Don’t Get Stuck in Traffic: Your Guide to the Drive from Ashburn, Virginia to Washington, DC

Are you planning a day trip to the Nation’s Capital? A morning meeting in downtown DC? Or just curious about the time it takes to make the trek? Look no further! Here’s a breakdown of the best routes and expected times for the drive from Ashburn, Virginia to Washington, DC.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Ashburn to DC is via the Dulles Access Road and the I-66E. This route is about 30 miles long, and can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. During peak rush hour, expect the journey to take a full hour. But if you avoid rush hour traffic, you can cut your travel time by 15-20 minutes.

The Slowest Route

If you take the route via the Dulles Toll Road and the I-495S, expect a longer drive, around 35-40 miles. This route can take anywhere from 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and during rush hour, more towards the upper end of this range.

Alternate Routes

Need to avoid traffic altogether? Consider taking Route 7 and the George Washington Memorial Parkway to DC. The distance is about the same as the Dulles Toll Road route (around 35-40 miles), but travel time can vary depending on the time of day. During peak rush hour, expect it to take between 1 hour and 1 hour 15 minutes. During the middle of the day, travel time can drop to around 45 minutes.

Plan Ahead

In general, we recommend planning your drive ahead of time to avoid rush hour traffic, which can be especially heavy during weekdays. If you absolutely have to travel at peak times, consider taking a route with a more reliable travel time. Whichever route you take, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination safely and on time!

All in all, enjoy your trip and take the time to appreciate the amazing sights, shopping, and dining in DC without the stress of traffic.