Best Route to WDC
 

I am taking my daughter to see a grad school in DC. We are leaving from Northern Westchester county on Thursday and returning on Friday. The hotel is actually in Arlington,Va.

I have a GPS but I know from past experience that the route they take you on is not necessarily the best one!

If anyone could suggest the best way to go, meaning the least traffic, I would be very grateful. Our departure time is flexible, altho I prefer to leave early and by early, I mean any time in the morning, even before the sun comes up.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Is that in New York?

The least traffic route will probably take you the longest time. Is that acceptable? If you are willing to leave before daylight then I would come right down the NJ Turnpike and then follow I-95 south from there. You COULD take Rte 896 in Delaware to Rte 301 South to Route 50 West which might be better for you traffic-wise.

WHERE in Arlington is the hotel? You may be able to reach it by going around the northern side of the Beltway as opposed to going through the District. However, be aware that timing is everything, especially on a weekdasy as rush hour begins around 2-2:30

Thank you for the reply and helpful information. The hotel is Le Méridien Arlington,1121 19th Street North • Arlington, VA 22209 • USA

From Westchester County you'll probably only encounter traffic as navigate the main commuter arteries for NYC (assuming you are driving through that area during normal rush hour). So either leave early or well after the morning rush and do as Dukey says - depending on where in Northern Westchester you start take I-684 or I-287 south to I-87 and link up with the i-95 as you cross over the George Washington Bridge - follow I-95 all the way to the Washington,DC/Arlington, VA area.

Baring any unforeseen major traffic accidents the route, while heavily traveled, will move along at or above the speed limit for the entire way.

You can plot out turn by turn directions on Google Maps or Mapquest - simply put your starting and ending addresses in the appropriate boxes.

and yes, Westchester County is in New York, about 35 miles north of NYC

Your hotel is in the Rosslyn section of Arlington; basically off of Rte 50 west as well as off the George Washington Parkway (North/West). It can be a bit tricky to find so you'll need to be careful.

Thank you again! I was thinking I could take the Bear Mt. Pkwy to the Palisades/GSP to get to I-95. Does that make sense instead of taking 287 or going toward NYC?