Commute from SilverSpring to Baltimore (Silver Spring, Takoma Park: how much, home, school) - Maryland (MD) - City-Data Forum

DSLfeatfan · 11-04-2009, 01:46 PM

I will most likely be relocated to MD from Blacksburg,VA in the next 3-6 months, working in Baltimore, but would like to live in Silver Spring. I grew up in SS/Takoma Park and am thrilled with the new downtown SS area. My hubbie and I are in our 50's, no kids will be coming with us. I am worried about the commute from SS to Bmore. Appears it would be better to drive, as no Metro and not sure about MARC. Can anyone tell me what the commute would be like?

Many thanks!!

Bigbluelandrover · 11-05-2009, 07:33 AM

My drive is from the NeW Hampshire exit to Baltimore and it takes me about 40 minutes. You are going against traffic on 95. Or you can take 29. It depends on where you are going. Do a mapquest and it should be accurate.

DSLfeatfan · 11-19-2009, 06:39 AM

BigBlue-thanks! It appears that the office will be located on Independence Drive in Bmore around the Inner Harbor. When I did a mapquest it said the drive is 50 minutes. With rush hour traffic, how much longer should I expect?
I am still trying to decide whether to just live in Bmore or a nearby suburb, cause I really hate to be on the road that long each day. But I really dont know anything about Bmore. Thanks!

DSLfeatfan · 11-19-2009, 06:45 AM

Sorry, the office is actually International Drive off President Street. My mistake.

Carrot2000 · 11-19-2009, 09:18 AM

I drive to B'more for grad school three days a week and rarely run into major traffic on the way there. Coming home , however, it does get clogged up around the 95-695 interchange. It's still not bad, though, and there are enough "escape routes" to avoid the congestion that you will run into on 495 (100 to 29; 32 to 29; 198 to 29).

DSLfeatfan · 11-19-2009, 09:34 AM

Carrot, if you dont mind, where are you coming from and how long a commute each way does it tend to be?
Thanks

Bigbluelandrover · 11-19-2009, 10:40 AM

50 Minutes is accurate. You are going against the heavy traffic. Just be warned that people on 95 like to go 80+. Stay to the right if you are not prepared to be a leadfoot.

DSLfeatfan · 11-19-2009, 11:05 AM

Good info and advice, thanks

njterp902 · 11-19-2009, 06:04 PM

Hi!

I live in Silver Spring (Woodmoor, 4 Corners area) and commute up to Baltimore every day. Its about an hour, door to door--so I'd say actual driving time is 50 minutes or so. Traffic goes in the opposite direction, although 1) on the commute into Baltimore, it slows down as you approach downtown and 2) on the commute home I sometimes run into traffic near the 495 split (I'd say there's a 50/50 chance of running into traffic there).

I'm actually looking to do a 4-10 hour day scheme, because I hate the commute. Unlike taking public transportation, there are very few things you can do in your car (radio or books on tape is pretty much it). But I think I also have a low commute tolerance, so you should also take that into consideration.

Good luck--I love living in Silver Spring--so much to see and do!

EDIT: You can also take the MARC from Union Station, if you take the Metro from SS. But that would take considerably longer.

Carrot2000 · 11-19-2009, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSLfeatfan

Carrot, if you dont mind, where are you coming from and how long a commute each way does it tend to be?
Thanks

I live off Piney Branch and go to NE Baltimore (Exit 60) for school. My trip is about an hour, from the time I walk out of my apt. until I park in the garage. You're not going nearly as far, so I think 45-50 minutes is about accurate.

I LOVE highway driving, so I guess that's why I don't mind the drive (and yes, I have a lead foot!).