Commute to Burke Centre VRE from Annandale (Springfield: 2015, homes)

[rockster]

We are looking at homes in the Truro neighborhood in Annandale (near Guinea Rd and Route 236). I am considering taking the Burke Centre VRE to DC. Can anyone give me an idea of how long it would take to drive from this area to the Burke Centre VRE during peak traffic times in the morning? Does the roads near the VRE station get really congested? How about in the afternoon (from VRE to Truro) during rush hour?

[marchar123]

I would recommend going to the Backlick Rd VRE station (6900 Hechinger Drive Springfield, Virginia 22151) or the Rolling Road VRE station (9016 Burke Rd. Burke, Virginia 22015).

The Rolling Road parking is at capacity so I would recommend you take a train before 7:30am.

Try both out and see what works the best for you.

Burke Centre VRE is out of the way if you are going to DC.

[rockster]

Thanks marchar123. I wanted to avoid Rolling Road VRE because of the limited parking situation. Generally, how do you think the commute to Backlick Rd VRE compares to Burke Centre VRE (from Guinea Rd/Route 236)?

[marchar123]

Backlick Rd to/from L'Enfant is 25 minutes (Should take about 15 minute drive to Backlick Rd from Truro depending on traffic)

Burke Centre to/from L'Enfant is 35 minutes.

[rockster]

Thanks marchar123. One of these mornings, I'll have to try out some of these routes. Backlick VRE definitely seems like the way to go. I just may not get a seat with the train filling up at the earlier stations.

[brooklynborndad]

you could try the 29x bus.

[rockster]

Thanks brooklynborndad. The bus stop at Braeburn and Guinea would be a pretty long walk but doable. I would need to switch to Metro rail at the Pentagon to get to L'Enfant. This is definitely worth considering.

[brooklynborndad]

Originally Posted by rockster

Thanks brooklynborndad. The bus stop at Braeburn and Guinea would be a pretty long walk but doable. I would need to switch to Metro rail at the Pentagon to get to L'Enfant. This is definitely worth considering.

The transfer at Pentagon is pretty easy, though it does take a few minutes. the bus gets to ride in the HOV lane avoiding most traffic, though occasionally there are delays right at the Pentagon. Usually I would think commuter rail is more comfy than even an express bus, but not if you have to stand on the train (I take the 29G and I think I have stood maybe once every two years, when some really weird weather thing is happening - I doubt its much worse on the 29X)

also, if you can drive to the VRE, you can drive to the busstop (I mean walking is good and all but if thats an obstacle, know that some folks drive to the bus, esp in inclement weather).

[rockster]

Originally Posted by brooklynborndad

The transfer at Pentagon is pretty easy, though it does take a few minutes. the bus gets to ride in the HOV lane avoiding most traffic, though occasionally there are delays right at the Pentagon. Usually I would think commuter rail is more comfy than even an express bus, but not if you have to stand on the train (I take the 29G and I think I have stood maybe once every two years, when some really weird weather thing is happening - I doubt its much worse on the 29X)

also, if you can drive to the VRE, you can drive to the busstop (I mean walking is good and all but if thats an obstacle, know that some folks drive to the bus, esp in inclement weather).

Unless the bus stop is within a half mile, I would prefer to drive as well. Is there a stop on 29X route where I can park-and-ride?

[brooklynborndad]

I don't think there are any park and ride lots, but folks will park in neighborhoods, shopping centers, etc. I dont think the volume of people doing that anywhere on LRT is enough to create a local issue.