How Long Does It Take to Drive from Arlington, Virginia to McLean, Virginia?

If you’re planning a trip from Arlington, Virginia to McLean, Virginia, then you’re in for a treat! McLean is one of the most picturesque cities in the state of Virginia and is known for its luxurious neighborhoods, incredible restaurants, and beautiful parks. But before you embark on your journey, you’re probably wondering how long it takes to drive from Arlington to McLean. Well, the answer to that question is dependent on a few factors, let’s break them down below.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

One of the quickest routes from Arlington to McLean is via the George Washington Memorial Parkway. It’s a scenic route that takes you through Arlington National Cemetery, the Potomac River, and the beautiful parks around the area. With no traffic, it takes around 12-15 minutes to reach McLean via the GW Parkway. However, traffic can be a bottleneck, and you might experience slowdowns at peak times during the day.

Apart from the GW Parkway, another popular route is taking I-66 to I-495. This route takes longer than the GW Parkway, but during rush hour, I-66 operates its High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, which can cut down on time. During off-peak hours, the trip can take as little as 10-15 minutes, and during peak traffic times, it can take up to 25-30 minutes.

Distance and Time It Takes

The distance from Arlington to McLean is only about five miles, but traffic can make all the difference in how long it takes to get there. If you're driving on the George Washington Memorial Parkway route, the distance is approximately six miles, and if you're taking I-66 to I-495, the distance is around eight miles. However, as discussed earlier, traffic can extend the time it takes to reach McLean, particularly in the morning and evening rush hours.

Time Based on Traffic Pattern

During non-rush hours, the average time to get from Arlington to McLean is roughly 10-15 minutes. But, during the morning and evening rush hours, it can take up to 30 minutes. So, if you're traveling to McLean during peak hours, make sure to 'plan accordingly, and take into account the extra time you need.

The Final Word

In conclusion, the time it takes to get from Arlington to McLean is largely dependent on the route you take and the time you go. Traffic can impact travel times, so it's essential to take into account the time of day when traveling. To avoid traffic hotspots, consider using the GW Parkway route or the HOV lanes on I-66. Either way, with some careful planning, you can get from Arlington to McLean quickly and easily.