best route to avoid washington dc traffic

best route to avoid washington dc traffic

The closer to D.C. you live, the more expensive it is to live. The 1,000-acre installation is home to a range of military and civilian agency mission partners including Marine Helicopter Squadron One, the White House Communication Agency, the Joint Air Defense Operations Center, the Defense Intelligence Agency, United States Coast Guard Station Washington, and Navy Ceremonial Guards and Air Force HonorGuards. On a good traffic day, going I-95 could be as much as 90 minutes faster than going through PA. On a bad traffic day, going this route could be 30 or even 60 minutes faster than I-95, and far less stressful. As for the truck traffic, yeah, it can get heavy, but it's only scary at night and in bad weather. The two directions of travel,clockwiseandcounterclockwise, have become known respectively as the "Inner Loop" and the "Outer Loop." Sounds like a winner to us. 6pm on a Friday, I don't see it as too much of a problem. Any suggestions for alternate routes to avoid DC? By taking the Harbor Tunnel (Exit 46, I think) you avoid the congestion. How to use Metro---Helpful links from Metro's website. This should get you in roughly the same area, and much of the road is historically preserved. I'm thinking that would make our arrival time to DC about 6 PM or so. Promoted By University of Maryland Capital Region Health, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C., an IHG Hotel, Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall, an IHG Hotel. If you see traffic getting across the Wilson Bridge and you think it may be bad the way down to Fredericksburg, get off and go over to the National Harbor in Maryland. I know 301 is kinda rural, so will it be faster to go through Baltimore and hop on I-95? You can lessen the chances of having problems by keeping informed and planning ahead. A slight shorter alternative would be, just North of. How to get tickets for the African American Museum of History and Culture. I'll stay on 301 into rural Virginia, crossing over the Potomac and continuing into Maryland. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. WTOP in DC offers traffic reports and updates on accidents and construction. In Harrisburg, pick up US 15 South. Route 15. Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) is responsible for providing installation support to70 mission partner units on the installation, and more than 17,000 military and civilian employees and their families throughout the National Capital Region. Find a way to take your mind off the situation. Just outside of Washington, you will pick up the Washington Beltway (Rt 495). Play a song you like or a podcast over the car's radio. If your objective is to avoid simply sitting in traffic, you can go "the long way around," through Pennsylvania. It may take awhile to adjust to the change in your sleeping patterns, but it will be worth it to make it work on time and avoid the rush. You can take different routes if you are heading for the western coast of Florida. Turn on the radio and find a calm, relaxing station. Just an option. Cross the Potomac River on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, exit onto I-295N, Washington DC, and take exit #2, Malcolm X Blvd, Bolling AFB. I live off of 301 and it is terrible. Texas is about 800 miles North to South and about the same East to West. Over 1.3 million people in the region are expected to travel 50 miles or more for the holiday. Using 81 via Hagerstown will add 98 miles of driving vs. 95/495. If time and mileage aren't so important, I'd recommend Route 13 as well. Others may have better insights. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26514848', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Philadelphia to Florida. 301 used to be very good, but now it has a million traffic lights. Reagan National Airport is the most convenient to the base. The Woodrow Wilson Bridge, part of the Capital Beltway. Irish Fan made a good point. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. You could go this way: 95-17-15-81-78 to the Holland Tunnel through Fredericksburg, Warrenton, Frederick, Harrisburg, etc. It isadjacent to I-295,which is accessible from I-95, I-395 or I-495. Any suggestions on the best route to avoid the worst of the traffic? US Capitol & Library of Congress visit clearance needed? Loop around to the right, and turn right onto Malcolm X Blvd. How do I get to DC from the airport (BWI, DCA, IAD)? The Metro can be taken from there to the Anacostia Station where shuttles do run to the base. Stay on I-295S and take Exit #2, Malcolm X Blvd, Bolling AFB. The best way to see it all is by rail. Like most major cities, Washington DC draws a lot of traffic during the evening and early morning hours. Neighborhoods, Bethesda Maps: Downtown and the Surrounding Area, How to Get From Washington, D.C., to Mount Vernon. This could be a local or neighborhood problem. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. No worry about getting loss as you don't have to get on any roads you get off of the highway and it's right there. This article was first published August 2021 and updated August 2022. One alternative is to follow 95 to 97 in Baltimore, which turns into 3 and then 301. Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. I'm driving up to Philly tomorrow, but my timing will place me in the DC area around rush hour. Washington, DC, prides itself on being one of the most accessible places in the country. Signs leading up to and within the toll lanes have an E-ZPass logo which tells you that you need an E-ZPass. We have taken the ferry to Lewes and then take the Bay bridge-tunnel and come out in Norfolk. The project added two lanes to I-495 in each direction from just west of the Springfield interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Roadand included the replacement of more than 50 bridges, overpasses, and major interchanges. In addition to alerting you about traffic, Waze can also know where you're likely to find police officers en route. For the first time ever, Lonely Planet's experts have compiled the USA's 500 most memorable, beautiful, surprising and compelling experiences. interesteddad August 12, 2012, 1:44pm #14. DC can be a high stress city. Hi. Cross the Potomac River on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, exit onto I-295N, Washington DC, and take exit #2, Malcolm X Blvd, Bolling AFB. Two-way traffic on the bridge could be prohibited during severe weather this weekend, Maryland officials warn. From the opening of a bridge over the Potomac River in 1940 until the completion of Interstate 95 between Washington and. The Metrobus is the area's regional bus service. It will then tell you how much the delay will be, and offer you an alternative route if necessary. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. I remember running into bad traffic around Fredericksburg before, basically the gateway into Northern Virginia and it was backed up badly. We also have done 81 to near Raleigh then headed to 95 in South Carolina as well as straight down 95. Driving on the Capital Beltway and other Washington, D.C. area interstates can be a headache. Before crossing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge take the I-295 exit to Washington, DC. Check state transportation websites before you leave to find out where construction is occurring. 6 Things to Avoid When Buying Investment Property, Everything you Need to Know About D.C. HPAP. A memorandum of agreement was signed between the Navy and the Air Force on 24 June 2020 which formalized the transition, however the Air Force did not officially take control until 1 October 2020. Parking in DC is a nightmare, but if you're headed out of town on a day trip, renting a car might be the best option. Report inappropriate content Thanks so much! JBAB has active duty, family members, civilian employees, guard reserve and retirees as part of their community. 5 -6 days. Every time we travel around DC we have major problems. Driving from Washington DC to Seattle - Best route? No worry about getting loss as you don't have to get on any roads you get off of the highway and it's right there. From the Airport take the Washington-Dulles Access Toll Road--which begins at Dulles Airport--from this point there are two different options: Directions from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI). Please stay safe! Loop around to the right, and turn right onto Malcolm X Blvd. This should get you in roughly the same area, and much of the road is historically preserved. Then, just over the Potomac, take 3 into Fredericksburg. So I-495 is the Capital Beltway, or just "The Beltway." Hi. Running full speed on this route (not guaranteed), it will take you 6+ hours for the Philly-Richmond stretch. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. I actually think you should just stick to 95 South. The operator can be reached at commercial (719) 567-1110. I go west from Waterbury through NY to Scranton then south on I81 to Harrisburg then south on I83 to Baltimore, then go west go get to DC area.l it varies how I do that, actually, generally, I go. We'll be traveling on 95 from NY to Fredericksburg VA on a Friday and will likely get near DC in time for the evening rush. In May 2019, the Air Force and Navy Service Secretaries signed a memorandum directing the transfer of JBAB lead service responsibility from the Navy to the Air Force. How to get tickets for the African American Museum of History and Culture. Leave now. Exit the toll road and follow directions to I-495 south to Richmond, remain on I-495 towards Baltimore (I-495 circles the city). Provide up to 26 locations and Route Planner will optimize, based on your preferences, to save you time and gas money. Take US 15 South through MD, into Northern VA. South of I-66, you will pick up US 17, which will then take you back east towards Fredericksburg. The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). 95 South was a parking lot. There are three Airports that service the DC area. By 2020, more than half of the activity at AnacostiaBolling fell under the US Air Force. That means you would drive through Baltimore around 9:00pm. The Metro is not a 24-hour service, and stations close between midnight and 5am. From Houston, drive through Louisiana and 1400 miles. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Take I-78 west across Jersey into PA, all the way to Harrisburg. Highways such as the 295, 395, 495, and 270 are popular alternatives. Stops Let us re-order stops Round trip . Last Updated: May 6, 2021 When are you driving down? I honestly can say that it shouldn't be too bad. Is it more efficient to take a hundred mile detour versus the risk of hitting traffic along the most direct route? You can cut back to 95 if you so desire or continue down Del-Mar-VA peninsula. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. I-95 can be a parking lot, especially on a Friday afternoon rush. Even if 95/495 isn't running at anything close to the 55/65 mph speed limit and you encounter "major problems" through several stretches, you're still probably averaging 50 mph over the entire stretch from Philly to Richmond using those interstates in what's essentially a straight line. Follow the Dulles Access Toll Road until it ends on Route 66, follow 66E to exit 75S (Memorial Parkway). The best time to arrive in Rockville to avoid traffic would be 9:30pm or later. DSN 312-22X-XXXX if commercial number is 703-69X-XXXXDSN 312-425-XXXX if commercial number is 703-588-XXXX, Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions. Irish Fan made a good point. That's why I stated that it would be bad from College Park to Landover. I used to drive 81 all the time. Use technology, like GPS devices and mobile apps, to figure out the fastest routes. DITCH THE VALET: Affordable Parking Options for under $10/nt, How to Request a White House Tour as a Foreign Visitor - 2019, Bike ride from Washington to Mt Vernon and Alexandria, Need hotel recommendations for one day/night solo. Construction of the Capital Beltway began in 1955 as part of the Interstate Highway System that was created in the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. Seriously, the issue is not that there is traffic but how you deal with it. Whetherzipping past the Washington Monument or zooming along the Mount Vernon trail, getting out on two wheels is truly the best wayto avoid traffic. If you choose to go 81 but want to come back. If you do not have an E-ZPass device you cannot drive on the express lanes. Take I-95 south toward Richmond. Check out Capital Bikeshare. One alternative is to follow 95 to 97 in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Eng Garcia Properties, LLC is Washington DC Area's most innovative real estate team. There are routes you can take to avoid traffic, but they are all subject to backups (possibly very lengthy ones). All rights reserved. The explosive growth of housing and businesses in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs has created heavy traffic around the region, especially on the Capital Beltway. (Or frustration!). Doing it right: Avoiding I-95 between NYC and DC: the Pennsylvania Dogleg - John Walton, aviation journalist, columnist and travel writer | 44john . Take I-78 west across Jersey into PA, all the way to Harrisburg. It was worse at 11am yesterday afternoon than it was around 6pm. I'm not getting how the Cape May-Lewes Ferry would be easier or faster than just picking up US13 off of 95. You should also plan to avoid rush hour. Understandably, this was confusing. What attractions require/offer timed or advance tickets? Stay on Memorial Parkway and follow signs to the 14th Street Bridge, go across the Bridge and Take I-395N, exit to I-295 south, take exit #2, Bolling AFB, Malcolm X Blvd. For local, in town trips, this may be a great option if bike stations are close by. Vernon if not by car? There will be 4 of us in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It's actually Interstate 495, a 64-mile highway that encircles Washington. Tolls are waived for buses, carpools of at least three people, motorcycles, and emergency vehicles. Take Rt 95 (Ft McHenry Tunnel) towards Washington, DC. If your objective is to avoid simply sitting in traffic, you can go "the long way around," through Pennsylvania. Remember, hands free calling only. The 97 - Route 3 - Route 17 option isn't a bad one, but that route is also crowded, and has stoplights through suburban areas so in the long run it may not save you any time. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312/484area code. Riders are charged by distance, and the Metro uses a tap-on-tap-off system to calculate the cost. Any suggestions on the best route to avoid the worst of the traffic? Weekdays or weekends. U.S. 301 is a road familiar to earlier generations of American travelers. Most of my experience is going from Northern VA South to F'burg/Richmond, so I really can't help you wiht routes from North of DC. Want to crisscross the vast USA in 30 days by train? Smithsonian? Plan travel wisely, particularly on busy roads like Interstate 95 and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, AAA says. FYI: it took me 2.5 hrs to get from Northern VA to F'burg (about 60 miles) on a recent Saturday, leaving at 1:30 pm. We have done the trip down the garden state to the Cape May ferry then down the DELMAVA to the Bay Bridge Tunnel And on south from CT. You will still hit some traffic but that should avoid the very worst bits of 95. Thinking about Annapolis to 301 or Hagerstown to I-81. What is the best way around the city? We are driving for (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I have left the Lorton, VA area on 95 and going North and have seen absolutely no traffic going the other way. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! To learn how to use alternative modes of transportation to avoid D.C. traffic, keep reading! Open House Tips: Make Sure Your Open House Goes Great! You can use a SmarTrip card to ride the Metrobus or pay with exact change. A joint team then drafted an extensive Memorandum of Agreement detailing how we would transfer and align resources to fulfill those joint base mission requirements. DITCH THE VALET: Affordable Parking Options for under $10/nt, How to Request a White House Tour as a Foreign Visitor - 2019, Bike ride from Washington to Mt Vernon and Alexandria, Need hotel recommendations for one day/night solo. Most travelers (and residents . There will be 4 of us in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? How to use Metro---Helpful links from Metro's website. Eng Garcia Properties, LLC | Keller Williams Capital Properties Pick up 55 to 47 to Cape May. COMM phone number for Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Military and Family Readiness Center, DSN phone number for Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Military and Family Readiness Center, Email: https://apps.militaryonesource.mil/MOS/f?p=AMS:5:0::::P5_APP_NAME,P5_MSG_TYPE,P5_EID:MilitaryINSTALLATIONS,Installation Address,1000009646, Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=+Military+and+Family+Readiness+Center,+118+Brookley+Avenue,+Bldg+13,+Washington+DC+20032, https://my.whs.mil/services/Pentagon-DoD-Shuttle-Schedules-0, Emergency Contacts for Disasters & Evacuations. I-81 has so much truck traffic it scares the heck out of me, and I'm not usually scared about driving anywhere.:). There arenotany Base shuttles that run from the airports. I have left the Lorton, VA area on 95 and going North and have seen absolutely no traffic going the other way. Then, just over the Potomac, take 3 into Fredericksburg. Since your plans can't be changed, you'll more than likely be in for some serious traffic. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. % of people told us that this article helped them. Capital Bikeshare offers an $8 day pass that includes unlimited 45-minute rides, or you can pay $1 to unlock a bike and then 5 cents per minute on a classic bicycle or 15 cents per minute for an ebike. (exception being summer weekends when the added variable of beach traffic has congestions. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. It collects data from phones, traffic cameras, car navigation systems GPS to give you the route with the least delays. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. If it is after Labor Day, the summer travel traffic will not be as heavy, but 95 South is always miserable between 3ish and 8ish between DC and F'burg on a Friday. Smartrip physical card for DC Metro purchase and activation, how to getReagan National (DCA) to Dulles I(AID), Safe Places To Stay In The Washington DC Area. Leaving for work an hour earlier than usual can help you avoid morning rush hour, but sometimes altering your departure time by as little as 15 minutes can make a huge difference, so try to be flexible to find the fastest times to travel. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the U.S. 50 corridor will likely be congested all weekend, AAA says. Washington, DC, has some walkable neighborhoods, but using a mix of taxis, bicycles and public transportation is the perfect solution to traveling around. This route is about 60 miles longer than the I-95 corridor, and portions of Route 15 are only one lane each way so you may encounter slow (45-55 mph) traffic. They have some of the highest gas prices along I-95. Some properties which appear for sale may no longer be available because they are for instance, under contract, sold, or are no longer being offered for sale. By using our site, you agree to our. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Stress or anger over traffic can cause anger. If you need help navigating D.C.s rich history and accessible suburbs, sign in at our website and create your own custom search. Simply because the traffic isn't as bad on 95 as other days of the week. A "Night Owl" fare sale from Amtrak can help you travel between US cities for as little as $5. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. How do you get to Mt. But the truth is that navigating the US capital isn't that tricky with a bit of advanced planning. Wear a helmet. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13574175', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car, so we could use HOV lanes, if there are any. And if we're talking summer travel, the more inland routing the better. Take the Ferry to Lewes Delaware. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26515014', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Philadelphia at 7:30 or 8:00, you'll miss the Baltimore rush hour. Construction can cause delays at any time of the day. However, the price of a 10-mile stretch can cost as much as $34 during peak travel times. Major rental car companies have desks at the airports as well as around town. Listen to a book on tape. Be flexible and ready to use an alternate route if necessary. All the Smithsonian museums have entrances for visitors with disabilities. WTOP in D.C. is an FM radio station that offers regular updates on accidents and construction. This route is about 60 miles longer than the I-95 corridor, and portions of Route 15 are only one lane each way so you may encounter slow (45-55 mph) traffic. Try These Tips. Check out the Office of Disability Rights to learn more or download Lonely Planet's free Accessible Travel Online Resources. How to Avoid Traffic Around Washington, D.C, http://www.citylab.com/commute/2012/05/how-avoid-worst-traffic-jams-most-congested-us-cities/2077/, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-gridlock/wp/2015/05/15/its-summer-travel-season-heres-how-to-avoid-highway-headaches/, http://www.mapon.com/en/blog/2015/04/8-tips-to-help-you-avoid-traffic-jams, http://www.popsci.com/article/cars/how-avoid-traffic-jams. The Virginia Department of Transportation will suspend work zones and lift most lane closures from noon Friday to noon Tuesday. Keep a first aid kit and extra bottles of water, plus a portable phone charger and walking shoes, SafeAuto says. Drivers of vehicles with less than three occupants are required to pay a toll to use these express lanes. Any questions or comments, contact Vehicle Management Section, Vehicle Dispatch at at 202-685-1738. The first section of the highway opened in 1961, and the highway was completed in 1964. 95 South was a parking lot. I'm not sure what kind of "major problems" you've encountered. Going the other way it just depends on your final destination as to where you can get back to I-95 Apr 17, 2014 #4 Hfx_Cdn Well-known member Joined On a good traffic day, going I-95 could be as much as 90 minutes faster than going through PA. On a bad traffic day, going this route could be 30 or even 60 minutes faster than I-95, and far less stressful. However, rush hour still exists, and savvy commuters know how to avoid it. About 53% above the national average with housing costs accounting for much of the index. I can advise that if at all possible, you change your departure time so that you do not come through the DC area between 3 pm and 8 pm on a Friday. Thanks! But definitely not "all day". So it all depends on the day. If you're driving down during the week I would take the 95 routes. This radio station also posts updates on its Twitter account. This route goes from Florida to Delaware and is a reliable option for drivers commuting from Fredericksburg and D.C. Time-conscious commuters also remember to check the days events before heading out the door. This month, certain AAA Car Care Centers are giving free inspections, including to non-members. Although the Department of Defense may or may not use these sites as additional distribution channels for Department of Defense information, it does not exercise editorial control over all of the information that you may find at these locations. Please suggest a car route from NJ to Florida, AVOIDING THE WASHINGTON, DC traffic. FYI: it took me 2.5 hrs to get from Northern VA to F'burg (about 60 miles) on a recent Saturday, leaving at 1:30 pm. Travel Tip: Avoid getting gas in Connecticut if you can. Avoid traffic congestion by traveling during non-rush-hour periods. It's the law. Quickest possible, please.

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