Ashburn to Rockville (FDA building): How long? Best time to commute? (Vienna: how much, house)

[vauser]

34 miles from my house, door to door. How long might it take on an average day? Best and worst times? And what is the best time to leave? If I could avoid commuting on 1 day, which day should I pick? Thanks.

[michgc]

Best time to leave? 2 am. Very little traffic then ;-) Sorry, I'm being a comedian. I used to commute to Rockville from Vienna and it took me about 40 minutes in the morning and 50 in the afternoon on good days and up to 1 hour 15 minutes on bad days. My commute was 18 miles. I would guess an hour for you in the morning and up to an hour and 1/2 in the afternoon. That might be on the high end, but better to overestimate and be pleasantly surprised. Afternoons are much worse than mornings 9 times out of 10. Friday afternoons are generally the worst, in my opinion.

The worst part of my commute was around the bridge - especially in the afternoon coming down the 270 spur. In the morning once you get on 270 North it is smooth sailing. Where is the FDA building? Is it on Rockville Pike or off 270? The traffic around the Pike is a nightmare during rush hour. I was at exit 6 - Research Blvd. to give you an idea. Hope this helps a little bit. I lived in Rockville/Bethesda for many years before I moved here so I know the area up there pretty well.

[vauser]

Originally Posted by michgc

Best time to leave? 2 am. Very little traffic then ;-) Sorry, I'm being a comedian. I used to commute to Rockville from Vienna and it took me about 40 minutes in the morning and 50 in the afternoon on good days and up to 1 hour 15 minutes on bad days. My commute was 18 miles. I would guess an hour for you in the morning and up to an hour and 1/2 in the afternoon. That might be on the high end, but better to overestimate and be pleasantly surprised. Afternoons are much worse than mornings 9 times out of 10. Friday afternoons are generally the worst, in my opinion.

The worst part of my commute was around the bridge - especially in the afternoon coming down the 270 spur. In the morning once you get on 270 North it is smooth sailing. Where is the FDA building? Is it on Rockville Pike or off 270? The traffic around the Pike is a nightmare during rush hour. I was at exit 6 - Research Blvd. to give you an idea. Hope this helps a little bit. I lived in Rockville/Bethesda for many years before I moved here so I know the area up there pretty well.

Thanks michgc, much appreciated. It took about 90 minutes earlier this afternoon. It is not off of 270, takes another 15 mts or so to get to the building on Fischer lane (if I remember correctly). My last commute to work for over 2.5 years was literally 5 minutes. Wonder how much of the energy gets drained even before getting to work.

I would be interested to know what people's thoughts are on long commutes and work efficiency.

[Newk]

In general, the earlier you leave the better. I would say out of the house by 530am, it should be smooth sailing, but someone might want to chime in.

[dkf747]

Getting to the FDA building from 270 won't be too difficult. No idea about the Ashburn to 495 part though.