Driving from Arlington to Vienna: How Long Will It Take?
Are you planning to hit the road from Arlington to Vienna in Virginia? Whether you need to commute to work, visit a friend or attend an appointment, you're probably wondering how long it will take you to get there.
The good news is that there are different routes to choose from, depending on your preferences and traffic conditions. In this post, we'll explore the fastest and slowest ways to drive from Arlington to Vienna, the distance of each route, and the estimated driving time under different scenarios.
The Fastest Route: Via VA-66 & SR-123
If time is of the essence, you may want to take the quickest route from Arlington to Vienna. This involves driving on VA-66 West until you reach Exit 62B - Nutley Street North. Then, you'll continue on Nutley Street until you cross Chain Bridge Road (SR-123), and turn left. This will take you directly to Vienna.
According to Google Maps and assuming low traffic conditions, this route covers a distance of 8.4 miles and can take you as little as 15 minutes to drive. However, during peak rush hour, you may need to add extra time to your travel, as traffic can get congested on VA-66 and Nutley Street.
The Scenic Route: Via George Washington Memorial Parkway
If you prefer a more scenic drive, you may want to consider taking the George Washington Memorial Parkway from Arlington to Vienna. This route runs along the Potomac River and offers views of national monuments, parks, and historic sites. To get to Vienna, you'll need to exit the Parkway at VA-123 North towards Chain Bridge Road, then follow it until you reach Vienna.
While this route is longer than the previous one, covering a distance of 11.5 miles, it can be a relaxing and enjoyable drive. Keep in mind that the Parkway can be busy on weekends and holidays, so you may want to avoid it during peak tourism seasons.
The Slowest Route: Via Chain Bridge Road (SR-123)
If you're not in a hurry and want to explore different neighborhoods and landmarks on your way to Vienna, you can choose to drive on Chain Bridge Road (SR-123) all the way. This route will take you through the cities of McLean and Tysons, passing by shopping malls, restaurants, and residential areas.
Be warned, though, that this route can be the slowest one, especially during rush hours and construction works. According to Google Maps, the distance between Arlington and Vienna via Chain Bridge Road is 10.5 miles, which can take you up to 30 minutes or more to drive depending on traffic conditions.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the time it takes to drive from Arlington to Vienna can vary depending on the route you choose and the time of the day. Keep in mind that traffic patterns can change unexpectedly, and road closures or accidents can affect your travel plans.
So, before you hit the road, make sure to check traffic alerts and plan your route accordingly. And no matter which route you end up choosing, remember to drive safely and enjoy the ride!