The Scenic Drive from Arlington to Friendly: Route Options and Travel Time

Are you looking for a scenic drive from Arlington, Virginia to Friendly, Maryland? This article will highlight several route options and travel times so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. All routes take into account normal traffic conditions, but be sure to check for traffic updates before heading out.

Route 1: National Harbor and the Potomac River (Approximately 18 miles)

Start off by heading east on I-395 towards Route 1 (Jefferson Davis Highway). Merge onto Route 1 South towards Alexandria. Continue on Route 1 South until you reach the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge. Cross the bridge and take exit 2A to National Harbor. Enjoy the shops, restaurants, and scenic views of the Potomac River. From National Harbor, head west on Oxon Hill Road, which turns into Route 210 South. Continue on Route 210 South until you reach Friendly.

Travel time for this route: approximately 40 minutes without stops.

Recommended stops along this route: National Harbor, The Awakening Sculpture, and the National Harbor Waterfront Park.

Route 2: Historic Anacostia and Route 4 (Approximately 22 miles)

Begin by heading south on I-395 towards Exit 3 (South Capitol Street). Follow South Capitol Street until you reach the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. Cross the bridge and take the first exit onto South Capitol Street. Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE and continue onto Good Hope Road SE. Turn left onto Alabama Avenue SE and follow it until you reach Route 4 East. Take Route 4 East until you reach Friendly.

Travel time for this route: approximately 45 minutes without stops.

Recommended stops along this route: Historic Anacostia, Anacostia Park, and Watkins Regional Park.

Route 3: Bowie and Route 301 (Approximately 27 miles)

Begin by heading south on I-395 towards Exit 7 (Route 395 North). Take Route 395 North to exit 2B for Route 295 South. Stay on Route 295 South until you reach Route 50 East towards Annapolis. Take the exit for Route 197 South towards Bowie. Follow Route 197 South until you reach Route 301 South. Take Route 301 South until you reach Friendly.

Travel time for this route: approximately 50 minutes without stops.

Recommended stops along this route: Bowie Town Center, Allen Pond Park, and Crofton Go-Kart Raceway.

Driving Time

If you choose to drive without making stops, the travel time from Arlington to Friendly is 30 minutes. However, taking any of the above routes will add around 15-20 minutes to your travel time.

Final Thoughts

There are several scenic routes to choose from when driving from Arlington to Friendly. Take your time and enjoy the journey by stopping at some of the recommended attractions along the way. Whether you prefer shopping, parks, or historic sites, there is something for everyone when traveling through Maryland and Virginia.