Road Trip: Annapolis, Maryland to Herndon, Virginia

If you're planning a trip from Annapolis, Maryland to Herndon, Virginia, you may be wondering about the best route and estimated drive time. With different factors affecting the commute, such as traffic and road conditions, it can be hard to decide which is the fastest and most efficient route. To save you some time, we've compiled some information to help you plan your next road trip.

Fastest Route with Distance and Drive Time

The fastest route from Annapolis, Maryland to Herndon, Virginia is via US-50 W and VA-286 S/Fairfax County Parkway. This route has a total distance of approximately 65.4 miles and takes about an hour with light traffic. During peak hours, it may take closer to 1.5 hours due to congestion.

Shortest Route with Distance and Drive Time

The shortest route from Annapolis, Maryland to Herndon, Virginia is via I-97 S and MD-32 W. This route has a total distance of approximately 52.6 miles and takes less than an hour with light traffic. During peak hours, it may take up to 1 hour and 15 minutes due to congestion.

Other Route Options

If you want to avoid major highways or want to take a scenic route, there are other road options as well. Some alternative routes include MD-175 W and MD-32 W or US-301 S and VA-123 S. However, these routes may take longer and add on more miles to your trip, with drive times ranging from 1.5 to 2 hours.

Low Traffic vs. Peak Traffic

Commute times vary based on traffic and road conditions. If you're looking to avoid congestion and are flexible with your driving schedule, we recommend traveling during non-peak hours. Off-peak hours are usually between 9 am and 4 pm or during the weekend. During these times, you may be able to cut down your drive time by up to 30 minutes.

Conclusion

When planning a road trip, it's important to consider multiple factors to decide the best route and time to travel. Whether you want the fastest or shortest route, avoiding major highways or enjoying a scenic drive, there are various options available. By keeping traffic patterns in mind and planning ahead, you can have a smooth and stress-free journey from Annapolis, Maryland to Herndon, Virginia.