Commute from NoVA to Gaithersburg, MD (Burke, Reston: home, construction, to live)

[DontWantToDrive]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for some input on how traffic flows (or maybe doesn't flow?) on 267 and the beltway during the morning and evening rush hours. I am potentially looking at moving to Herndon/Reston/McLean and commuting to Gaithersburg, MD everyday, but I'm not sure if I'd be going with or against most of the traffic. I know the trip up I-270 in MD would be okay, so I'm mostly worried about 267 heading towards Tyson's Corner and the beltway between Tyson's Corner heading towards I-270 during the morning rush hour.

I know this whole area tends to be a mess so I'm probably not looking at a great commute anyway, but any suggestions/tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[JLMyers]

I commuted from Centreville to Gaithersburg for two years... 66 obviously you don't want to have to do. The beltway to 270 in the morning is usually not too bad... if anything it will add an extra 10-15 mins in the morning on occassion due to construction (usually right north of the Tysons area).
Try to live as close to the beltway as possible - 267 definitely backs up on days, especially the exit onto 495.
McLean of course would be your best bet, but it's a pricey area. Try Vienna or Falls Church or even Fairfax as they're right off the beltway.
If you're right off the beltway, it can take 30 or 40 mins only. Otherwise you'll be looking at an hour or so. (From Centreville in the morning it was around 1 hr to 1 hr and 10).
Coming home from Gaithersburg to NoVA is MUCH worse than getting there. Not everyday... but some days, especially in the middle of the week, the 270 southbound spur onto 495 backs up all the way at Democracy Blvd or even Montrose Rd. You're looking at 1 hr and 15 or 1.5 hours on some bad days. On average, 45 to 50 mins.

[DontWantToDrive]

Thank you so much! This is a ton of help!

[dkf747]

I live in Gaithersburg and often drive to Ballston during the PM rush hours. Like the other post mentioned, 270/495 often is jammed with traffic from Democracy blvd all the way into Virginia. In the morning 270 is easy. I'm not sure a bout 495 in the morning since it's been a while since I went that way regularly. I know some side routes that sometimes make the trip seem to go quicker, but they are complicated, and the lack of bridges means they don't always work.

[michgc]

It's been awhile since I commuted from Vienna to Rockville/Gburg border. But I just wanted to confirm what JLMyers said. I agree with his/her assessment. I do remember also the exit to get onto the Dulles Toll Road from 495 in the afternoon would back up a lot. In general, morning commute is better than afternoon.

[BioDork]

Any public transportation options to consider here? I know Metro will take me as far as Glenmont. But I'm wondering if there are any other trains that will actually get me into Gburg from NoVa (Burke area). Thanks in advance for any advice.

[gomason]

The MARC goes to downtown Gaithersburg, but it won't be going that direction in the morning, since it's a reverse commute.

You're going to have to drive.

Or I guess you could take this 30 min bus ride from Shady Grove to downtown Gaithersburg: http://mdtrip.org/DesktopModules/Sch...te=190&User=18.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by BioDork

Any public transportation options to consider here? I know Metro will take me as far as Glenmont. But I'm wondering if there are any other trains that will actually get me into Gburg from NoVa (Burke area). Thanks in advance for any advice.

Metro can get you to either Rockville or Shady Grove (not Glenmont) where you can catch Ride-On or Metro buses to Gaithersburg. The buses are good up there. I used them all of the time when I lived there. MARC trains from Union Station have 3 stops in the Gaithersburg area. I have no idea where in Gaitherburg you're headed, but you will need a bus from two of those three stops to get anywhere.

[PK12]

Why are you so adamant on moving to NoVA, esp the further out parts, if your job will be in Gaithersburg?

[newvadad]

I believe there is not one solution except to add yourself to the highways. There is probably some magic combo using rail and bus but I'm not sure it'll be quicker than driving.