How far is South Riding, VA from McLean, VA?
The driving distance from South Riding, VA to McLean, VA is about 23.6 miles (38 km), with a travel time of about 00h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 17.6 miles (28.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 00m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST.
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 30m.
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.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between South Riding and McLean.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between South Riding and McLean.
-
1
Start on the route
10 m · 8 sec
-
2
Turn left onto Defender Drive
600 ft · 28 sec · Defender Drive
-
3
Turn right onto South Riding Boulevard
121 m · 11 sec · South Riding Boulevard
-
4
Turn right onto Little River Turnpike
1.9 mi · 3 min · Little River Turnpike
-
5
Continue on Route 50
7.7 mi · 13 min · Route 50
-
6
Take the exit straight toward I 66 East: Washington
2995 ft · 1 min
-
7
Merge slight left
6.2 mi · 8 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward I 495 North: Tysons Corner, Baltimore
3015 ft · 1 min
-
9
Merge slight left onto Capital Beltway
2.2 mi · 2 min · Capital Beltway
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward VA 123 North: McLean
2182 ft · 53 sec
-
11
Turn straight onto Dolley Madison Boulevard
1.7 mi · 4 min · Dolley Madison Boulevard
-
12
Turn right onto Old Dominion Drive
2534 ft · 1 min · Old Dominion Drive
-
13
Turn sharp left onto Elm Street
31 m · 2 sec · Elm Street
-
14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Elm Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between South Riding 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.
Route 50
Continue on Route 50
7.67 mi · 00h 13m
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 South Riding and Sunny near McLean.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from South Riding to McLean?
The road trip is about 23.6 miles (38 km) and usually takes 00h 30m 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?
Fairfax is a useful midpoint, sitting about 10.9 miles from South Riding and 12.7 miles from McLean.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 17.6 miles (28.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 6 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 EST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:30 PM EST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.20 one way or $6.41 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 7.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around South Riding and Sunny near McLean.
Stop Ideas Near Fairfax
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Herndon Old Town Hall
Tele-Town Hall
Manassas Park City Hall
Town Hall Pool
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Fairfax.
Burke Centre
Lorton station
Manassas station
Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between South Riding and McLean. Straight-line distance: 17.57 mi (28.27 km).
#1 South Riding
South Riding is a place in Virginia, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 38.9209400, -77.5038800 |
| Altitude | 98 |
| 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: 38 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.86 | $3.20 | $6.41 |
| Mid-grade | $4.35 | $3.61 | $7.22 |
| Premium | $4.77 | $3.96 | $7.92 |
| Diesel | $6.16 | $5.11 | $10.22 |
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 · Nov 09, 2026