Help with commute?
 

Hi Fellow FTers,
Was wondering if someone can tell me what the commute by car from the DC area to JFK is like on a normal weekday morning.
We have a PS flight JFK-SFO at 11:30 am.
How much time should I budget for this commute?
Best vs. worst case scenario?

Any advice is appreciately.
Thanks.

I try to learn something new everyday. ^

Where in the DC area? Being in NoVa would add an hour, maybe two, as you may depart in the morning rush. You will also hit morning rush hour in Baltimore. I would allow a bare minimum of 4 hours. With the likelihood of delays on the Outerbridge Crossing/ SI Expressway/ Verrazzano, you're looking at a possibility of 6 hours. If you can get there without driving, do it!

There are some really low fares right now from IAD to LGA/JFK... you might want to fly... or take Amtrak.

I've made this trip a few times (driving all the way from central Virginia to JFK to take advantage of extra-low fares or mileage run deals) and I'd allow 5 hours, at a bare minimum, from anywhere in the DC area to JFK.

Assuming no unusual traffic delays, downtown DC to midtown Manhattan by car usually takes me 4 1/2 hours via the BW Pkwy/I-95/I-895/I-295/NJTP/Lincoln Tunnel route, traveling 5-9 mph over the posted speed limits and allowing one quick bathroom/food/fuel stop along the way. JFK is a good 20 miles or so east of Manhattan, so even cutting across Staten Island on I-278 it'll still take you longer to get to JFK from the NJ Turnpike than it will to Manhattan.

I'd recommend leaving DC by 4:30 a.m. just to play it safe and allow plenty of time to park the car at JFK and check in for your flight.