You can tune into their radio station while driving, and you can also quickly check the website's traffic section before going out the door in the morning. Do not make tardiness due to traffic a habit. If your objective is to avoid simply sitting in traffic, you can go "the long way around," through Pennsylvania. Toll lanes recently opened on Interstate-66 to ease the traffic in Northern Virginia. However, the price of a 10-mile stretch can cost as much as $34 during peak travel times. 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. 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. It was worse at 11am yesterday afternoon than it was around 6pm. How to get tickets for the African American Museum of History and Culture. Promoted By University of Maryland Capital Region Health, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Wear a helmet. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Knowing the terminology is the start of knowing how to navigate this circular road. Eng Garcia Properties, LLC | Keller Williams Capital Properties It normally starts around 3:30pm- 4:00 pm but some days are different than others. If you hit it around noon, you should be ok. All rights reserved, Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in DC, Maryland, Virginia, DC Road Closures for Fourth of July Begin, Here are ways to avoid the Bay Bridge if traffic gets bad, surge in road rage incidents during the pandemic, 7 Bodies Found During Search for Missing Oklahoma Teens. Weekdays or weekends. What about the Springfield to Woodbridge and sometimes further south. The Metro is not a 24-hour service, and stations close between midnight and 5am. This airport is approximately 30 miles (travel time 45 minutes to an hour) fromJBAB. Thankfully, traffic in DC is nowhere near as bad as Bangkok, Thailand where drivers spend an average of 64 hours a year waiting to move. Thanks! Rush hour starts earlier and ends later. Get to Know Washington, D.C. 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. So it all depends on the day. DC has hundreds of bike paths that make it easy to see and do more around the capital, including the Washington and Old Dominion Trail, the Capital Crescent Trail, North Bethesda Trail, C&O Canal National Historic Park, and Berry Springs Park and Preserve. Whether you go in the fall when the leaves are turning colors or in the spring when you are surrounded by green, Washingtonians can escape the hustle of the city without going far. Interstate 95 southbound, from Route 3 to Dumfries Road, is expected to have serious delays Thursday 2 to 4 p.m. and Monday 4 to 5 p.m. AAA says that is the area's worst corridor for traffic and . This is what I'm planning, but I'm getting off around Fredericksburg and heading down 218 to the east which runs into 301 right before the Potomac River. You can lessen the chances of having problems by keeping informed and planning ahead. Alternate Routes. Data last updated: 2023-05-01T19:53:12.437. Obey all traffic laws. From Amarillo, you would travel through Oklahoma and drive 1600 miles to DC. A reflective vest would be a great idea. Highways such as the 295, 395, 495, and 270 are popular alternatives. The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Take I-78 west across Jersey into PA, all the way to Harrisburg. Just make sure you get it 8 hours before you use it so it is in effect. As many people tend to get off work around 5, you can expect a lot of traffic from 5 to 6. "The worst part of the traffic will be between College Park and Landover, which isn't that bad.". Check state transportation websites before you leave to find out where construction is occurring. Read our Privacy Policy. Stops Let us re-order stops Round trip . Our Mission: Ready the BaseEnable Partner CapabilitiesBuild on our Heritage. It's the law. 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. Despite numerous widening projects over the past few decades, heavy traffic is a continuing problem. 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. "The worst part of the traffic will be between College Park and Landover, which isn't that bad.". The DC Circulator is another bus option that's great for tourists because it connects major cultural hubs with six routes across the capital. Access to Washington, D.C.is via I-270 and I-95 from the north; I-95 and I-295 from the south; I-66 from the west; and U.S. Highway 50 from both the west and the east. Trying to plan a scenic route, which avoids highways/interstates. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26514848', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Philadelphia to Florida. One alternative is to follow 95 to 97 in Baltimore, which turns into 3 and then 301. America's busiest Interstate may not be your preferred way of getting there. Click here to view this route. Seriously, the issue is not that there is traffic but how you deal with it. 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. Parking lots near Lincoln Memorial? Here's our guide to getting around the US capital. This should get you in roughly the same area, and much of the road is historically preserved. Annual events such as the Marine Corps Marathon, Presidential Inauguration, and Independence Day celebrations can lead to road closures and altered traffic patterns. Expect backups during rush hour at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and the American Legion Bridge. As on a Friday most people have left work early for the weekend and traffic usually has died down by 6pm-7pm. Also remember that getting through and around (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Route 301 is another way to avoid Washington D.C. and Baltimore. The first section of the highway opened in 1961, and the highway was completed in 1964. If their were decent alternatives, the commuters would be there. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Is this fine? This route is 36 miles longer than taking I-95 all the way up to Philadelphia via Washington DC and Baltimore, but you'd avoid Richmond, Washington DC and Baltimore altogether. I-95 can be a parking lot, especially on a Friday afternoon rush. In the Washington, D.C. area, traffic is unpredictable. Use technology, like GPS devices and mobile apps, to figure out the fastest routes. You might hit a bit of a back-up somewhere in the area but I don't think it will be that bad at that time of day. Please take this into consideration, when making reservations for lodging or vehicle rental. Many people must drive from I-270 to I-70 west to I-68 west to catch one of the exits on I-68. In Harrisburg, pick up US 15 South. If it were I, I would just settle down for a long dinner break somewhere in Maryland and pick up again after 6:30 or 7:00. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. "Any suggestions on the best route to avoid the worst of the traffic? If your objective is to avoid simply sitting in traffic, you can go "the long way around," through Pennsylvania. Follow directions to Washington, DC traveling North on Route 1 across the 14th Street Bridge (I-395), exit to I-295 south and take exit #2, Bolling AFB. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. After fifteen years of being based at Andrews, the 11th Wing returned to Anacostia-Bolling on 12 June 2020 and activated as the host wing at the base. Should I stay on 301 and go through Annapolis, crossing over the Chesapeake and head up to Wilmington/Philly that way? Sure, it's busy on the roads around Washington, and evening rush hour in particular heading south through Virginia can last for a while. The DC Circulatoris another bus option that'sgreat for tourists because it connects major cultural hubs with six routes across the capital. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. About 53% above the national average with housing costs accounting for much of the index. 95 South was a parking lot. This can help you avoid speed traps and tickets. Additionally, try alternative routes to popular highways, like taking Route 44 and Alternate 40 instead of I-68. A wide range of transportation alternatives is available for commuters who want to avoid the Beltway altogether. Changing our departure time is not really feasible. You can also use the WAZE app on your smartphone to get alerts about traffic and to help you reroute your drive. Lots of lights and lots of traffic. The base operator's phone number is 703-545-6700. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. You can take different routes if you are heading for the western coast of Florida. On Sunday Independence Day AAA expects mostly free-flowing traffic so a quick day trip may be a good option. Dinner here steals the show. I usually find that the traffic on 95 in the early afternoon is going in the other direction (North). I'm not getting how the Cape May-Lewes Ferry would be easier or faster than just picking up US13 off of 95. BEFORE YOU POST A HOTEL REQUEST, PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY! The Virginia Department of Transportation will suspend work zones and lift most lane closures from noon Friday to noon Tuesday. Washington, DC, has some walkable neighborhoods, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Others may have better insights. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. US Route 301 (Delaware - Maryland - Virginia) : US Route 301 bypasses the Baltimore-Washington, DC metropolitan area. You can eat dinner on the river and watch the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? By 1990, the eastern side of the Beltway was dual-signed I-95/I-495. 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. 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. Thanks! 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. Always buckle up, slow down and don't use your phone while driving and never drink and drive. The best way to get around Washington, D.C., is via the clean, safe and efficient Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) public transportation system. Usually, the morning commute is difficult in major cities. Navigation & Live Traffic . Faresare $1.35 or $1.25. I live off of 301 and it is terrible. In addition to alerting you about traffic, Waze can also know where you're likely to find police officers en route. 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. 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. How to use Metro---Helpful links from Metro's website. As traffic can get bad here, instead try to take Route 44 and Alternate 40. Therefore, opt to leave an hour earlier than usual. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 218,793 times. This article has been viewed 218,793 times. Be flexible and ready to use an alternate route if necessary. Any suggestions on the best route to avoid the worst of the traffic? The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. If you're driving down during the week I would take the 95 routes. How do I get to DC from the airport (BWI, DCA, IAD)? Disillusioned by the idea of the space becoming a waste dump, they wanted to do something different and more imaginative. 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. You can use a SmarTrip card to ride the Metrobus or pay with exact change. Simply because the traffic isn't as bad on 95 as other days of the week. Navigation & Live Traffic. 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 . Where will you go next? This trip will also take about 45 minutes to an hour. The best time to be on that stretch of road going south is early morning, 5-8 am. As traffic can get bad here, instead try to take Route 44 and Alternate 40. If youre in the market for a commuter car, WTOP and CarMax list the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. The Metro can be taken from there to the Anacostia Station where shuttles do run to the base. Which Area should I stay in when visiting DC? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Some properties listed with participating firms do not appear on this website at the request of the seller. In the event unusual circumstances, like a car accident, are delaying traffic, you'll be able to quickly plan an alternative route to avoid traffic. Love the coast and beach towns, but not sure about the bridges /tunnels north of Virginia. A slight shorter alternative would be, just North of. I think I'm planning on hopping onto 301 just north of Richmond, actually. The 11th Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Force District of Washington. Bus stops have a big red DC Circulator logo on them. The most scenic routes from I-495 into Washington are via the George Washington Memorial Parkway along the Virginia side of the Potomac River, the Clara Barton Parkway along the Maryland side of the river, and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, approaching downtown from the northeast. You say just before rush hour but that is a general time because you never know. Full of frustrated drivers. Ponder the scope of the Grand Canyon, delve into the history of a nation of immigrants at Ellis Island or wander across architectural grandeur at Golden Gate Bridge. Relax, put on some good music and you will get through. Drivers of vehicles with less than three occupants are required to pay a toll to use these express lanes. JBAB's Main Gate is straight ahead. (exception being summer weekends when the added variable of beach traffic has congestions. I-95 can be a parking lot, especially on a Friday afternoon rush. Many outlets provide traffic reports with real-time information including details on accidents, road construction, chemical spills, and weather. Driving from Washington DC to Seattle - Best route? 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 only urban area of consequence along this route is the Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach/Norfolk). The Metrobus is the area's regional bus service. Amtrak, the USAs only passenger train operator, announced that it has taken the first steps to upgrade its overnight trains for the first time in 40 years. WTOP in D.C. is an FM radio station that offers regular updates on accidents and construction. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I actually think you should just stick to 95 South. The phrase "the shortest path between two points is a straight line" comes to mind. 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'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. Then US-13 through Dover down to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to cross into VA and NC. Plan your route in advance and give yourself plenty of time to move to the right-hand lane when exiting. Planning for trip of approx. Some real estate firms do not participate in IDX and their listings do not appear on this website. 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. Be aware on FL Turnpike they no longer accept cash, you must use Sun Pass otherwise a $1 toll will cost you $3 (they use license plate billing). I'll stay on 301 through Maryland before eventually hopping onto I-97. Are you near Cape May? Coming out of your neighborhood, a change of 15 minutes in your departure time may make a huge difference in your commute. By the time you get to the Washington area it will be 9:30 or 10:00. Here are ways to avoid the Bay Bridge if traffic gets bad. Like most major cities, Washington DC draws a lot of traffic during the evening and early morning hours. For the first time ever, Lonely Planet's experts have compiled the USA's 500 most memorable, beautiful, surprising and compelling experiences. Stress or anger over traffic can cause anger. US Capitol & Library of Congress visit clearance needed? 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. This should get you in roughly the same area, and much of the road is historically preserved. Not really. Traveling at peak times (5am to 9:30am and 3pm to 7pm) increases the price of a single ride, so plan accordingly for a cost-effective trip. 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. Though it seems longer,JBAB is only about 4 miles away from National Airport. Writer Isabel Allende shares how she travels, her recent stately return to Chile and her favorite place in the world. Cruise lines to avoid? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13575280', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars go over the Wilson Bridge. Unless it is Sat, then you will hit beach traffic on 95S all the way to Richmond. Proper Metrorail Etiquette---What should I know before using Metrorail? In addition to saving you time, getting in some walking regularly can help you manage stress. You can cross into Maryland over the Potomac River Bridge and then continue along 301 until you hit I-97. By taking the Harbor Tunnel (Exit 46, I think) you avoid the congestion. Or, alternatively, are there any roads we should seek to avoid at all cost because they are always jammed? The GPS so wanted us to go to DC. It also marks unusual traffic by placing red bands over patches of highway that are congested by cars. The worst traffic is expected Thursday and Friday afternoon, then midday Monday, AAA says. Take the US-301 exit around Bowling Green (north of Richmond). 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. Get answers to your questions about Washington DC. I remember running into bad traffic around Fredericksburg before, basically the gateway into Northern Virginia and it was backed up badly. I-495 History 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. One Driver With $186K in Unpaid Tickets: What DC Ticket Data Shows, Metropolitan Police Department (DC Police / MPD), Family Awaits Return of DC Mother Missing for More Than 3 Weeks, 5 Reasons to Choose a Family Medicine Doctor. Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. But definitely not "all day". Be extra careful of the cars though. 6pm on a Friday, I don't see it as too much of a problem. Provided of course, storm haven't shut down the Cape May Ferry or the Chesapeake Bay bridge/tunnel. We are driving for (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? HOV restrictions on Interstate 66 and rush-hour tolls on the 66 Express Lanes inside the Beltway will be lifted on Monday, VDOT says. 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. Using 81 via Hagerstown will add 98 miles of driving vs. 95/495. They have some of the highest gas prices along I-95. 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. Learn more As with any large city, the traffic in Washington, D.C. can be a nightmare, particularly during rush hours. 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. Cross the Potomac River on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, exit onto I-295N, Washington DC, and take exit #2, Malcolm X Blvd, Bolling AFB. 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. I honestly can say that it shouldn't be too bad. 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. Thanks, 301 has a lot of traffic lights and can also be congested during peak hours. 1) Go northeast on I-85. Major rental car companies have desks at the airports as well as around town. 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. 55/47 doesn't exactly fly the whole way through south Jersey either. Consequently, it was decided that installation management and support at the base would transfer from the US Navy to the Air Force. Strong to severe thunderstorms are likely Thursday afternoon and more storms are possible Friday afternoon, so keep an eye on the Storm Team4 forecast. The worst part of the traffic will be between College Park and Landover, which isn't that bad. Take Rt 95 (Ft McHenry Tunnel) towards Washington, DC. In Harrisburg, pick up US 15 South. References. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. If your timing isn't perfect to catch the boat, you're probably adding at least 1.5 hours to your trip. That means you would drive through Baltimore around 9:00pm. Get your car checked before you head out on trips. Friday, July 2 before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m. Saturday, July 3 before 6 a.m. and after 8 p.m. Sunday, July 4 before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m. Monday, July 5 before 6 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Waze is a smart phone application that alerts you to traffic build ups. Dulles is approximately 35 miles fromJBAB (travel time about 45 minutes to an hour). Provide up to 26 locations and Route Planner will optimize, based on your preferences, to save you time and gas money. 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. If you want to make evening plans, plan to make them for later at night to avoid getting stuck in rush hour. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13574609', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Baltimore, which turns into 3 and then 301. On I-295 take exit #2, Malcolm X Blvd, Bolling AFB. Yes, we do avoid rush hour which seems to be all day and night!! 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. JBAB has active duty, family members, civilian employees, guard reserve and retirees as part of their community. But if you must travel at that time, it is unavoidable. Is there a way to use I-95/295/495 without the hassle? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13575280', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars go over the Wilson Bridge. 301 used to be very good, but now it has a million traffic lights. Changing our departure time is not really feasible. 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. Just went over there the other day again and it's really looking nice. But the truth is that navigating the US capital isn't that tricky with a bit of advanced planning. 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. 6 Things to Avoid When Buying Investment Property, Everything you Need to Know About D.C. HPAP. Posted in UncategorizedTags: Google Maps, INTRIX, Traffic for DC, Waze app, WTOP. Hi. Especially if you live in a neighborhood in the district. Pick up 55 to 47 to Cape May. Any and all advice appreciated. Any suggestions on the best route to avoid the worst of the traffic? Signs leading up to and within the toll lanes have an E-ZPass logo which tells you that you need an E-ZPass. It was worse at 11am yesterday afternoon than it was around 6pm. If their were decent alternatives, the commuters would be there. When are you driving down? The Virginia Department of Transportation opened high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, or express lanes, in Northern Virginia in 2012. Sounds like a winner to us. Check out the Office of Disability Rights to learn more or download Lonely Planet's free Accessible Travel Online Resources. 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.