Suggestions for commute from Reston to Old Towne (Alexandria, McLean: bus, moving)

[samantha1974]

Help Needed! I am starting a new job and will be commuting from Reston, VA to Duke Street in Alexandria, VA. Does anyone have suggestions for good routes for the commute? Thanks so much!

[robbobobbo]

I have, on short-term assignments, commuted from Old Town to Reston during the evening commute. I don't have experience commuting from Reston back to Alexandria during rush hour. What follows may not be optimal for your travel times, and my description is of Alexandria to Reston, around 5pm.

I would take Washington Street in Old Town, go north as it turns into George Washington Parkway, get off at Chain Bridge and 123, heading towards McLean. I opted to exit the Parkway here rather than take it to its end at 495 because it seemed that the stretch of 495 from American Legion Bridge to Tysons was packed. But you will be coming the other direction, and it may make sense to drive from Reston to 495, then get on the GW Parkway.

From 123 in McLean (or from 495) I would either take 193 (Georgetown Pike), with all its twists and turns, or Lewinsville Rd, or 7, or some combination of these, to get to either Beulah to Hunter Mill Rd, Barron Cameron, or Reston Parkway, depending on final destination.

I don't know what it would be like to take the toll road to 495 in the morning commute. It certainly is a more direct route, I just don't know the traffic conditions. I personally prefer routes where I can keep moving, as much as possible, rather than stop and go with long stretches of 10mph driving.

[JfromReston]

Park at the Reston East @ Wiehle Park and Ride
Take the Fairfax Connector Bus 595 or 597
If you take the 595 get off at Pentagon Metro and get on the Blue or Yellow line to King Street
If you take the 597 get off at Pentagon City Metro and get on the Blue or Yellow line to King Street