Maryland will suspend non-emergency lane and shoulder closures from Friday, July 2, to Wednesday, July 7. 5 -6 days. I'm not getting how the Cape May-Lewes Ferry would be easier or faster than just picking up US13 off of 95. Washington rush hour is generally from 6 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Which Area should I stay in when visiting DC? Smithsonian? 5 Ways to Get an Illinois I-Pass and Where to Buy It, Applying for an International License (International Driving Permit) in the U.S. from AAA, 16 Outfit Tips to Look Cute and Stay Cool in New Orleans. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. I-495 History This article has been viewed 218,793 times. U.S. 301 is a road familiar to earlier generations of American travelers. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Resist the temptation to text, email or play games on your phone. 1) Go northeast on I-85. Running full speed on this route (not guaranteed), it will take you 6+ hours for the Philly-Richmond stretch. Are you near Cape May? It isadjacent to I-295,which is accessible from I-95, I-395 or I-495. You say just before rush hour but that is a general time because you never know. 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. The Virginia Department of Transportation will suspend work zones and lift most lane closures from noon Friday to noon Tuesday. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. This month, certain AAA Car Care Centers are giving free inspections, including to non-members. Realtime driving directions based on live traffic updates from Waze - Get the best route to your destination from fellow drivers Waze On: our first-ever, virtual global event. The base operator's phone number is 703-545-6700. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. could also be congested, AAA says. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! If your objective is to avoid simply sitting in traffic, you can go "the long way around," through Pennsylvania. Whether you're working in the city or just visiting, it's natural to want to know how to avoid traffic around Washington, D.C. Plan your trips ahead of time, preparing yourself for delays and traffic jams. 6pm on a Friday, I don't see it as too much of a problem. Lots of lights and lots of traffic. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. In addition to saving you time, taking the metro can also save you money. You can lessen the chances of having problems by keeping informed and planning ahead. Philly to Jersey. I grew up in Northern NJ and so I would recommend heading west to PA. 287W to 78W to 81S, Go through Harrisburg PA to 81S. 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. 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. Bin Lu, the former chef of DC's lauded Pineapple & Pearls, helms the restaurant where the four-course prix-fixe menu ($99) features a rotating selection of seasonal . Wear a helmet. 2023 Bright MLS, All Rights Reserved. Strong to severe thunderstorms are likely Thursday afternoon and more storms are possible Friday afternoon, so keep an eye on the Storm Team4 forecast. On I-295 take exit #2, Malcolm X Blvd, Bolling AFB. Unless it is Sat, then you will hit beach traffic on 95S all the way to Richmond. I'm thinking that would make our arrival time to DC about 6 PM or so. 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. Running full speed on this route (not guaranteed), it will take you 6+ hours for the Philly-Richmond stretch. Any suggestions on the best route to avoid the worst of the traffic? Please take this into consideration, when making reservations for lodging or vehicle rental. How to use Metro---Helpful links from Metro's website. The Pennsylvania route, which cuts down on tolls and adds some mountain scenery, goes like this: Take I-95 to Interstate 695, just before Baltimore, to Interstate 83 to York and Harrisburg, Pa . Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the U.S. 50 corridor will likely be congested all weekend, AAA says. If you have to drive, these are the roads you take. Best time of year to avoid drunken crowds? What attractions require/offer timed or advance tickets? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Should I stay on 301 and go through Annapolis, crossing over the Chesapeake and head up to Wilmington/Philly that way? The slog up or down I-95 was the. Fares are $1.35 or $1.25. 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. How to use Metro---Helpful links from Metro's website. One alternative is to follow 95 to 97 in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26526236', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Baltimore is no bed of roses either, and that would be necessary using this routing. Travel Tip: Avoid getting gas in Connecticut if you can. Definitely want to avoid highways and congestion around DC, NJ and NYC. Technology can also help you find the fastest routes, so tune in to radio traffic reports for updates on accidents and construction. The best way to see it all is by rail. From Amarillo, you would travel through Oklahoma and drive 1600 miles to DC. Washington, D.C. is a city with a rich history behind it. What about the Springfield to Woodbridge and sometimes further south. America's busiest Interstate may not be your preferred way of getting there. Intersections on the Capital Beltway that are ranked as the "worst bottlenecks in the nation" are the interchange at I-495 and I-270 in Montgomery County, Maryland; the interchange at I-495 and I-95 in Prince George's County, Maryland; and the Springfield interchange, where I-395, I-95, and I-495 meet. Hi. When are you driving down? We are looking for an alternate route (that is quick). The Virginia Department of Transportation opened high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, or express lanes, in Northern Virginia in 2012. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Get your car checked before you head out on trips. 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. Any suggestions for alternate routes to avoid DC? If your timing isn't perfect to catch the boat, you're probably adding at least 1.5 hours to your trip. Take Rt 95 (Ft McHenry Tunnel) towards Washington, DC. San Diego for a week with adult children at Christmas- help with where to stay and. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Want to crisscross the vast USA in 30 days by train? "The worst part of the traffic will be between College Park and Landover, which isn't that bad.". Friends and relatives keep telling us horror stories about how they were stuck in traffic for hours and hours around DC. One alternative is to follow 95 to 97 in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Understandably, this was confusing. Otherwise all of your alternatives will be even worse because they are local roads; meaning more lights, more people going to the grocery store and the mall, so longer waits at the lights. Is it more efficient to take a hundred mile detour versus the risk of hitting traffic along the most direct route? 4. I'll stay on 301 into rural Virginia, crossing over the Potomac and continuing into Maryland. Turn on the radio and find a calm, relaxing station. For more history visit Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) homepage. This is a longer route, but the best route to avoid DC traffic since you are circling around the city. Personnel with late afternoon flights should secure hotel reservations and vehicle rentals with a credit card. Our agents write often to give you the latest insights on owning a home or property in the local area. Route Planner can optimize your route so you spend less time driving and more time doing. Trying to plan a scenic route, which avoids highways/interstates. On Thursday, consider leaving after 7 p.m. On Friday, leaving before noon could save you from getting stuck in the worst traffic. Promoted By University of Maryland Capital Region Health, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Cruise lines to avoid? You can also try taking main roads over the highways on days where traffic is particularly congested. Proper Metrorail Etiquette---What should I know before using Metrorail? Therefore, opt to leave an hour earlier than usual. As on a Friday most people have left work early for the weekend and traffic usually has died down by 6pm-7pm. I would much rather sit in 5-10 minutes of traffic on a major highway then to have to sit through 50 lights and not knowing any other alternative. I would consider just leaving (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. Knowing the terminology is the start of knowing how to navigate this circular road. At the stoplight make a right hand turn ontoJBAB. The 11th Wing moved to its previous home, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, in Washington, D.C. on 12 June 2020. Last Updated: May 6, 2021 This service isnot for domicile to duty transportation but for personnel who conduct routine business betweenJBAB and the Pentagon (South Parking, Stop E) Use link https://my.whs.mil/services/Pentagon-DoD-Shuttle-Schedules-0. 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. These are the 9 best train journeys. Metro services operate fairly frequently, and trains arrive about every 10 minutes. If you're not in shape, take it slow. Use an app like Google Maps orCitymapperto check arrival times and bus stop locations. The following errors occurred with your submission. To facilitate the change, on 11 June 2020 the 11th Wing inactivated as the host wing at Joint Base Andrews and reactivated as the 316th Wing. How do you get to Mt. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. But the truth is that navigating the US capital isn't that tricky with a bit of advanced planning. You say just before rush hour but that is a general time because you never know. Depending on local traffic, we'll probably get to exit 10 of the NJ turnpike at about 2 PM. You can eat dinner on the river and watch the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I would much rather sit in 5-10 minutes of traffic on a major highway then to have to sit through 50 lights and not knowing any other alternative. Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) is located in the Southeast section of Washington DC, on the east bank of the Potomac River. I usually find that the traffic on 95 in the early afternoon is going in the other direction (North). Pick up 55 to 47 to Cape May. I honestly can say that it shouldn't be too bad. 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. 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. Since the traffic around Washington, D.C. can be a nightmare, plan your trip to avoid rush hour if possible and use technology to find the fastest routes. Take I-95 south toward Richmond. 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). It was worse at 11am yesterday afternoon than it was around 6pm. Though it seems longer,JBAB is only about 4 miles away from National Airport. A "Night Owl" fare sale from Amtrak can help you travel between US cities for as little as $5. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. A reflective vest would be a great idea. Home Office Design Ideas in Your New Home? Leave the cities behind and enjoy some alone time with these getaway ideas. It was stationed at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland where it was the host unit. Two-way traffic on the bridge could be prohibited during severe weather this weekend, Maryland officials warn. Seriously, the issue is not that there is traffic but how you deal with it. All the Smithsonian museums have entrances for visitors with disabilities. Rain and thunderstorms in the forecast could make traffic and gridlock worse especially on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. JBAB's Main Gate is straight ahead. In the end, it probably won't save you any time since it's adding about 36 miles of distance and subjecting you to lower speed limits and some lights, but it does run fairly smoothly. The Metrobus is the area's regional bus service. Which Area should I stay in when visiting DC? About 53% above the national average with housing costs accounting for much of the index. A slight shorter alternative would be, just North of. If you're trying to get to DC's Chesapeake Expressway/I-464/Route 17, there is an alternative route you can take instead of going through major highways. Data last updated: 2023-05-01T19:53:12.437. I have left the Lorton, VA area on 95 and going North and have seen absolutely no traffic going the other way. Traffic can be unpredictable. Which is the equivalent of averaging 40 mph the entire way on 95/495 between these two points. If their were decent alternatives, the commuters would be there. Theres no getting around the sheer size and scale of the USA it's massive. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. Maps at the entrance of each station tellpassengers how much a one-way ride costs. You will still hit some traffic but that should avoid the very worst bits of 95. 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. Which is the equivalent of averaging 40 mph the entire way on 95/495 between these two points. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. It's a much more relaxing drive than the section of I 95 between Richmond and Baltimore. If you want to make evening plans, plan to make them for later at night to avoid getting stuck in rush hour. If their were decent alternatives, the commuters would be there. Here's how to take advantage of the deal. The operator can be reached at commercial (719) 567-1110. Always buckle up, slow down and don't use your phone while driving and never drink and drive. Head down I-95 to New York City. I-87 south to I-295 (or the NJ Turnpike). It's much more scenic and there are lots of interesting places to stop and sightsee (or just stretch your legs). The best alternative if you really want to avoid the DC (and Baltimore) area may be to simply stay east of the Chesapeake the entire way and use US13 most of the way--including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel--to meet up with I-95 just north of the NC border. The route is primarily a multi-lane highway, with some limited-access, Interstate design sections. Cross the Potomac River on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, exit onto I-295N, Washington DC, and take exit #2, Malcolm X Blvd, Bolling AFB. Then US-13 through Dover down to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to cross into VA and NC. more. This radio station also posts updates on its Twitter account. You are about to leave the Military INSTALLATIONS site. Or, alternatively, are there any roads we should seek to avoid at all cost because they are always jammed? The DC Circulatoris another bus option that'sgreat for tourists because it connects major cultural hubs with six routes across the capital. Fourth of July travel is expected to spike up to 70% in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia and most travelers up to 3.4 million people will choose road trips, AAA says. How do I get to DC from the airport (BWI, DCA, IAD)? By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. 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. They have some of the highest gas prices along I-95. Provided of course, storm haven't shut down the Cape May Ferry or the Chesapeake Bay bridge/tunnel. Yes, we do avoid rush hour which seems to be all day and night!! Drivers of vehicles with less than three occupants are required to pay a toll to use these express lanes. Try These Tips. 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. Usually, the morning commute is difficult in major cities. We are driving for (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Get answers to your questions about Washington DC. Washington, DC, prides itself on being one of the most accessible places in the country. Going south you could pick up I-64 to Richmond and that will put you back on I-95 south. Google Maps is pre-installed on some Android phones and has real-time traffic updates and commute times. How do you get to Mt. It costs just $1 for a one-way ticket, and the bus runs every 10 minutes. As many people tend to get off work around 5, you can expect a lot of traffic from 5 to 6. In Harrisburg, pick up US 15 South. 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. % of people told us that this article helped them. Not only is there less traffic, you'll get a good view as you drive. And if we're talking summer travel, the more inland routing the better. Driving from Washington DC to Seattle - Best route? In Harrisburg, pick up US 15 South. Directions from Ronald Reagan National Airport. What time are you leaving NY or what time do you plan on being in the area? That's why I stated that it would be bad from College Park to Landover. If time and mileage aren't so important, I'd recommend Route 13 as well. Check it out. 4. Many outlets provide traffic reports with real-time information including details on accidents, road construction, chemical spills, and weather. The Waze app is community-based and drivers share updates and connect with Facebook friends so you can plan a meet-up. In general, leaving early before 10 a.m. or late after 10 p.m. will be your best bet just make sure youre rested and alert. Guide to Public Transportation in Washington, D.C. Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park: The Complete Guide, Washington DC Bridges: A Guide to River Crossings, Washington, D.C. National Mall Maps and Information. What time is rush hour in Washington, D.C.? {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid683575-v4-728px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/aid683575-v4-728px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/aid683575-v4-728px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/aid683575-v4-728px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/aid683575-v4-728px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-6.jpg\/aid683575-v4-728px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-7.jpg\/aid683575-v4-728px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-8.jpg\/aid683575-v4-728px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-9.jpg\/aid683575-v4-728px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-10.jpg\/aid683575-v4-728px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"