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Trip from South Suffolk, VA to McLean, VA

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Compiled 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

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.

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 .

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 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.

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 44 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.

independent city in Virginia, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Colonial Heights, VA

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.

Popular next leg

Colonial Heights, VA to McLean, VA

129.1 mi · 2h 37m

Pacing Suggestions

Waverly, VA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 44 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

East Highland Park, VA

Meal break

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 check

Top 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.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · final third

Himalayan Heritage Restaurant & Bar VA

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third · 1h 9m to go 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 10:30 am–9:30 pm

+15409934252

Visit website

Cafe Tatti

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

McLean, Virginia

0.3 mi

Castiglia's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Fredericksburg, Virginia

0.5 mi

Best coffee break · around the midpoint

Dubai Girls Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Glen Allen, Virginia

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset · 2h 1m in / 2h 1m to go 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18044001505

Merge Cafe (Stafford)

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stafford, Virginia

3 mi

Himalayan Heritage Restaurant & Bar VA

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 10:30 am–9:30 pm

+15409934252

Visit website

Cafe Tatti

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $50 to $60

McLean, Virginia

Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm

+17037905164

Visit website

Castiglia's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15408917300

Visit website

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour Inexpensiv

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–11 pm

+15407107025

Visit website

Manila Cafe

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Springfield, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+17033790595

Olla Cafe & Bar

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour Moderately

Stafford, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15406996355

Visit website

Sugar Palm Thai Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+17033541077

Visit website

Smyrna Restaurant

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour Moderately

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15713718228

Visit website

Dubai Girls Cafe

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20

Glen Allen, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–8 pm

+18044001505

Merge Cafe (Stafford)

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 3 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20

Stafford, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+15404264142

Visit website

Cameron Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Alexandria, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+17032128211

Visit website

Lil Cow Cafe Bistro

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

Home stretch 4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Burke, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+17038520544

Visit website

Curitiba Art Cafe

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

Final third 4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–7 pm

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour

Suffolk, Virginia

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

InCharge Energy Charging Station

Around the midpoint, ~11 min detour

Early stretch 4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour

Hopewell, Virginia

+18333994638

Visit website

Virginia Welcome Center at Fredericksburg

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

Final third 5 mi from route ~12 min detour

Fredericksburg, VA

Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm

+15407868344

Visit website

LEGO® Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

Home stretch 0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour

Springfield, Virginia

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15715064322

Visit website

Neabsco Creek Boardwalk

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Woodbridge, Virginia

Visit website

Flight Adventure Park Springfield

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Springfield, Virginia

Hours: 11 am–8 pm

+17036632440

Visit website

Lake Meade Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Suffolk, Virginia

Hours: 6 am–8 pm

+17575147250

Visit website

Lake Accotink Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour

Springfield, Virginia

Hours: 6:30 am–5 pm

+17035693464

Visit website

Stafford Civil War Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Stafford, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+15406584864

Visit website

Government Island

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour

Stafford, Virginia

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+15406584871

Visit website

Leesylvania State Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour

Woodbridge, Virginia

Hours: 7 am–7:30 pm

+17037308205

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

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.

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

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 as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

South Suffolk, VA

Late night in South Suffolk on Tuesday

Local time

5:35 AM

EDT

Current temp

73°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

McLean, VA

Late night in McLean on Tuesday

Local time

5:35 AM

EDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

6 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.

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 27.5
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 68.8
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 13.8
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 199.4
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

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.

41% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
28 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 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.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 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.

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

About the Cities

Arriving in McLean, VA

Full guide →

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).

Who Is This Route For?

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.

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 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.

Yes — Colonial National Historical Park, Petersburg National Battlefield and Fort Monroe National Monument (4 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.1 hours — manageable with a long break at McLean, VA, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

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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