Westbound commute from Arlington to Falls Church (Alexandria, Annandale: living in, shopping centers)

[ashtraveler]

Hello. I'm moving from Dallas TX, but have lived in other cities. I'm used to 20 minute commutes.

If I have to be at work by 7 am in Falls Church (at Inova Hosp), what time do I have to leave from Clarendon or somewhere in Arlington.

What time does "rush hour" start in the morning. In the evening I would be leaving work after 7 pm so I don't think it should be a problem for the commute home, right?

Thanks,
A

[Fallout Zone]

Others will have better info, but I can say that the times I've taken 50 westbound before 7am has been a breeze. After 7pm shouldn't be bad either.

[Cardiff Kook]

that won't be bad. you should be able to do it in 20 minutes no problem

[tysonsengineer]

The reverse commute from Arlington is really more of a construct of route 66 and shouldnt be affected by 50. You should be able to average 45. Just avoid taking a left turn at 7 corners at all expense, take a right go a mile out of your way if you have to, but do not take a left at 7 corners haha.

Seriously yer gonna be fine, 15-20 minutes max and thats conservative.

[ashtraveler]

Thanks guys. Appreciate it. The realtor says that 45 min. Even at 5:45 to be at the hospital by 6:30. I was surprised to hear that. And happy by what you guys are saying.

What about from Alexandria to Falls Church? How long of a drive would it be to get there by 7 am?

[tysonsengineer]

Ohhhhh you dont want to do that

495 is a mess and will be for eternity. The problem isnt Falls Church, the problem is the backup that occurs on 495 due to Tysons Corner (200,000 people trying to shuffle into 2 off ramps).

You could take GW up to 50, but thats way out of the way. If you plan on working in Falls Church for a long time, living in Alexandria would be a pain of a commute. I'd say that would be about 45 minutes easily, and theres almost no way around the issues other than sucking it up and driving the beltway (495).

[Fallout Zone]

Originally Posted by ashtraveler

Thanks guys. Appreciate it. The realtor says that 45 min. Even at 5:45 to be at the hospital by 6:30. I was surprised to hear that. And happy by what you guys are saying.

What about from Alexandria to Falls Church? How long of a drive would it be to get there by 7 am?

I think 45 minutes is a gross overestimate at that time of day. I was able to get from the eastern Columbia Pike area to the western part of Fairfax City in maybe 35 minutes. There are stoplights along 50, but they are short for the cross-traffic. Really, the problems people have on 50 are trying to get off of it, either turning onto Patrick Henry near the shopping centers, or the debacle that is Seven Corners. If you are going straight through at non-peak rush, it isn't too much of a problem.

For Alexandria, it depends on what area you are really talking about. If you are further west, in the Alexandria part of FFx Co., you might be ok taking 236 to Annandale/Gallows which takes you right to work. I'd be more skeptical of starting from Old Town and hopping on the Beltway, but maybe the traffic isn't too bad at that time.

[ashtraveler]

thanks

[ersatz]

ashtraveler asks:

The realtor says that 45 min. Even at 5:45 to be at the hospital by 6:30. I was surprised to hear that. And happy by what you guys are saying.

What about from Alexandria to Falls Church? How long of a drive would it be to get there by 7 am?

As several people have pointed out, timing is key. At 5:45 am you will have no problem. If you leave after 7 am, the realtor's estimate is accurate.

I travel that way myself and pass right by the hospital. Leaving from Alexandria by 6 am I can make it in around 20 minutes using the beltway. Leaving after 7 am averages 40 minutes though sometimes it can take over an hour. Your alternative depends on where you are departing from: 236 or Franconia (644) may be best until the beltway jogs north. Then you go north using 236 or Backlick (617) until you meet Annandale Rd. Annandale turns into Gallows Rd a bit further north.

Mostly sticking to 495 is marginally faster during rush hour (barring accidents). Stay to the far left and work your way bravely and boldly to the far right just after 236 in order to meet your Gallows Rd turnoff. If you miss it (and traffic will try to cut you off) don't fret. Take the Rt 50 exit right after it and follow the signs for Merrifield. This will take you to the Gallows Rd intersection, turn left and the hospital is just beyond.

[ashtraveler]

thank you very much for the excellent directions!