Commute from South Arlington to Tysons? (Reston, Fairfax: living in, moving, estimate)

[jrt5042]

I am working in the Tysons area and I have the option of moving in with a friend who lives in south Arlington (Shirlington area). I am worried that the commute may be a bit long. Does anybody know how long it may take me to get to and from work? I must make a decision soon so any comments are greatly appreciated!

[rsxdrivr]

What is too long? 30 mins or an hr?

[CaliTerp07]

I would think you'll take 395 to 110 to 66...

I'm not sure what 395 to 110 looks like--probably a mess. I know that 110 and 66 will be cake though. I commuted from Crystal City to Reston for several months, and it was one of the easiest morning commutes I've ever had. Afternoons backed up a bit where 267 hits 66, and again near Ballston, but otherwise was smooth.

I'd estimate 45 minutes in the mornings? That's a guesstimate though.

[bmwguydc]

395 in the morning has all the DC-bound traffic which will add significantly to the trip, even for a short trip from Shirlington to Rosslyn. Also, 395 is unpredictible some mornings.

From Shirlington, I would take Glebe to 66, branch with the Toll Road, exit on 123, to Tysons. There will be slow traffic around Fairfax Drive on westbound 66, but that should be the only major delay.

You could also take Glebe to Route 50 west to Route 7 west to Tysons Corner as well.

Non-rush they would be under 30 minutes, via either route. Depending upon the hour, and the degree of traffic within the Tysons area, it could take a bit loger, depending upon where in Tysons you need to go, but it would be under an hour.

[smithy77]

Originally Posted by jrt5042

I am working in the Tysons area and I have the option of moving in with a friend who lives in south Arlington (Shirlington area). I am worried that the commute may be a bit long. Does anybody know how long it may take me to get to and from work? I must make a decision soon so any comments are greatly appreciated!

OK, this is going to sound ridiculously complicated, but bear with me---it'll get you around most of the rush hour traffic. Get on Arlington Mill Road (it runs along the southern border of Shirlington), take a right on to Walter Reed, a left on to 4 Mile Run Drive, a right on to George Mason, a left on to Washington Blvd.. OK, at this point, you have 2 options: (1) you can get on I-66 going west toward the Dulles Access Road---stay to the right on 66--it'll split, at which point you'll get on Rt. 267, which will take you to Rt. 123 in Tysons/Mclean, or (2), stay on Washington Blvd., which will turn into Westmoreland Drive---take Westmoreland all the way to Old Chain Bridge Road (left), a right on to Great Falls Rd., and a left on to Rt. 123. Traffic on the beltway in the morning can be nightmarish. Try these routes on a Saturday or Sunday just to see how it goes. I lived in Arlington in the 80's and 90's and these roads were not too bad during rush hour, considering most of it is a reverse commute, although things may have changed.

[Brittalyse]

Originally Posted by CaliTerp07

I would think you'll take 395 to 110 to 66...

I'm not sure what 395 to 110 looks like--probably a mess. I know that 110 and 66 will be cake though. I commuted from Crystal City to Reston for several months, and it was one of the easiest morning commutes I've ever had. Afternoons backed up a bit where 267 hits 66, and again near Ballston, but otherwise was smooth.

I'd estimate 45 minutes in the mornings? That's a guesstimate though.

I have a job offer in Reston and I'm considering living in South Arlington. I'm just wondering what hours you worked when you commuted to Reston and how long the commute took? I'm also considering Fairfax which will be a lot closer to Reston, but I like the idea of being in Arlington and so close to DC. Any/all advice would be greatly appreciated.