Driving directions /path of least resistance (Fairfax, Washington: home, school, university)

[ddpokora]

Can anyone suggest the best way to drive from either Marymount University or Fairfax and Quincy to Suburban Hospital in Bethesda. Mapquest and Garmins will get me there but they don't always know the best way or the path of least resistance. I will likely be travelling @ 6 AM to Bethesda and returning @2:30. Obviously I am new to the area and have heard that traffic can be difficult.

Thanks.

[VRE332]

there is no easy way to get to Montgomery County. Only 1 road, 495 aka Beltway will get you there.

[OrangeFish]

Your options are taking the Beltway or cutting through the District and heading up Wisconsin Ave to Suburban Hospital. Since you say that you will be traveling at 6 AM, I would probably opt for cutting through the DC. The question would become if it would be easier to take Chain Bridge across or to cut through Georgetown. I would probably opt for Georgetown, but I would listen to traffic reports that day to make that call.

[lchoro]

I would take the Beltway to the Old Georgetown Rd exit heading toward DC. Suburban Hospital is on the right side of the road across from NIH. I would take George Washington Parkway to get to the Beltway.

If the Beltway is really backed up going toward the I-270 spur, you could improvise and get off at the River Rd exit which will get you to Bethesda. You can take a left at the first two lights on River Rd and those streets will run into Old Georgetown Rd in Bethesda just south of the hospital.

[claremarie]

The Beltway will never be backed up at 6 am, unless there is a major accident. I'd definitely take the Beltway at that hour. It may not be the most direct route, as the crow flies, but you can go a LOT faster with virtually no lights until you head down Old Georgetown Road.
Coming home at 2:30, I would also try the Beltway. Coming through DC "the back way" you will be dealing with the beginning of the afternoon school pickup traffic, while the Beltway is still pretty smooth sailing.
But if you are going to be making this run on a regular basis, it's worth while to take the time to try out the different route options, to see which works best for you.

[dkf747]

Based on the location 66 to 267 to 495 seems best. You could also take Quincy to Military to Glebe to Chain Bridge to Arizona ave to MacCarthur Blvd to Cabin John pkwy to 495 if the Beltway gets unberable. It's not faster, but you keep moving most of the way so it feels faster.

[leighland]

Originally Posted by dkf747

Based on the location 66 to 267 to 495 seems best. You could also take Quincy to Military to Glebe to Chain Bridge to Arizona ave to MacCarthur Blvd to Cabin John pkwy to 495 if the Beltway gets unberable. It's not faster, but you keep moving most of the way so it feels faster.

Chain Bridge is down to one lane each side due to bridge work so keep that in mind

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by leighland

Chain Bridge is down to one lane each side due to bridge work so keep that in mind

Yeah, but it is still a reasonable alternative, at least during the summer.