The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Arlington, Virginia to College Park, Maryland

Are you planning to drive from Arlington, Virginia to College Park, Maryland? This route is a popular one because of the distance and proximity of the two cities. However, traffic patterns can make the trip longer or shorter, depending on when you hit the road. In this ultimate guide, we’ll take a look at the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each route, and the time it takes to reach College Park at different times of day.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

There are three main routes to get from Arlington, Virginia to College Park, Maryland: I-495, I-95, and Route 50. I-495 is the fastest route as it is a major highway with fewer stoplights and intersections. This route is about 20.5 miles long, and with light traffic, it will take you around 30 minutes to reach College Park. However, during rush hour and peak travel times, it can take up to an hour and a half to drive this route.

I-95 is the second-fastest route but can get very congested, especially around the Woodbridge and Springfield areas. The distance of this route is around 25 miles, and with moderate traffic, it can take 40-50 minutes to reach College Park. However, during rush hour, it can take up to two hours to reach your destination.

Route 50 is the slowest but most scenic route to drive from Arlington to College Park. The distance of this route is around 23.5 miles, and with light traffic, it can take around 45 minutes to reach College Park. However, traffic can get backed up due to stoplights and intersections, and the travel time can quickly jump to an hour or more.

Time Based on Traffic Patterns

If you plan to drive from Arlington to College Park during the morning rush hour (between 7-9 am), you should expect heavy traffic on all routes. The travel time can vary greatly based on the route you choose. You should plan for at least one and a half hours if you take I-495, two hours if you take I-95, and an hour and a half if you take Route 50.

On the other hand, driving from Arlington to College Park during off-peak hours (between 10am-3 pm), will be much faster. The travel time will be around 30-45 minutes on I-495, 40-50 minutes on I-95, and 45 minutes on Route 50. Plus, you’ll have more scenic views if you take Route 50 during this time.

Finally, during the evening rush hour (between 4-7 pm), you should expect heavy traffic on all routes. The travel time will be at least one hour and a half if you take I-495, two hours if you take I-95, and an hour and a half if you take Route 50.

Conclusion

Before you hit the road, it's important to keep in mind that the traffic patterns in Northern Virginia and Maryland can change unexpectedly. Always check the traffic conditions on your route before getting behind the wheel. Nevertheless, with this ultimate guide, you have all the information you need to plan your trip from Arlington, Virginia to College Park, Maryland. Drive safely, and enjoy your journey!