Best route for driving from Richmond to Baltimore during the week (Bowie: military, versus)

[richmond hokie]

I'm driving to Baltimore tomorrow (during the morning) from Richmond and want to know the best route to avoid some of the morning rush hour commute?

[sobo16]

To avoid the Capital Beltway and I-95 traffic, I recommend getting off I-95 at Exit 104 in Virginia, about 30 miles north of Richmond. Route 207 will take you right to US 301 North. You can take that up through Waldorf and Bowie, and then get on I-97 north after you pass Crofton. Take I-97 to I-695 West to 295 North into Baltimore.

There will be some lights on 301, but in my opinion, it sure beats sitting in highway traffic.

[Bong477]

What time are you leaving? The morning is a pretty broad time. If you leave Richmond around 9:30/10am, I'd probably just drive on the highways.

[barante]

I second Sobo16's suggestion. U.S. 1 is quite wonderful as you leave I-95 shortly after Six Flags and meander through the A.P. Hill military reservation. Just be mindful of speed traps on the lightly traveled road. You may hit some congestion when you get to Southern Maryland but nothing like I-95. I always use this route unless I am bypassing the D.C. area mess on I-95 before 6 a.m.

[GoPhils]

I've done this drive quite a few times and probably have gone about 5 different ways. I agree with Bong in that if you leave Richmond around 9:30 AM it would probably be quicker to take 95/495W. 207/301 is more scenic but is longer (without traffic, about 3.5 hours versus 2 hours 45 minutes on the highway) and the traffic lights between Bowie and Waldorf can get annoying.

If you are going in the late morning/very early afternoon, you may even be able to go straight through DC - 95 to 395 to 295.

Also depending on where in the Baltimore area you're going (specifically if it's Howard or western Baltimore county), I usually like to take 29 instead of 95 or 295 which involves less time on 695.