How far is Harrisonburg, VA from McLean, VA?
The driving distance from Harrisonburg, VA to McLean, VA is about 123.2 miles (198.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 97.2 miles (156.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 05m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 02m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Warren County, Virginia, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Harrisonburg and McLean.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Harrisonburg and McLean.
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1
Start on North Main Street
102 m · 15 sec · North Main Street
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2
Turn right onto East Elizabeth Street
552 ft · 28 sec · East Elizabeth Street
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3
Turn right onto North Mason Street
117 m · 16 sec · North Mason Street
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4
Turn left onto East Market Street
1.5 mi · 4 min · East Market Street
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 81 North: Elkton
955 ft · 23 sec
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6
Merge slight left
52.8 mi · 57 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
1920 ft · 47 sec
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8
Continue straight
42.8 mi · 46 min
-
9
Keep slight right
21.5 mi · 26 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner, Baltimore
3015 ft · 1 min
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11
Merge slight left onto Capital Beltway
2.2 mi · 2 min · Capital Beltway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward VA 123 North: McLean
2182 ft · 53 sec
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13
Turn straight onto Dolley Madison Boulevard
1.7 mi · 4 min · Dolley Madison Boulevard
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14
Turn right onto Old Dominion Drive
2534 ft · 1 min · Old Dominion Drive
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15
Turn sharp left onto Elm Street
31 m · 2 sec · Elm Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Elm Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Harrisonburg and McLean.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 81 North
Merge slight left
52.8 mi · 00h 57m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Harrisonburg and Rain Showers Likely near McLean.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Harrisonburg to McLean?
The road trip is about 123.2 miles (198.3 km) and usually takes 02h 02m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Front Royal is a useful midpoint, sitting about 62.3 miles from Harrisonburg and 60.9 miles from McLean.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 97.2 miles (156.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 26 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:24 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.23 one way or $34.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 38.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Harrisonburg and Rain Showers Likely near McLean.
Stop Ideas Near Front Royal
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Front Royal.
Culpeper station
Harpers Ferry
Martinsburg station
Manassas station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Harrisonburg and McLean. Straight-line distance: 97.17 mi (156.38 km).
#1 Harrisonburg
The most populous city in Virginia.
| Population | 53,204 |
| Coordinates | 38.4495700, -78.8689200 |
| Altitude | 404 |
| 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: 198 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 45m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $17.23 | $34.46 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $19.27 | $38.53 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $20.78 | $41.57 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $24.46 | $48.93 |
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 · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.