Traffic question (Rockville --> Phila) (best, snake, drive)

[spambert]

Hi folks,

I'm visiting DC and could use some advice from you local experts on a traffic question:

Tomorrow I've got an early morning meeting in Rockville (on Montgomery Ave near I-270). I'll be leaving right afterward at 9am to drive to Philadelphia. The beltway always seems very snarled up at 9am.

I'm wondering if it would make sense for me to snake my way over to I-95 North some other way, perhaps via MD-28 or some another smaller road. Or would that be just as stressful and/or slower?

Any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone!

- Sammy

[dkf747]

There is no real shortcut. 28 to 198 will take just as long or longer. 495 to 95 is probably the best route. You could head up to 70 east, but that doesn't gain you any time, despite the reduced traffic.

[juniperbleu]

As far as route, I think either way it'll take the same amount of time. Maybe grab breakfast or a coffee somewhere and leave at 10am? By then it should have calmed down a little.