Commute to Pentagon Questions (Alexandria-centric) (Arlington, Mount Vernon: daycare, contractors, live in)

[Generic Alexandria Guy]

BACKGROUND: I currently live in Old Town Alexandria and work a few blocks away from Le'Enfant. Typically, I take the AT3 (Dash) to my kid's daycare with him, drop him off, and then walk the six blocks to Braddock Metro. All in all, it's about 50 minutes from when I walk out the door to when I walk into my office - not bad considering I'm dropping off the little guy as part of my commute. (I'm adding this info because commute time/type is a big variable for me regarding taking a new job.)

I'm contemplating taking a job at the Pentagon. Also, we'll be moving a few miles south this Spring (to the Waynewood area). I'll be about a Bryce Harper baseball throw from the GW Parkway and Mount Vernon Trail. My question is, now easy would it be to drive to the Pentagon from where I live? I know that the GW Parkway isn't a bad drive once you get through Old Town on most days (unless you are trying to get across the 14th Bridge which can be a hassle), and I know the way to the Pentagon (I would just keep to the left past the 14th Street Bridge and take I-395 South), but how easy is it to get to the Pentagon after that? Are there parking lots for contractors? (a few searches seem to indicate that parking is very limited) I don't even mind throwing my hybrid bike on the back of my crossover and riding for a few minutes from my car to the whatever entrance I'll be using.

Also, are there good bike commute options from the MVT to get to the Pentagon? Would one detour through Crystal City?

Any and all information/insight would be greatly appreciated...

[Carlingtonian]

I work for DoD but not at the Pentagon; however, I've heard there is a long waiting list for parking there unless you're an SES or flag officer. The commute itself from where you are wouldn't be horrible; I used to go the other way (to Belvoir from Arlington), and the northbound AM traffic was heavy but moving.

Your other alternative would be to take a bus to the Mark Center and then a shuttle from there to the Pentagon, as a lot of folks do. (Don't plan on driving to the MC, because there's a long waiting list there too.) Good luck.

[ArtyGuy]

You should plan on using public transportation to get to the Pentagon unless you're being hired on as an SES or working in something such as the NMCC.

[kevbros]

Once you get on 395 south the first exit past the parkway is Boundary Channel Drive that leads to North Parking. Or you can go straight and head for South Parking. Actually getting a parking pass depends on your job. Many people take bus and metro because of the great connections to the building and inability to get parking.

Cycling to the Pentagon is very easy. There is a connector between the MVT and LBJ park that goes under the north side of the Humpback Bridge and links right into Pentagon North Parking.

A bike would not be that helpful from the parking lot to the building - most entrances have steps and security far away from the actual entrance.

There are busses that come up the Parkway, but I don't know much about them. You could probably also take a bus to Huntington or King Street, but that starts to get complicated. Waynewood is more of a car-based community.

[gomason]

If you take public transportation, you would have to take the Fairfax Connector 101 to Huntington Metro or the 11Y to Huntington Point and switch to the 10A.

http://wmata.com/pdfs/bus/Virginia_System_Map.pdf?

[Generic Alexandria Guy]

I forgot about the 11Y! There is a stop at the GWP/Collingwood Road intersection which is a very short walk. Google maps says it would be an hour and 6 minutes going the 11Y/10A route. Not bad! I like the bus, it gives me time to catch up on my reading/Angry Birds.

Thanks to all who replied. I do imagine that I'll be bike commuting as much as possible though. I'm going to try the route out during this weekend's "heat wave."

[Flamingo13]

Why not just take Metro to the Pentagon?

[Carlingtonian]

Originally Posted by Flamingo13

Why not just take Metro to the Pentagon?

Waynewood isn't near Metrorail at all--though he could conceivably drive to Braddock Road. But I don't know if they have parking there.

[Flamingo13]

Thanks (I missed the part about moving, although I have no idea where Waynewood is...)