How far is Gainesville, VA from McLean, VA?
The driving distance from Gainesville, VA to McLean, VA is about 27.8 miles (44.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 25.4 miles (40.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 08m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 34m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Alabama, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gainesville and McLean.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gainesville and McLean.
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1
Start on Lee Highway
1 km · 53 sec · Lee Highway
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2
Take the exit slight right toward I 66 East: Washington
1.4 km · 2 min
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3
Merge slight left
21 mi · 25 min
-
4
Take the exit slight right toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner, Baltimore
3015 ft · 1 min
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5
Merge slight left onto Capital Beltway
2.2 mi · 2 min · Capital Beltway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward VA 123 North: McLean
2182 ft · 53 sec
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7
Turn straight onto Dolley Madison Boulevard
1.7 mi · 4 min · Dolley Madison Boulevard
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8
Turn right onto Old Dominion Drive
2534 ft · 1 min · Old Dominion Drive
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9
Turn sharp left onto Elm Street
31 m · 2 sec · Elm Street
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Elm Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gainesville and McLean.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 66 East
Merge slight left
21 mi · 00h 25m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Gainesville and Sunny near McLean.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gainesville to McLean?
The road trip is about 27.8 miles (44.8 km) and usually takes 00h 34m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Centreville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13.9 miles from Gainesville and 13.9 miles from McLean.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 25.4 miles (40.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.4 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:22 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.88 one way or $7.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Gainesville and Sunny near McLean.
Stop Ideas Near Centreville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Herndon Old Town Hall
Manassas Park City Hall
Town Hall Pool
Old Town Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Centreville.
Manassas station
Burke Centre
Lorton station
Woodbridge station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gainesville and McLean. Straight-line distance: 25.36 mi (40.81 km).
#1 Gainesville
Gainesville is a place in Virginia, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 38.7956700, -77.6138800 |
| Altitude | 108 |
| Country | United States |
#2 McLean
A city in Fairfax County, Virginia.
| Population | 48,115 |
| Coordinates | 38.9342800, -77.1774800 |
| Altitude | 87 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elm Street (-77.177466, 38.934287)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 45 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $3.88 | $7.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $4.34 | $8.68 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $4.68 | $9.36 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $5.51 | $11.02 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Virginia · May 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.