Time It Takes to Drive From Alexandria, VA to Arbutus, MD

Are you looking to visit Arbutus, MD, from Alexandria, VA? Driving is the best option for most people, but without knowing the best route and driving times, planning the trip can be stressful and take up your valuable time. But don't worry, we’ve got you covered! We have researched the different routes, their distances, and how long it will take you to get there at peak and low traffic hours.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route from Alexandria to Arbutus is via I-95 South and I-695 West. The distance covered on this route is 50.4 miles, and under normal traffic conditions, it takes around 1 hour to get to your destination. On the other hand, the slowest route involves going through the city center via MD-295 South. This route is 52.3 miles long and can take an hour and a half or more in heavy traffic.

Peak Traffic Times Vs. Low Traffic Times

Avoiding peak traffic times is always a good idea if your goal is to save some time and reach your destination faster. Rush hour in Northern Virginia usually starts around 6:00 AM and lasts until 9:00 AM, and picks up again in the evening between 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM, so driving outside of those hours will help you miss traffic congestion.

During low traffic times, you can cover the distance between Alexandria and Arbutus in about 50 minutes on the I-95 South and I-695 West route. However, it can take up to two hours during rush hour. On the other hand, if you opt to take the slower route through the city center, you will spend an extra 30 minutes or more of travel time, especially during peak hours.

Route Options

While the I-95 South and I-695 West route is the fastest, there are other options as well. One of the alternate routes is via I-495 West. This route is 59.4 miles long and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, but it may be a better option if traffic is heavy on the I-95 South and I-695 West route.

Another route option is via MD-295 S, which starts in Washington DC and merges with the Baltimore Washington Parkway. Use this route if you’re in no hurry and want to see the sights; the route passes by some famous landmarks like the National Mall and Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

In conclusion, driving from Alexandria, VA, to Arbutus, MD, is a convenient option, and taking the right route at the right time can help you save time and complete your journey faster. Keep this blog post handy and choose the route that works best for your travel requirements!