Can anyone estimate the drive time for this commute? (Annandale--Chantilly) (Fairfax: house, schools)

[NYmama2dallas]

I'm asking for a friend. They like a house in the Canterbury Woods nabe but she works in Chantilly (near the airport). Regular working hours (830ish to 530ish). Thanks.

[bmwguydc]

In the morning, it should take about 30-35 minutes, especially if your friend can get to Little River Turnpike without using Guinea Road. Guinea can be very slow, but taking Braeburn all the way to Olley can make a difference, since Olley has two left turn lanes to Little River Turnpike. Around Woodson HS on Little River Turnpike/Main Street, the traffic is slow, and lights timed for the school, but after that, the commute is relatively easy from Main Street to Route 50 west.

In the afternoon, it would likely take somewhat around the same time, perhaps a little bit longer because there does seem to be slow traffic in Chantilly, at least from my observation when the schools dismiss for the day. Stringfellow Road has the schools and library, so there can be traffic around that point of the route.

In the afternoon, Route 50 east, near Borders in Fairfax tends to be very slow. It might be faster, depending on time of day, to turn right on Waples Mill Road, left on Route 29, and then a right on Main Street, approaching the intersection from the Lee Highway side as there are more right turn green arrow lights during the various cycles, so more cars can get through a given green.

[need_more_light]

I just moved into Canterbury Woods 2 weeks ago. I don't commute to Chantilly but I'd guesstimate it to be about 30-35 minutes as well. Another alternative route to bmwguydc's routes would be to take Braddock rd west past GMU and turn right onto Shirley Gate Rd and then turn left onto Route 50. I can't imagine there being much traffic going that way as more people are heading towards the beltway in opposite direction in the morning.

[NYmama2dallas]

Thanks so much to you both for the detailed responses. This is really helpful--I'll pass these on to my friend . !