Road Trip: How Long Does It Take to Drive from Alexandria, VA to Frederick, MD?

If you're planning a road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Frederick, Maryland, it's important to know how long it will take to reach your destination. Lucky for you, we've done the research for you! Read on for a breakdown of the fastest and slowest routes, distance, and estimated driving times based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Alexandria, Virginia to Frederick, Maryland takes approximately 70 minutes. To reach Frederick as quickly as possible, take I-495 West towards Silver Spring, then follow I-270 North towards Frederick. The distance of this route is approximately 49 miles.

During peak traffic times, this route can take significantly longer, with delays occurring on both I-495 and I-270. On average, traffic tends to be heaviest Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 9:00am and 4:00pm to 6:00pm. During these times, it's best to avoid I-495 and instead take exit 39B off the Capital Beltway onto River Road, then turn left onto Falls Road and follow Route 28 into Frederick.

The Scenic Route

While it's not the fastest route from Alexandria to Frederick, for those who have some extra time or want to avoid traffic, taking Route 15 through Northern Virginia and Maryland can offer stunning views and a more relaxed journey. This route takes approximately 2 hours and covers approximately 83 miles.

During peak traffic times, taking this route may not save time and could even take longer due to slow-moving traffic. However, if you're traveling on a weekend or outside of rush hour traffic, taking a scenic drive can be a great way to enjoy the sights along the way.

The Slowest Route

The slowest route from Alexandria to Frederick is through Route 28, which takes approximately 80 minutes and covers approximately 52 miles. While this route is the slowest, it's a good option for drivers seeking to avoid highways and prefer a more scenic route.

Additionally, it can be considered a good alternative when I-270 and Route 15 are experiencing heavy traffic during peak hours. Note that even during low traffic times, this route can be slower due to stoplights or heavy commercial traffic.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to driving between Alexandria, Virginia and Frederick, Maryland, the fastest route is always the most direct, taking I-495 West towards Silver Spring and following I-270 North to Frederick. However, depending on traffic patterns and personal preferences, taking Route 15 or Route 28 may be better options. If possible, avoid rush hour traffic to help ensure a smooth and easy drive. Safe travels!