How to Avoid Rush Hour in D.C.

    Like most major cities, Washington D.C. draws a lot of commuters during the evening and early morning hours. Thankfully, traffic in D.C. is nowhere near as bad as Bangkok, Thailand where drivers spend an average 64 hours a year waiting to move. However, rush hour still exists, and savvy commuters know how to avoid it.

    Most commuters live in Virginia or Maryland and drive to D.C. to work. Rush hour in D.C. lasts from approximately 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. During rush hour, it’s best to avoid I-95 and I-70 completely. Highways such as the 295, 395, 495 and 270 are popular alternatives. Route 301 is another way to avoid Washington D.C. and Baltimore. 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 day’s events before heading out the door. Annual events such as Marine Corps Marathon, Presidential Inauguration and Independence Day celebrations can lead to road closures and altered traffic patterns. WTOP in D.C. is a FM radio station that offers regular updates on accidents and construction. This radio station also posts updates on its Twitter account.

    D.C. drivers can also reduce their commute through special high occupancy vehicles and E-Z Pass lanes. Toll lanes recently opened on Interstate-66 to ease the traffic in Northern Virginia. However, the price of 10-mile stretch can cost as much as $34 during peak travel times. Avoid these costs by riding a motorcycle or carpooling with three or more people. If you’re in the market for a commuter car, WTOP and CarMax list the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra.

    Last, but not least, Tech savvy drivers can also use apps to assist their morning commute. Waze is a community-based traffic app that helps drivers share updates on crashes and construction slowdowns. It also allows users to connect with their friends via Facebook, plan common destinations, and share the cheapest gas in the area. Waze is free to download on Google Play and the Apple app store.

    If you need help navigating D.C.’s rich history and accessible suburbs, sign in at our website and create your own custom search. You can also call our office, and an Eng Garcia Grant realtor will help you find a neighborhood that works for your family.

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