Getting to DCA during pope's visit (Franconia, Washington: transfer, live in, vs.)

[Hesky]

I have a flight that leaves tomorrow at 8:30 am and I'm trying to figure out what's the best way to get to DCA considering the road closures for the pope's visit.

Originally, my wife was going to drop me off at the airport, but I'm wondering if that's wise. We live in Loudoun (Sterling Park) and we usually take interstate 66, but I heard both 66 and the GW Parkway may have big delays.

So I might just take the metro. The issue is I'm travelling alone with my baby, which means I'm lugging around a ton of stuff: my luggage, a stroller, a car seat, the diaper bag and of course a cranky toddler that can't yet walk. So the metro ride will be tough, but probably better than getting stuck on 66.

What would you do in my position? Metro or drive (and if so what route?). How early do you think I should leave?

Thanks for your advise!

PS. Doesn't this stuff annoy you? As if we didn't have enough traffic issues, we get to host these events that really only make the lives of regular Washington metro residents and commuters a nightmare.

[Carlingtonian]

If your flight leaves at 8:30, then you'd want to be there around 7:00. Or before if parking. If I were you, I'd take 66, leaving around 5:45. Most people will be working from home, so traffic should be light. I would not trust the Metro to be on time, and I think you'll have a hard time juggling the baby and all the baby-related paraphernalia.

I'm not annoyed about the Pope's visit. He's a big deal and a good dude. I do think they might be going a little overboard with the street closures, though.

[johnsonkk]

Agree on the departure time...leave early when little one can be transferred to car still asleep. Park ultra close but your challenge is going to be carrying everything. Hopefully the stroller can handle some items and your traveling light. If all goes well, you have over an hour just waiting on flight.

[ChristineVA]

I'd drive. Most people have been scared enough to stay home. I think you will "breeze" in at that time.

[Fallout Zone]

Hope the OP drove in. What a fantastic morning commute. Really shows the power of telework.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by Fallout Zone

Hope the OP drove in. What a fantastic morning commute. Really shows the power of telework.

It was a wonderful commute wasn't it? Gosh if all days could be that way.

[johnsonkk]

Slugs were lined up for miles. The commuter buses surely fluid have driven at least to the Pentagon vs. Stopping at Franconia metro station.

[Carlingtonian]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

It was a wonderful commute wasn't it? Gosh if all days could be that way.

It's a miracle! If ending DC traffic gridlock doesn't qualify Francis for eventual sainthood, I don't know what would.

[gomason]

I knew this would happen. The media hyped this crap for so many days, I knew there would end up being very little traffic/issues.

These crowds are like 1.5% the size of Obama's first inauguration. Comical that people were acting like this would be the end of the world. Heck, more people use Metro on days when there are 2 or more sporting events on the same day.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by gomason

I knew this would happen. The media hyped this crap for so many days, I knew there would end up being very little traffic/issues.

These crowds are like 1.5% the size of Obama's first inauguration. Comical that people were acting like this would be the end of the world. Heck, more people use Metro on days when there are 2 or more sporting events on the same day.

Very typical and I'm tired of it. But I guess if OPM did not heed the hype, it could have been messy.