Vienna to DC commute (Arlington, Burke: home, construction, high school) - Northern Virginia - Virginia (VA) - City-Data Forum

rich59 · 02-13-2010, 03:53 PM

I am starting a new job on Capitol Hill and will be living in Vienna near Madison High School. Can anyone give me any ideas for the best commuting options to get to Capitol Hill. I would prefer to drive because I have to work late occasionally. I need to be at work by around 8:45 am and will be leaving the office at 6:30 or later in the evening. How long will it take me to get to work each day? Any thoughts on the commute would be appreciated.

JD984 · 02-13-2010, 06:24 PM

If you're really close to Madison, I'd reconsider the decision to drive because you'll be quite close to the Vienna metro station. If you leave early enough in the morning, you'll have no problem finding a parking spot, and the trains do run in the evening.

If you do decide to drive to DC, you'll want to avoid the Tysons area at the intersection of Routes 123 and 7, particularly with the Silver Line construction that is now taking place. If you have another passenger or are driving a hybrid car on an approved list, you can drive on Route 66 (which is otherwise has HOV-2 restrictions) during both the morning and evening rush hours.

If you can't drive on Route 66 due to the lane restrictions, I'd probably just take Nutley Street in Vienna to either Lee Highway or Arlington Boulevard, and take one of those roads east to the Roosevelt Bridge. I'd then take the Independence Avenue exit right after you enter DC. Independence Avenue doesn't have as much traffic as Constitution Avenue and it goes through Capitol Hill (south side). There are other routes that one can take, some of which involve short-cuts through residential areas, but I'm not convinced they really save any time.

As to the duration of the commute, the earlier you leave Vienna and the later you leave DC, the shorter a trip you'll have. If you leave shortly before 7:30 AM or shortly after 6:30 PM, you're probably looking at about 45-50 minutes each way by car, although it can take longer. You wouldn't necessarily save much time door-to-door by taking the Metro, but you can read (or doze off) on the train.

FrannyBear · 02-13-2010, 06:47 PM

Honestly -- you should take the metro -- it will be less stressful and you can read and relax on the metro. It's a long auto commute to Capitol Hill from Vienna -- and throw in rain or snow or accidents -- and it is a nightmare. Because Vienna is the end of the line -- you are guaranteed a seat in the morning and you don't even have to change lines -- the Orange Line goes to Capitol South.

saganista · 02-13-2010, 07:24 PM

I'd say it would be close to insane not to use Metro. It's practically in your front yard, and right next to work. May want to go in a little earlier to be sure of getting a parking spot at the Vienna station. Also, all government and many private sector employers participate in Metro's SmartBenefits program which could pick up a substantial piece of your commuting costs for you. Ask about it. As for travel time, the time on the train itself will be 37 minutes. Add to that whatever you think you need on either end.

Blanca29 · 02-14-2010, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich59

I am starting a new job on Capitol Hill and will be living in Vienna near Madison High School. Can anyone give me any ideas for the best commuting options to get to Capitol Hill. I would prefer to drive because I have to work late occasionally. I need to be at work by around 8:45 am and will be leaving the office at 6:30 or later in the evening. How long will it take me to get to work each day? Any thoughts on the commute would be appreciated.

The drive is hell after 7 am. I also work late and coming home is bad unless I leave after 8 pm.

OrangeFish · 02-14-2010, 07:42 AM

I echo everyone else's advice about taking Metro. My spouse works on the Hill and the traffic leaving DC is oftentimes horrific. The Metro is your friend and your location is perfect!

mlv311 · 02-14-2010, 07:51 AM

My husband works on the Hill and he drives from Fairfax (near Burke). If you can use Metro, you might want to consider it if you don't have an assigned parking space. It is less stressful and you can get a transportation subsidy. If you choose to drive, Jebb77 is correct about what a mess 66 is and the best route to get there as a solo driver and how long it will take--50 mins is best case scenario.

goozer · 02-14-2010, 08:48 AM

As per everyone above. Take Metro. When you get used to the metro commute, for a goof, try driving one day. If nothing else, it will reaffirm your wisdom in choosing to commute via subway.