Jill2

Hi -

My daughter started college in D.C. this year and we have made several trips on weekends from Richmond to D.C. (North on 95, then 495 West past Tysons Corner to NW D.C.) Sometimes the one-way trip takes 2 hours and sometimes it takes 4 hours, depending on how congested the roads are.

We are usually going to D.C. on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Can anyone give us any tips from their experiences with different times of the days on weekends? Thanks so very much. - Jill

MoonGirl

To clarify, is it really "Washington, D.C. traffic" that is causing the problem? Or is it Virginia traffic? I remember the days when heading south down to Richmond via I-95 was a quick 1.5 hour drive at almost any time, however, the I-95 corridor in Virginia appears now to be in an almost permanent state of congestion, including on weekends.

clueless

I agree with Moongirl but have found early Sunday morning to be the lightest.

McAllister

What a tricky question...coming into the city, I would suggest avoiding leaving Richimond any later than noon on a Friday. Any later and you will hit some crazy traffic. Early Saturday or Sunday morning should not be bad at all. With that said, I do not suggest driving north on Sunday afternoon or evening. It seems a lot of people are coming back in to town at that time and the trip can take much longer.

Good luck!!

Ann41

Leave Richmond at about 8 p.m. on Friday night, and leave DC to return on Sunday morning before noon.

I used to live in both Richmond and DC, and so traveled between the two often.

Ann41

It sounds like your daughter's at AU. You can also try taking 395 N into the city, and then jumping on Rock Creek Parkway to Connecticut Ave, as an alternative.

Jill2

Yes Ann, she's at American University in N.W. DC and loves it. Thanks to everyone for the help! Sounds like we should try late Friday nights or early Sat mornings for picking her up. - Jill