July 3rd Travel Through DC

[MouseEarsJenny]

We're about 45 minutes north of Philly, and we're travelling to Lorton, VA to catch the Auto Train on July 3rd. Google Maps is giving us three options: a straight shot through Philly, Baltimore, and DC on I-95, which they're calling 3 hours and 56 minutes (but isn't going to account for holiday traffic); a curvy road through Amish country that they're counting at 4 hours and 6 minutes that joins I-495 for 17 miles of Independence weekend traffic; and a long veer west that brings us completely around Washington and puts us travelling east to Lorton via Rt. 66, but is estimated at 4 hours and 56 minutes.

So, which route would you take the day before DC's biggest tourist draw, and what time would you leave? We've had it repeatedly impressed upon us that if we don't show up by 3:00 EXACTLY, our car misses the train (and therefore, so do we).

On the way back, it'll be July 19, and we'll only be heading home, so who cares, right? It's just the way there that we're worried about...

Thanks for any advice!

 

[nordkin]

The government will be off on July 3 so there should not be much of a rush hour at either end. I would allow a couple of hours grace just in case. If you get to the area early, you can have a leisurely lunch near Lorton and then head on over to the auto train station.

 

[locolala]

66 can get really, really backed up as well. I agree with the PP, just head down a little early. Potomac Mills Mall is not far and has a huge food court

 

[MouseEarsJenny]

So, right through the cities then? If you say so! Your locations inspire confidence - I'd say you've both driven there much more than we have.

I'll look up the mall for lunch - thanks!

 

[GranddadTom]

I agree with the others. I don't see there being any big problem will just sticking with Rt. 95. The beltway traffic is a little lighter in the summer (people away on vacation and schools are out) and with the 3th being a federal holiday it'll be lighter still. Tune to FM 103.5 for the traffic report that they give every 10 minutes. Unlike other radio stations in the area (who give you a "canned" traffic report) 103.5 is up to date. When you get onto the Beltway, you have the option of going either West (which I prefer) or East so if there is a problem in one direction, you can go the other way. Incidentally Rt. 66 is no bargain either but on that day it won't be bad.

 

[erinch]

are you riding coach or do you have sleepers? Whichever we are riding on the autotrain, we try to check in no later than 1:00. Many of the snowbird types get there early in the am, to get the dinner hour they want, and check in gets very crowded by noon or so. No matter which route you choose, I'd pad it by several hours.

 

[MouseEarsJenny]

We're riding coach. We'll probably just leave as soon as we wake up, based on everyone's responses.

'Sokay, wanna start our vacation ASAP anyway!