Commute from Tyson's to Capitol (McLean, Falls Church: neighborhood, cost, bus)

[viking1974]

Hello! Does anyone have any estimated travel times from the Pimmit Hills neighborhood of Falls Church (starting at intersection of 123 and Great Falls) to Capitol Hill via GW Parkway South to 395 S? I could leave a little later than normal, perhaps as late as 9, but 8:30 would be preferable. I know this commute won't be pretty-- give it to me straight.

Any non-66 alternate route recommendations would be much appreciated as well...

[saganista]

Pimmit Hills is in McLean and Great Falls & 123 isn't in Pimmit Hills, but close enough. Anyway, the commute you're considering isn't as bad as many. With your hours, you could also hit I-66 (123 S then 267 E) just as the HOV restrictions are ending (9:00). I used to do that and consistently hit K Street in 25 minutes. That's not Capitol Hill, though. You could also take Great Falls over through Falls Church, then trek down Lee Highway to Spout Run and hit the GW Parkway there. But you almost certainly do not want to use 395 over the 14th Street Bridge to get into town. Using the Teddy Roosevelt Bridge off the Parkway, then Ohio Drive to Independence Avenue as a means for getting east is likely to be a better bet, but I haven't done that route in a while, and the reason why is Metro, which is something you should very seriously consider. Parking in an actual Metro lot will be tough in the 8:30-9:00 range, but the rest of the journey to Capitol Hill would be so much easier on the train that it would be worth your while to look into either parking options (guaranteed spot pass is an extra $45/month, but might be worth it) or a convenient bus route to Metro. Then there's the cost factor. Driving will likely cost $20-25 per day. Metro will likely be closer to $6-10 per day. Who doesn't need an extra $75 in free money per week?

[viking1974]

Thanks, this is very helpful. I thought that I might hit congestion taking the Roosevelt Bridge to Independence Ave., but it probably beats the congestion on the Parkway.

Metro is a good option, but does the West Falls Church lot fill up by 8 or so when I'd be leaving?

[saganista]

Originally Posted by viking1974

Thanks, this is very helpful. I thought that I might hit congestion taking the Roosevelt Bridge to Independence Ave., but it probably beats the congestion on the Parkway.

You will hit congestion on the Roosevelt Bridge. 50, 66, and the GW Parkway all feed into it. But it will likely (but not definitely) be better than going further south, then trying to navigate the dependable mess of 395 and trying to get back north over the 14th Street Bridge.

Originally Posted by viking1974

Metro is a good option, but does the West Falls Church lot fill up by 8 or so when I'd be leaving?

I never use West Falls Church, but 8:00 or so would be typical, earlier if it's raining, as some people who would ordinarily take the bus to Metro decide to drive. The bus to West Falls Church would be an option, or if you wouldn't much miss the extra $45 a month, you can always get a guaranteed parking spot at the Metro station. A lot of people do, but more did when it was only $20 a month. The guaranty is good until 10:00 am.