The Quickest & Slowest Routes from Beltsville, MD to the Nation's Capital

Are you planning a trip from Beltsville, MD to Washington, DC? One of the biggest questions you may have is, “How long will it take me to get there?” Well, that depends on a variety of factors, including the route you choose and the time of day you hit the road.

Fastest Route: I-495 W

The quickest and most direct route to downtown DC from Beltsville, MD is taking I-495 W. This renowned interstate highway known as the Capital Beltway, circles around the outskirts of DC and connects to the major highways leading into the city. On average, the distance is approximately 12 miles and could take roughly 30 minutes to cover the distance during low traffic hours. However, during peak traffic time, this route may take quite a long time because the Capital Beltway is frequently jam-packed with traffic.

Scenic Route: US-1 S

This is not the fastest way to reach Washington DC from Beltsville, but it is one of the scenic routes. US-1 S takes you on a journey through the charming cities and historic sites of Silver Spring and College Parks, respectively. This route is approximately 13.9 miles, so it takes approximately 35 minutes under moderate traffic. However, you should expect the time to increase during rush hours since you may get stuck in slow-moving traffic.

Slowest Route: I-295 S

If you have time at your disposal and want to experience a different route to Washington DC, then I-295 S could be your option. Although this is the slowest route, it will grant you the opportunity to experience other cities en route such as Anacostia and Capitol Hill. The distance is around 15 miles, so expect the drive to last around 40 minutes with average traffic. However, be patient during heavy traffic times since the jam could be quite unbearable.

Drive Time Estimation Table

To assist you in deciding the best time to travel, refer to the chart below for estimated driving time during peak traffic times and low traffic times:

Route	Distance (miles)	Time without Traffic	Peak Traffic
I-495 W	12	25 minutes	45-60 minutes
US-1 S	13.9	30 minutes	55-70 minutes
I-295 S	15	35 minutes	60-90 minutes

Now that you are informed about the best times to travel and the different routes to take while driving from Beltsville, MD, you have the freedom to choose which suits you best. Whether you take the quick and direct route through I-495 W, the scenic US-1 S or the slow but soul-fulfilling I-295 S, make sure to keep an eye on traffic and enjoy your ride!