How far is McLean, VA from Arlington, VA?
The driving distance from McLean, VA to Arlington, VA is about 9.5 miles (15.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 5.4 miles (8.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 32m 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 16m.
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.
Independent city in Virginia, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost
Widespread Frost then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between McLean and Arlington.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between McLean and Arlington.
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1
Start on Elm Street
31 m · 8 sec · Elm Street
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2
Turn left
39 m · 15 sec
-
3
Turn left onto Old Dominion Drive
3.5 mi · 8 min · Old Dominion Drive
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4
Turn slight right
72 m · 9 sec
-
5
Turn straight onto North Glebe Road
1.9 mi · 5 min · North Glebe Road
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6
Turn slight left onto Wilson Boulevard
2854 ft · 2 min · Wilson Boulevard
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7
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Wilson Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between McLean and Arlington.
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.
Old Dominion Drive
Turn left onto Old Dominion Drive
3.52 mi · 00h 08m
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.
Widespread Frost leaving McLean and Widespread Frost then Sunny near Arlington.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from McLean to Arlington?
The road trip is about 9.5 miles (15.3 km) and usually takes 00h 16m 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?
Falls Church is a useful midpoint, sitting about 3 miles from McLean and 6.5 miles from Arlington.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 5.4 miles (8.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.1 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 7:58 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.35 one way or $2.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Widespread Frost around McLean and Widespread Frost then Sunny near Arlington.
Stop Ideas Near Falls Church
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
United States Capitol
D C Government
THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus
Town Hall Liquor And Bar
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Falls Church.
Union Station
Washington Union Station
Burke Centre
Lorton station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between McLean and Arlington. Straight-line distance: 5.39 mi (8.67 km).
#1 McLean
A city in Fairfax County, Virginia.
| Population | 48,115 |
| Coordinates | 38.9342800, -77.1774800 |
| Altitude | 87 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Arlington
A county in Virginia.
| Population | 229,164 |
| Coordinates | 38.8810100, -77.1042800 |
| Altitude | 71 |
| Country | United States |
End: Wilson Boulevard (-77.104347, 38.881084)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 15 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 09m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $1.35 | $2.69 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $1.51 | $3.01 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $1.62 | $3.25 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $1.91 | $3.82 |
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 21, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.