Himalayan Heritage Restaurant & Bar VA
Later in the drive, right off the route
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hours: 10:30 am–9:30 pm
+15409934252
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
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
Fair
2 stations
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
South Suffolk, VA
Mark Stebnicki
McLean, VA
Wikimedia Commons
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 .
| 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 |
Step-by-step road directions between South Suffolk, VA and McLean, VA.
Start on US 13 BUS; VA 32
Continue on US 13 BUS; VA 10; VA 32
Continue on US 460 BUS; VA 10; VA 32
Turn right onto Godwin Boulevard
Continue on VA 10; VA 32
Continue on VA 10
Turn left onto VA 10; VA 31
Turn right onto VA 10
Continue on VA 10
Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS
Continue on VA 10
Take the exit
Continue on this road
Merge onto I 295
Take the exit
Merge onto I 95
Keep slight right at fork onto I 95; US 17
Keep slight left at fork
Merge onto I 95
Keep slight right at fork onto I 395
Take the exit
Merge onto I 495
Keep slight right at fork onto I 495
Take the exit
Turn straight onto VA 123
Turn right onto VA 309
Turn sharp left onto Elm Street
Arrive at destination
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.
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 44 miles or 58m 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.
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.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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.
A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 99.7 miles from South Suffolk, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82.3 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · final third
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Later in the drive, right off the route
Hours: 10:30 am–9:30 pm
+15409934252
Cafe Tatti
McLean, Virginia
Castiglia's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Best coffee break · around the midpoint
Glen Allen, Virginia
Around the midpoint, short detour
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+18044001505
Merge Cafe (Stafford)
Stafford, Virginia
Later in the drive, right off the route
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hours: 10:30 am–9:30 pm
+15409934252
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
McLean, Virginia
Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm
+17037905164
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+15408917300
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–11 pm
+15407107025
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Springfield, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–6 pm
+17033790595
Later in the drive, short detour
Stafford, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+15406996355
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Alexandria, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–10 pm
+17033541077
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Alexandria, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+15713718228
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, short detour
Glen Allen, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+18044001505
Later in the drive, short detour
Stafford, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–9 pm
+15404264142
Visit websiteNear the end, ~11 min detour
Alexandria, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+17032128211
Visit websiteNear the end, ~11 min detour
Burke, Virginia
Hours: 8 am–8 pm
+17038520544
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~12 min detour
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–7 pm
Visit websiteNear the start, ~9 min detour
Suffolk, Virginia
Hours: Open 24 hours
+18777983752
Visit websiteAround the midpoint, ~11 min detour
Hopewell, Virginia
+18333994638
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~12 min detour
Fredericksburg, VA
Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm
+15407868344
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Springfield, Virginia
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+15715064322
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Woodbridge, Virginia
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Springfield, Virginia
Hours: 11 am–8 pm
+17036632440
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Suffolk, Virginia
Hours: 6 am–8 pm
+17575147250
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Springfield, Virginia
Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm
+17035693464
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Stafford, Virginia
Hours: 8 am–8 pm
+15406584864
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Stafford, Virginia
Hours: 8 am–8 pm
+15406584871
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Woodbridge, Virginia
Hours: 7 am–7:30 pm
+17037308205
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 99.5 and 196.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Take the exit toward I 95 North: Washington
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
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
Take the exit toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Keep slight right at fork onto I 495 / Capital Beltway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Take the exit toward VA 123 North: McLean
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Regular Gas
$31.18 one way
$62.36 round trip
| 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Late night in South Suffolk on Tuesday
Local time
5:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
73°F
Unavailable
Destination
Late night in McLean on Tuesday
Local time
5:35 AM
EDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
71°F
Colonial Heights, VA
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
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...
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...
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!
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
McLean is a Northern Virginia suburb of Washington, D.C. located in Fairfax County, Virginia, in the southern United States of America.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 2m. Total distance: 199.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 2m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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