 mi·42 sec·West Pembroke Avenue
3
Turn right onto VA 134
0.9 mi·1 min·North Armistead Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·44 sec
Toward I 64 WestUse the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 64
2.5 mi·3 min·Hampton Roads Beltway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 64
61 mi·1 hr 7 min·I 64
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi·32 sec
Exit 200Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NCUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork
1.3 mi·2 min
Toward I 295 North: WashingtonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 295
12 mi·12 min·Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
10
Take the exit
2.4 mi·2 min
Exit 43AToward I 95 North: WashingtonUse the slight left lane.
11
Merge onto I 95
46 mi·49 min·I 95
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
1.6 mi·1 min·I 95; US 17
13
Keep slight left at fork
1.0 mi·1 min
14
Merge onto I 95
35 mi·41 min·I 95
Use the slight left lane.
15
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.
16
Take the exit
1.4 mi·1 min
Exit 170BToward I 495 North: Tysons CornerUse the slight right lane.
17
Merge onto I 495
1.0 mi·1 min·Capital Beltway
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 495
8.5 mi·10 min·Capital Beltway
Use the straight lane.
19
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
Exit 46BToward VA 123 North: McLeanUse the slight right lane.
20
Turn straight onto VA 123
1.7 mi·4 min·Dolley Madison Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn right onto VA 309
0.5 mi·1 min·Old Dominion Drive
Use the right lane.
22
Turn sharp left onto Elm Street
101 ft·2 sec·Elm Street
23
Arrive at destination
Elm Street
Trip Plan
For this straightforward 3-hour, 28-minute drive, leaving early in the morning is your best bet to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. With only one designated stop, the journey is efficient, but you'll want to plan your fuel fill-up strategically, considering the longest stretch is over 80 miles on I-95. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you get closer to McLean, as prices can fluctuate in more congested areas. This trip's manageable length means you have flexibility, but being mindful of the interstate segments will help you budget your time and fuel effectively.
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 89.3 miles from Hampton, VA, or about 1h 41m 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 39 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 89.3 miles or 1h 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 46m
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 Hampton, 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 Hampton, VA
This is one driving day of about 178.6 miles and 3h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 39 miles from Hampton, 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.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 65 and 165 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
65 mi into trip|~1h 14m in
Take the exit toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
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 200
Toward I 295, US 60: Washington, Rocky Mount NC
7
65.5 mi into trip|~1h 14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 295 North: Washington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 295 North: Washington
7
78.7 mi into trip|~1h 30m 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
164.4 mi into trip|~3h 7m 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
165 mi into trip|~3h 8m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.93 one way
$55.86 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg63 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$30.54
$61.08
premium
$4.70
$33.06
$66.11
diesel
$5.61
$39.43
$78.87
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 62.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $19 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
53.6
0
$18.75
$8.57
Efficient EV
44.7
0
$15.63
$7.14
EV Truck/SUV
71.4
0
$25.00
$11.43
Gas CO2
62 kg
EV CO2
21 kg (66% 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
Hampton, VA
Late night
in Hampton on Sunday
Local time
1:57 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°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
53°F
Ashland, VA
89 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
20 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 28m 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.
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...
3 mi from route
~7 min detour
$15
near mile 24.6
Park Closure: Rehabilitation of Colonial Parkway Continues
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...
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 178.6
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...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 67.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is predominantly a highway-focused experience, with 80% of the route utilizing interstates and major highways like I-95 and I-64. You'll encounter one significant stretch of 82.3 miles on I-95, indicating long periods of consistent highway travel. While primarily an efficient transit route, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway offers a slightly different character before merging back into the interstate system. Expect a straightforward driving experience with minimal interruptions from local roads.
80% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 82.3 mi on I 95.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and I 64. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 65 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 21 significant decision points across 178.6 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 65 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 78.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Hampton, VA and McLean, VA, road signs point toward Rocky Mount and Tysons Corner.
Rocky Mount
65 mi in|~1h 14m
Tysons Corner
164.4 mi in|~3h 7m|via I 395
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 28m. Total distance: 178.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (80%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 82.3 miles on I 95. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 1 rest area along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 65 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 65.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 78.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 hours — manageable with a long break at McLean, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.
