We're flying to NYC in August for vacation. The plan was to rent car in midtown Manhattan and drive to DC (at the end of our NY visit). We'd be leaving about midmorning or noon on a Monday. Are we crazy? We've heard horror stories about the drive and everyone has recommended taking Amtrak to DC and then renting a car. The train would be more convenient but cost-prohibitive, given there's 5 of us (extra $350). Since we're paying for the rental car by the week, it would be a lot cheaper. We're used to driving in rush hour traffic in Chicago but are beginning to get nervous about the drive after talking with friends. By the way, we need the car to finish the trip to Williamsburg, then Virginia Beach.

If you leave around 9:30-10 in the morning, you should arrive in DC before the evening commuting hour and you should be okay, trafficwise, all the way down.

ann:
Hi and welcome. I have never rented a car in NYC but have made the trip south to DC. The key is to leave sometime between 11 and 2. After everyone is settled in and before the early folks leave. I think the Holland Tunnel is your bet bet. Still no commercial traffic allowed through. The trucks must leave thru the Lincoln. Good luck and have a safe journey!

I'll have to disagree with Annie. If leave after 10-11 in the morning from NYC, you have a good chance of hitting commuter traffic on your way down in Baltimore or Washington or both.

Definitely leave no later than about 10. That way, you'll beat the rush hour(s) at the Baltimore tunnel and DC.

Also, you should be OK with driving on a Monday. Friday is the absolute worst day to try it. (I wonder if that's the day your friends made their nightmare trip.)

Barring accidents or some other unforseen event, you should be fine. Note: Any chance of a getting EZ Pass before make the trip? It'll make things a bit easier at the tunnels and tolls.

Thanks so much for the information - it was very helpful. I absolutely love this site. The fact that so many NY'ers log in and give helpful advice on how to navigate your great city is a real tribute to you all!

We'll be staying on the Upper West Side. What's the best route to the Holland Tunnel? I'll also look into getting the EZ Pass ahead of time. Thanks again.

Ann-
I don't think I'd recommend the Holland Tunnel if you're staying all the way on the Upper West, b/c you'll have to drive thru NYC traffic to get there, and it's a ways down. Whether you decide to take the Holland or the Lincoln Tunnel, you can just take the West Side Highway south and follow the signs for either one. Before you leave, DEFINITELY put on your AM radio (1010 WINS or CBS 880) to listen to the traffic reports (every 10 minutes) to see if there have been accidents or closures at either tunnel.

I agree with Suzanne. Take the Lincoln Tunnel, especially since you are staying on the West Side. You are likely to hit a lot in-city traffic if you go down to the Holland Tunnel.

ann;
We all seem to have different ideas
On the upper West Side, you can get on the West Side Highway. 125th ST, 96 ST, 79 ST, from 57 ST south any west bound side street will do. West Side Highway right to Canal for Holland Tunnel and right through.
I am a fan of the Holland mostly because of what I stated before...no commercial traffic.
10 AM is still pretty busy for commuting traffic into and out of the city, Monday seems to the best for traffic at all hours. Good luck!

Leave any time after 9 and take the Lincoln Tunnel, which'll put you on 495. Follow signs and get on the NJ Turnpike South and go straight. You shouldn't have a problem thereafter. The drive is only about 4 hours, unless you drive really slow.

There is nothing to get nervous about. If you are staying anywhere above 14th ST on east or west side leave the city through the Lincoln Tunnel. Below 14th ST you could consider the Holland TUnnel. Leave the city around 10 am and you should be in DC before 3 pm. It is about a 235 mile drive on mostly limited access highways.

I'm not sure if renting a car is going to be any cheaper than taking the train. Have you look at the rates for renting cars from Manhattan?