Washington DC/Arlington/Baltimore Dirctions From NY
 

Hi, I need a little instruction. I am traveling to Arlington Virginia/Washington DC areas from New York in a few days and want to avoid the tunnel since I am a claustrophobic. In the past someone kind on this forum told me how to do this when I was heading to Baltimore by taking the streets at a point and that worked out nicely. My father says that to go to Washington DC/Arlington areas I must take the same route as I did for Baltimore, but go further - So I am asking again where do I get off the highway to avoid the tunnel and take the streets to Baltimore - then get back on the highway to continue my trip to Arlington? Thank you if you can help. I have forgotten how I did this the last time since it was years ago. : ) Dezie

I have to avoid the tunnel through Baltimore because I'm driving an RV and the tunnel doesn't permit the propane tanks. I just take Route 695 around the city, rather than messing with surface roads. You can go either way on 695; I prefer to go west, via Towson.

If you haven't driven through the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I95), you might want to give it a try. It might be the least claustrophobic tunnel you'll ever see. It's wide, well lit, and pretty short (under two miles).

I'd go east on I-695 over the Key Bridge. It's shorter and traffic on the west side on I-695 can be fairly heavy. But you have to pay toll on the bridge.

Thank you so very much. I recall that there was an exit number somewhere before the tunnel that I was able to get off on and take the streets from the last time - can't recall the number though. I will certainly take your advice about the I-695. Sadly for me, even the prospect of a wide tunnel will make me anxious my whole journey so avoiding it altogether will help me to relax. All the Best to each of you. Dezie

When you reach 695, get off 95 and go toward Essex to take Key Bridge; or go toward Towson to go in the other direction. Listen to traffic info to decide which way to go-Baltimore has an XM radio traffic/weather site. Local station is either 1070 or 1090 AM-can't recall which.

Then pick up 95 again on the other side of the beltway.

Also, avoid 895 as that is a tunnel thruway. Good luck!