Ashburn to D.C. commute (Reston, McLean: home, high school, place to live)

[ssnguyen7]

We are considering moving to Ashburn for a variety of reasons but our biggest concern is the commute. My husband works in the heart of the District. It looks like the bus might take 1.5 hours door-to-door, but can anyone who does it now confirm? We were looking in Ashburn Farm and Village and not sure how bad traffic is in the morning (6-7AM) getting to the Dulles North Transit center (not using the Greenway).

Also, he's considering a carpool / rideshare...can anyone quote estimated times using that option from Ashburn to DC? And, any recommendations on the best service to connect w/ other riders?

[ShannonMilligan]

I don't know about bus, but we live in Ashburn Farm and my husband travels to Tysons daily and it takes him 45 minutes or so to get there. DC is farther, so my guess driving would be a little over an hour. Ashburn is a lovely place to live (I love the Farm) but it WILL be a hike. He COULD drive to the Metro in Vienna and then ride that way...But that would be a lot. OR he could drive to Point of Rocks and go that way

[thirty-eight]

We are in exactly the same delimma. We are moving to VA in June. Hubby will work near the Washington mall. We love Ashburn but cannot find a way to make the commute in a reasonable amount of time. Instead, we may live in Vienna near Rt. 7 or McLean to ease the commute (but really want Ashburn).

Can anyone share your experience with commuting Ashburn to DC, leaving as early as 6:00 am or as late as 7:00 am M-F? How about the return trip leaving DC around 5:00 pm? What route would you take if you have no travel buddy to comply with HOV restrictions?

ssnguyen7: Reagrding rideshare, when are you moving? Maybe we can work together for a solution.

[JfromReston]

I can't help on the Ashburn - DC commute directly but can give you a little information. I commuted from Reston to DC for more than 4 years and also go from Reston to Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn on a weekly basis.

Reston (South Lakes area) to DC (14& M) takes 45-50 minutes if I have a rider (Toll Road to I-66) leaving at 7:45 am.
Reston to DC takes 1:10 to 1:30 without a rider (Toll Road to 495 to GW Parkway) leaving at 7:15 am.
Reston to Stone Bridge in Ashburn takes me 20 minutes with no traffic.

[mdcrim]

The Ashburn to DC on the commuter bus takes about an hour but you have to pad in a little commuting time to get TO the bus. I have gotten home from DC, leaving at around 5pm, on the commuter bus from the Ronald Reagan building in one hour, including the commute from Dulles North home to Ashburn Farm (that was my quickest time). In the mornings it takes a little longer because of the wait for the bus, unless you time it perfectly.

Some people I know drive down the toll road to route 7 and take 7 to the metro, then metro in. They tell me it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, leaving around 6am. I can imagine it would take much longer leaving anywhere around 7:30-9am due to traffic on the toll road.

Personally, in absence of commuting with a 2nd rider, a hybrid or by motorcycle, I prefer the Loudoun Commuter bus for my trips to DC.

[arlingtoncommuter]

I drive from Ashburn to DC and back everyday, most days its ok just have to leave at the same time, I live in Ashburn near Broadlands, I take RT7 to 495 to the GW parkway, As long as I leave between 6:15-6:30 I can make it in in about an hour or so. When the traffic is really moving I can get there earlier. I take a different route home, GW parkway to Georgetown Pike to RT 7. If I leave at 5 I can usually make it home by 6:30 depending on Georgetown Pike, most times that has backups. NOTE if you live in northern VA and work in DC you will deal with traffic, no matter the route!

[thirty-eight]

THANKS to all of you for the feedback. We will use all this information to help us decide if Ashburn will work for us. In looking at the commuter bus option, it seems to be a nicer ride than other buses. DH took the 5A from Dulles airport and said it was rather bumpy...couldn't imagine being able to work/write during commute. So, is the Ashburn to DC bus more like a coach with comfortable seats, etc.? What kind of work can you get done while riding? Writing....typing on laptop...any other thoughts? Again, thank you all for taking time to help us learn about commuting.

[mdcrim]

The Loudoun commuter bus is great. It's a coach-I think it seats 55 or so people. I have been told there is a restroom in the back. I have been on the bus where it is standing room only, but not all that often. You can quietly work on a laptop, etc, but they really, really discourage loud talking, cell phones, etc (and, yes, you will get the stink-eye from fellow passengers). Some of the buses are really quiet, some are more lively in the afternoons (with the "regulars"). It is a very interesting subculture...

[mjfalk]

I just moved to Ashburn Farms and love the area. I have not figured out the best commute route yet. I have been driving to the Herndon park and ride and taking the 5A to West Falls Church and jumping on the metro there. I get off at the Navy Memorial stop and it takes me aprox 1:45 minutes door to door. Comming back it takes about 2:15hrs. I have tried to take the 5A from Rosslyn and that ride took about 45min ride to the Herndon park and ride and it was a packed ride. There are a couple of commuter vans in the parking lot of in Ashburn Farms but i don't know where they drop off at. I am looking to join in a ride share goup to downtown if someone is willing.

[normie]

Originally Posted by mdcrim

they really, really discourage loud talking, cell phones, etc (and, yes, you will get the stink-eye from fellow passengers).

Good! I'm getting sick of having to overhear cell phones everywhere I go.