Road Trip: From Arlington, VA to Dundalk, MD

If you’re looking for a road trip with a mix of urban and suburban landscapes, you can’t go wrong with Arlington, VA to Dundalk, MD! The two cities are only 50 miles apart, so the drive shouldn’t take too long… in theory. But if you’re not familiar with the area, the drive time can depend heavily on the route you choose and the time of day you’re traveling.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route from Arlington to Dundalk involves taking I-95 North. It’s a fairly direct drive, but of course, you’ll want to keep an eye out for heavy traffic (which often occurs between 3-7pm) and accidents. Depending on traffic patterns and your starting location in Arlington, the drive can take anywhere from 1 hour to 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Alternatively, you can choose a more scenic route via I-495 West and I-95 North. While not as direct, this route offers more opportunities to see natural landscapes and enjoy some local attractions. Keep in mind that this route may add up to 30 minutes to your driving time.

The Distance of The Route

No matter which route you choose, the distance from Arlington to Dundalk is roughly 50 miles. However, the actual distance can vary due to detours, accidents, and alternate routes. It’s important to do your research and check traffic reports before you hit the road.

Time It Takes Based on Traffic Patterns

As mentioned earlier, traffic patterns can have a significant impact on your driving time. During peak traffic times, especially around rush hour, the drive can take much longer. In contrast, during off-peak times, such as early morning or late at night, the drive can be much quicker.

For example, if you’re lucky enough to have flexibility in your schedule, taking the trip early in the morning or on weekends could result in a much easier drive time. The trip may take approximately 1 hour if you take the I-95 North route, and slightly longer if you take the scenic route.

In contrast, during the peak hours, such as rush-hour during weekdays, the drive could take up to 1 hour and 45 minutes. It is important to add additional hours in your calculation if you are on a tight schedule.

Regardless of which route you choose or what time of day you’re traveling, always remember to follow traffic laws and practice safe driving habits. There’s no such thing as a completely free-from accidents or roadblocks, but with a little planning, you can easily enjoy this scenic drive from Arlington to Dundalk.