Wash DC driving

[artesian]

I'm doing a drive NJ to FLA early March. What times are the worst times to get past Wash DC. My current schedule has me getting into DC between 8-9 pm. I expect to hit some traffic but am curious what times are better than others.

 

[Uncleromulus]

8 and 9 PM shouldn't be TOO bad. The closer to 9 the better. Anytime from about 3 PM thru 7:30 is a DISASTER.
Morning rush hour is in full swing at 6:00 AM, and lasts until 9:00 or thereabouts.
So in the morning you need to be AROUND DC by 6:00 AM.
We had success once getting there at 11:00 AM and traffic wasn't terrible.

 

[vicki_c]

Totally agree with the above. Traffic starts to die down by/around 8 PM in the evenings. Definitely avoid any time from 3-7 or you will be so unhappy (too bad those of us that live here can't generally avoid that time!).

 

[Missytara]

You do have an alternative if that schedule does not fit into your plans.

We live in DE and go through VA on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. More traffic lights going through DE, but you don't hit the serious DC delays that you would taking 95.

Just a thought!

 

[solotraveler]

OP, assuming you'll be coming down I-95, you'll be in great shape.

The only potential issue would be once you are past the DC Beltway travelling on I-95 through Virginia. That particular stretch of roadway is not the best and there is on-going long term construction. At that hour it shouldn't be too much of an issue, though. Just be sure to listen to 103.5 as you travel through the area to check up on issues (in particular whether the local or HOV lanes through 95 South in VA are having issues, so you'll know which ones to take).

(FWIW, I think the DC traffic drama on the boards tends to be WAAAAAAAAAY WAAAAAAAAAAY over stated. Pack your patience just in case, drive ten over and you'll be just fine.)

 

[artesian]

Thanks for the advice all

 

[GranddadTom]

You didn't mention what day of the week you are talking about. If it's any day except Friday you should be okay. If it's Friday, you'll have congestion on Rt. 95 south of Woodbridge even at 9:00 pm. Don't panic - it's normal and only lasts a short time. At that hour, when you get to the top of the Washington Beltway, I'd go to the east and take the beltway in the clockwise direction.

 

[sters]

I'd worry a lot more about Richmond traffic, than D.C. But, at that time, you're probably good for both.

 

[bookwormde]

The bigger problem is Wilmington and Baltimore, you will hit some delays there.

bookwormde

 

[Jeanine3kids]

What about if you leave on a Saturday how is the traffic

 

[mikehn]

I95 southbound between DC and Richmond is like the most congested corridor in the entire country. Monday-Thursday, traffic should crawl through between 8-9pm, but at least you'll be moving. On Friday nights, just lower your expectations and make the best of it.