How long is the commute from South Alexandria to DC (Richmond: townhomes, transfer to)

[Erricson]

Have been offered a job in DC and live in South Alexandria. My hours would be 9 to 5:30. Can anyone tell me how long I can expect the commute to take. I would be driving. Thanks

[FindingZen]

Do you know what part of DC? And by "South Alexandria", do you mean somewhere around Huntington or further down Route 1/Richmond Highway? Or do you mean Kingstowne?

For example, if you did live off Route 1, you'd take that over into Alexandria proper, make a left on Washington St. which becomes George Washington Parkway and eventually bear right onto the 14th Street Bridge into DC. Technically, that shouldn't take more than a half-hour. But because this is a traffic-choked area through which you'll be traversing at its peak, it could be double that.

If at all possible, consider parking your car at the Metrorail lot and taking the train. Despite recent complaints about service and fare hikes, it would be relatively less of a hassle to get to work at that peak time, especially since you would be at or near the endpoints of the Blue and Yellow Lines.

If driving is still necessary or strongly preferred, consider negotiating for an earlier or later start time. Even one hour will make a world of difference.

[Erricson]

Thanks much. From Kingstowne area to Archives station. I am closer to Huntington station. Wouldn't parking be full at that time in the morning?

[CAVA1990]

I think the Franconia/Springfield station would be closer to Kingstowne. You can switch to the yellow line at King St.

[GotOneRunning]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

I think the Franconia/Springfield station would be closer to Kingstowne. You can switch to the yellow line at King St.

Van Dorn is pretty close to Kingstowne as well ...

[jalpunk]

I am currently looking at townhomes in Kingstowne and will need to commute to the Archives metro too. Does anyone know if driving from Kingstowne to the Huntington metro during rush hour has a lot of traffic, or is it an ok drive....if so, about how long does it take. Thanks

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by jalpunk

I am currently looking at townhomes in Kingstowne and will need to commute to the Archives metro too. Does anyone know if driving from Kingstowne to the Huntington metro during rush hour has a lot of traffic, or is it an ok drive....if so, about how long does it take. Thanks

Well , you could take a sort of "backroads" route via Franconia Rd. But for all of that, you may as well heed the advice of the post above yours and drive to either of the Van Dorn or Franconia-Springfield stations. The transfer to the Yellow Line would be shorter (~ 4 minute wait or less) than the extra drive to Huntington.

[robbobobbo]

Originally Posted by Tone509

Well , you could take a sort of "backroads" route via Franconia Rd. But for all of that, you may as well heed the advice of the post above yours and drive to either of the Van Dorn or Franconia-Springfield stations. The transfer to the Yellow Line would be shorter (~ 4 minute wait or less) than the extra drive to Huntington.

I also recommend using Van Dorn or Springfield station over Huntington for Kingstowne residents, with a nod given to Springfield. Van Dorn Ave can get really clogged going down the hill to Eisenhower. As for Huntington, going down Franconia to Telegraph can be ok, but I've heard that the stretch of Telegraph Rd that you'd have to travel to N. Kings or Huntington can be packed at that time of day.

[CaliTerp07]

Originally Posted by robbobobbo

I also recommend using Van Dorn or Springfield station over Huntington for Kingstowne residents, with a nod given to Springfield. Van Dorn Ave can get really clogged going down the hill to Eisenhower. As for Huntington, going down Franconia to Telegraph can be ok, but I've heard that the stretch of Telegraph Rd that you'd have to travel to N. Kings or Huntington can be packed at that time of day.

I go down Telegraph and the road's not bad. There are lights and dummies trying to make left hand turns that slow things down, as well as buses and school children that you have to wait for, but it's not a road I'd specifically avoid. I'm not sure what N. Kings Hwy looks like.

That said, with any commute you spend the first couple weeks experimenting, trying different routes and combinations. You have lots of options, none of which are horrible, so you could perfect it quickly.

[robbobobbo]

Originally Posted by CaliTerp07

I go down Telegraph and the road's not bad. There are lights and dummies trying to make left hand turns that slow things down, as well as buses and school children that you have to wait for, but it's not a road I'd specifically avoid. I'm not sure what N. Kings Hwy looks like.

That said, with any commute you spend the first couple weeks experimenting, trying different routes and combinations. You have lots of options, none of which are horrible, so you could perfect it quickly.

Ok - I'd just heard of getting stuck from a friend who commutes from further south on Telegraph to Alexandria, and a friend who takes his kid to Browne Academy. They say there are good days, and then there are bad. But at least it's not such a far stretch of road to go.