Commute from Bethesda to Columbia (Silver Spring, Rockville: travel, work, traffic)

[MohsMD]

Does anyone have personal experience driving from Bethesda to Columbia and back. We're moving to Columbia next year and looking for an area to set up a medical practice. Prefer not to drive more that 30-40 minutes, but there are not a lot of options around Bethesda. Any advice??

[Zippy7fo]

That commute will be around 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic and weather. Once you learn the area route 29 will be a nice shortcut to avoid traffic jams on 95.... But its a very straight easy drive....

[talk2u]

I used to commute from Columbia to Bethesda. I know a very nice short cut and it's a beautiful drive, with no traffic. However, I'd need to know which part of Bethesda you're going to be in (downtown Bethesda or closer to Democracy Blvd/Rockville area).

[koofie]

I live in Owings Mills and work in Bethesda (Old Georgetown exit off Beltway) and travel 29 daily. I travel south at ~6:00 and north usually at 4, but during the summer it is 1 pm. in the am, there is traffic at the beltway and usually from White Oak - Four Corners. Sometimes it will back up at the lights to Cherry Hill Rd. In the afternoon (4 pm) going north, it will back up at some lights in Mont Co. It also sometimes backs up going down the hill in Mont Co to cross the bridge to Ho Co. Then, it will back up anywhere you go from 3 lanes to 2.

I would say 30-45min depending on where in Columbia and where in Bethesda.

[LookingBook]

Sorry to disagree, but maybe I just know the long ways. I think 30 minutes will get you 1/3 to 1/2 of the way there.

[MohsMD]

Originally Posted by talk2u

I used to commute from Columbia to Bethesda. I know a very nice short cut and it's a beautiful drive, with no traffic. However, I'd need to know which part of Bethesda you're going to be in (downtown Bethesda or closer to Democracy Blvd/Rockville area).

We'll be around the intersection of old goergetown rd and woodmont.
Thanks

[koofie]

Originally Posted by LookingBook

Sorry to disagree, but maybe I just know the long ways. I think 30 minutes will get you 1/3 to 1/2 of the way there.

I have driven from ~32 to Bethesda (beltway exit) in 25 minutes, early in the am ~6, in 25 minutes. I wasn't going too fast or anything - I think it was a federal holiday. Now, in contrast, it has taken me well over an hour for the same distance because of accidents.

Normally I can get from Owings Mills to Bethesda in 1.5 hours, including dropping two kids off at separate daycares (Silver Spring and Wheaton).

[talk2u]

Originally Posted by MohsMD

We'll be around the intersection of old goergetown rd and woodmont.
Thanks

Oh well, my short cut won't work for you from that area. I agree with the other posters - take Rt. 29. I'd avoid the beltway, unless you'll be commuting before/after rush hour.

[lings13]

I am actually driving from Columbia to Old Georgetown Road. I can tell you that you will more than likely HATE the commute. If you have flexible hours, I suggest going in around 6am or 10am, not during rush hour. Do not take 95/495, that took me 2 hours one day. My newest commute is to take 29 South, take the Fairland Road exit, turn right onto Randolph Road, turn left onto Connecticut Avenue and then right on Jones Bridge Road. This takes me about 1 hour. The part that I hate is Connecticut Avenue, so if anyone has suggestions to get around that and still get to Old Georgetown/Woodmont Ave I would greatly appreciate it. Good luck MohsMD! PS-I have an SUV and the gas prices and this commute have been a killer!

[jonny d]

i wrk in columbia and it takes me to drive from bethesda to columbia around 15-20 minutes, but of course i drive at around 85-100 mph the whole way =P =)