Commuting from Rockville to Sterling (Reston, Herndon: home, high school, live)

[localcall]

Does anyone know what rush hour traffic is like for commuting from Rockville, MD to Sterling, VA? It seems like there are a lot of jobs that fits me around that area, and I'm wondering whether that commute is horrible or not. It looks like I have to take the Dulles Toll Road to get there, and I'm not sure if I will be going with or against traffic... Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[stax]

If you're commuting in the normal morning rush-hour, it's going to be an hour and some change, best case, with most of the traffic being on 270 & 495. After you get off the Beltway, it's pretty smooth sailing on 267 to 28 (Sterling). Don't get off on any of the Reston/Herndon exits unless you have to, as they're usually backed up. Going back home is going be slightly less pleasant, though. Depending on where the gig is in Sterling, it may be more beneficial to take 7 from the Beltway. First exit after the toll plaza.

[Margery]

It depends on where in Rockville to where in Sterling (Sterling is a large area). I used to commute from the Cascades section of Sterling to near Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville. Leaving at 7:15 am, I took route 7 to Georgetown Pike (193) to 495 and then 270 North. I allowed an hour and it usually took an hour. I did notice that the traffic in the morning from Maryland to Virginia seemed a lot heavier so you may want to allow more than an hour to be sure you are on time.

[scottfs]

Used to do that drive a couple of times a month when I lived in Rockville. I will confirm previous posts: budget an hour minimum.

[localcall]

Thanks for the responses! That's what I fear though... 1 hour is my max limit, and it sounds like Sterling is pushing it. Oh well...