McLean, VA → Cleveland, OH
298 mi · 5h 57m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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McLean
47°
Cumberland Valley Township
42°
Economy
42°
Cleveland
43°
Wind gusts up to 17 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 298 mi · 5h 57m
Weather
🌤️ Mainly clear
42°F, wind 11 mph
Rest Stops
13
Restrooms, Truck svc, Picnic
Cameras
5 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Flower Valley Loading Dock area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Hazards Ahead
3 road closures may affect your route · 6 construction zones on route
6 Construction Zones on Route
OH-46 northbound: Long-term: SR 46 between Morris St. and Seaborn St. has various lane restrictions for sidewalk installation. Estimated completion, mid-December 2026.
I-76 westbound: Long-term: Beginning Monday, June 1, the ramp from SR 46 to I-80 westbound will be closed through early August. The detour will be I-80 eastbound to Salt Springs Rd. to I-80 westbound. New Impact – Beginning Monday, June 1, I-80 east and west will be reduced to two lanes between the Meander Reservoir and SR 46 with traffic shifted to the outside shoulder and right lane.
I-76 westbound: Long-term: Beginning Monday, June 1, the ramp from SR 46 to I-80 westbound will be closed through early August. The detour will be I-80 eastbound to Salt Springs Rd. to I-80 westbound. New Impact – Beginning Monday, June 1, I-80 east and west will be reduced to two lanes between the Meander Reservoir and SR 46 with traffic shifted to the outside shoulder and right lane.
Highland Rd./Valley View Rd. intersection improvements westbound: Long-term: The intersection of Highland Rd. and Valley View Rd. has various lane restrictions for drainage repairs through late March. Estimated completion, December 2026.
Highland Rd./Valley View Rd. intersection improvements northbound: Long-term: The intersection of Highland Rd. and Valley View Rd. has various lane restrictions for drainage repairs through late March. Estimated completion, December 2026.
OH-176 northbound: Long-term: SR 176 northbound at Denison Ave. has a left lane closure for bridge work through October 2027.
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Via SR-688 → I-495 → ... → SR-43 → SR-87
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I-495 / MM 45.3 / NB
VA · NB
I-495 / MM 45.2 / NB
VA · NB
Live video · tap to play
I-70 at Ex 56 MD 144
Western MD, MD ·
Live video · tap to play
I-70 at Ex 26 I-81
Western MD, MD ·
I-70 @ WARFORDSBURG
PA · WB
I-70 / I-76 @ Exit 146, Bedford Interchange
PA · WB
I-70 / I-76 @ MP123.4, Allegheny Tunnel
PA · WB
I-76 @ Exit 75, New Stanton Interchange
PA · WB
I-376 @ EXIT 84A (MONROEVILLE)
PA · WB
I-76 @ MP 31.3
PA · WB
Turnpike (I-76 @ MP1.6)
PA · WB
I-480 at I-80 Turnpike (East)
OH ·
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
34 stops available
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from McLean, VA to Cleveland, OH covers 298 miles in roughly 5h 57m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 34 rest areas and 3 reported incidents along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
51° / 45°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
49° / 38°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
52° / 42°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
52° / 36°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
55° / 37°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
60° / 38°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
64° / 38°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, 🌦️ Moderate rain showers at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, 🌧️ Slight rain at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
McLean, VA
47°F
Wind: 15 mph
Cleveland, OH
43°F
Wind: 17 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from McLean, VA to Cleveland, OH
The 298-mile drive from McLean, Virginia to Cleveland, Ohio takes approximately 5h 57m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across open plains where severe weather and high winds can develop quickly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This moderate route crosses state lines from Virginia into Ohio, connecting McLean and Cleveland. A drive of 298 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Dense fog, especially during early morning hours
Seasonal Driving Considerations
The Midwest corridor of this route is susceptible to rapid weather changes. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a real threat from April through June, while winter brings heavy lake-effect snow, ice storms, and dangerously low wind chill. Flat terrain means high crosswinds can affect vehicle stability year-round, especially for taller vehicles. Spring flooding can also close highway underpasses and low-lying road segments.
Best Time to Drive McLean to Cleveland
For medium-distance drives like this 298-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 298-mile drive from McLean to Cleveland takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from McLean to Cleveland?
The drive is approximately 298 miles and takes about 5h 57m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Thursday, Nov 19 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from McLean to Cleveland today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the McLean to Cleveland route?
Yes, there are 34 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-495, I-70, I-76 West (Pennsylvania Turnpike), I-480 West. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There are currently 3 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
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🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
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