Best driving route IAD to DCA?
Nov 15, 2014, 1:22 pm
#1
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Best driving route IAD to DCA?
What's the best route to take from IAD to DCA on a Friday afternoon? I know where to start but there are many choices once I get to 495 and beyond so thought I'd consult those in the know. For reference, will be leaving IAD around 4 to 4:30 for making a 7:00 PM departure from DCA. Thanks!
Nov 16, 2014, 1:10 am
#3
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What's the best route to take from IAD to DCA on a Friday afternoon? I know where to start but there are many choices once I get to 495 and beyond so thought I'd consult those in the know. For reference, will be leaving IAD around 4 to 4:30 for making a 7:00 PM departure from DCA. Thanks!
Nov 16, 2014, 7:25 am
#4
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use google maps, and google directions. if there is a traffic jam in DC, you cannot get there from here.
if you have a traffic gps, that would be useful. it is a pretty straight forward trip.
if you have a traffic gps, that would be useful. it is a pretty straight forward trip.
Nov 16, 2014, 8:52 am
#5
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Is this related to your trip in Feb '15 (post #23 from this thread)?
Nov 16, 2014, 9:40 am
#6
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2.5 hours is not enough time for that ground transfer if you are renting a car. Additional steps involve IAD shuttle to the rental center and substantial (although closed moving walkway) from DCA rental center to checkpoint.
If you are not familiar with the area, best bet at that time is Uber or other car service where the drivers know the back streets which go around traffic jams. Those routes won't show on a GPS map and can be worse than a major road traffic jam if you play it wrong.
If you are not familiar with the area, best bet at that time is Uber or other car service where the drivers know the back streets which go around traffic jams. Those routes won't show on a GPS map and can be worse than a major road traffic jam if you play it wrong.
Nov 16, 2014, 12:20 pm
#7
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You're perhaps better off with Metrorail -- Washington Flyer $5 bus to the Wiehle Avenue Silver Line terminus, Silver Line inbound to Rosslyn, change for Blue Line to National Airport. That's about 45-50 minutes in motion, plus wait times.
Nov 16, 2014, 4:36 pm
#8
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Lastly, is this feasible with a fair amount of luggage (midsize suitcase and a couple of small carry-ons for each of us)?
Nov 16, 2014, 4:52 pm
#9
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DCA can also be fairly busy on Friday evening. Do you have Pre-Check? Also sounds like you are checking luggage. Probably should see if there is a late flight to CLE from DCA in case you miss the 7pm one. You might make it; you might not; you might be running down the terminal...
Nov 16, 2014, 5:37 pm
#10
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Last flight xDCA is at 6:56 PM (presume that's what OP is currently scheduled for). If he noshows for that, he's on a 6 AM or 10:29 AM the next day (space available).
Remember, UA requires you to be through the gate reader by T-15 (matters if flight is at risk of oversale). That's 6:41 PM.
This is even less doable in a rental car. Not likely doable in a car service, but at least worth the try. x IAD, the flights at at 5:00 PM and 9:52 PM. Both are -145's, so small aircraft which are routinely full.
Remember, UA requires you to be through the gate reader by T-15 (matters if flight is at risk of oversale). That's 6:41 PM.
This is even less doable in a rental car. Not likely doable in a car service, but at least worth the try. x IAD, the flights at at 5:00 PM and 9:52 PM. Both are -145's, so small aircraft which are routinely full.
Last edited by Often1; Nov 16, 2014 at 5:43 pm
Nov 16, 2014, 10:35 pm
#11
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Originally Posted by JimInOhio
Lastly, is this feasible with a fair amount of luggage (midsize suitcase and a couple of small carry-ons for each of us)?
Nov 17, 2014, 9:28 am
#12
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Thanks everyone. Yes, we have GE and PreCheck. Any experience with how fast SAS is with baggage? If we're running late into IAD, I can plead my case with UA to get us out of IAD instead of DCA. After all, they are the ones who ticketed this. Also, the person I spoke to at UA says there's a good chance our waitlist for the ~5PM departure from IAD will clear anyway, though I have my doubts.
Nov 17, 2014, 10:49 am
#14
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Assuming you leave IAD by 4:30, I would expect you can make it to DCA by 6 PM. Will be tight though. I wouldn't even try a car rental or Metro. Definitely go with a car service or even Washington Flyer.
You will use airport-only lanes on the toll road, then I would try I-66, but be prepared for traffic. If heavy, I would ask the driver to take Lee Highway to Lorcom Lane to Spout Run to the GW Parkway.
You will use airport-only lanes on the toll road, then I would try I-66, but be prepared for traffic. If heavy, I would ask the driver to take Lee Highway to Lorcom Lane to Spout Run to the GW Parkway.
Nov 17, 2014, 10:50 am
#15
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What's the best route to take from IAD to DCA on a Friday afternoon? I know where to start but there are many choices once I get to 495 and beyond so thought I'd consult those in the know. For reference, will be leaving IAD around 4 to 4:30 for making a 7:00 PM departure from DCA. Thanks!