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Old 09-27-2010, 09:06 PM
 
65 posts, read 120,496 times
Reputation: 37

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Hello,
I'm new to the forum and would really appreciate some advice. I just moved to NOVA for a job in Alexandria (mark center area) and am looking at homes in Gainesville and Manassas.

I know there have been numerous threads on the subject, but I haven't found any from within the past year. Could someone who drives this (or a similar) route shed some light on the estimated time? I know it's highly variable but a ball park figure would be great. I start work at 7:30, but can flex that earlier to 7 if it makes a difference.

The other option would be the VRE to King Street, where i can pick up a shuttle to my building. I estimated the total travel time for this option to be at about 90 min (15-20 from house to VRE, 50 min on VRE to King St., 20-25 min on shuttle from King St. to my building).

If I can drive the trip in 90 minutes or less, that would be my preference. I'm the rare individual who actually enjoys my morning coffee and radio in the car

Thanks in advance and I look forward to helping others in the future as I learn more about the area!

-Brendan
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Old 09-28-2010, 04:53 AM
 
Location: Virginia-Shenandoah Valley
7,670 posts, read 14,234,258 times
Reputation: 7464
The sooner you can start the better. You'll be surprised how much traffic is out there as early as 5 - 530 in the AM. If you leave early enough then one hour is doable but like you said there are variables. The 90 minutes for VRE is about right if you live in Manassas but not Gainesville. Add more time for G'ville.
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Old 09-28-2010, 06:47 AM
 
Location: among the clustered spires
2,380 posts, read 4,513,808 times
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Be careful if you use VRE, I don't know if your job is one where you get called to stay late frequently. If it's regular 9-5 then VRE is great.

If you can get a start time @ 7am that would be much much much better if you do ever drive.
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Old 09-28-2010, 07:44 AM
 
65 posts, read 120,496 times
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Thanks for the quick replies! I'm cautaiously optimistic now...I think I'll try driving the afternoon commute today (I leave work around 4:30).

Any bets on how long it will take?

I'll report back when i get home tonight.
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Old 09-28-2010, 08:10 AM
 
Location: Virginia-Shenandoah Valley
7,670 posts, read 14,234,258 times
Reputation: 7464
Quote:
Originally Posted by brenpilot View Post
Thanks for the quick replies! I'm cautaiously optimistic now...I think I'll try driving the afternoon commute today (I leave work around 4:30).

Any bets on how long it will take?

I'll report back when i get home tonight.
Are you driving to Manassas? Depending on where in Manassas it will take 60-90 minutes. Manassas starts on 66 when you enter PW near the rest areas. If you're going to drive to likely areas to live near VRE or Gainesville this will add the extra 20 minutes or so.
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Old 09-28-2010, 09:32 AM
 
65 posts, read 120,496 times
Reputation: 37
Good to know. There's a couple of different subdivisions I want to look at in person so I figured I might as well head out there at a time I'm expecting to be on the road.
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Old 09-28-2010, 09:54 AM
 
309 posts, read 828,233 times
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Obviously the closer you are to 66 the better the commute will be.

I get on 66W at the FFX County Parkway typically between 5:00 and 6:00PM Once on 66 (the ramp can back up terribly) the drive between the Parkway and Exit 44 - (Prince William Parkway) usually only takes 20 minutes. Not sure how bad 66 is getting on from the beltway to that point though.

The morning commute on 66 has gotten really, really bad. I live in Bristow and what used to take 30 minutes has almost doubled. I believe you need to leave before 6:00 am unless you want to sit a long time on 66 to get to the beltway.

Any chance for car pooling? My next door neighbor works in DC and he leaves at 5:30 am with 2 others and they actually take 95/395. He swears this is faster than taking 66.

Search the forum for Gainesville/Bristow/Haymarket for more information about the area. They tend to be grouped this way since they are so close to one another.

Good luck
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Old 09-28-2010, 11:01 AM
 
65 posts, read 120,496 times
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Thanks Claire that's very helpful to know. I will definitely look into forming/joining a carpool if I choose to live there.
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Old 09-29-2010, 02:43 PM
 
Location: Virginia-Shenandoah Valley
7,670 posts, read 14,234,258 times
Reputation: 7464
So what was your verdict?
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Old 09-30-2010, 08:32 AM
 
65 posts, read 120,496 times
Reputation: 37
The afternoon commute really wasn't too bad! I left work on Tuesday and completely spaced, and didn't remember until I got home (oops!). I drove out there yesterday, and it took just over 1h 15min. I left at about 4:15.

However, I'm worried about days like today, and especially during snow storms. I can't believe how bad people are here at driving in weather! I'm guessing the morning commute could be 2-3 hours from Gainesville in the winter? Anybody have experience with this?
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