Driving Time between Alexandria, Virginia and Washington, District of Columbia

A picture depicting driving

A Friendly Guide to Drive from Alexandria, Virginia to Washington, District of Columbia

If you're planning a trip to our nation's capital and are looking for a convenient and scenic drive from Alexandria to Washington, D.C., you're in the right place! Two of the most popular options are to take either the George Washington Parkway or I-395. Here's what you need to know about both routes.

The Fastest Route: George Washington Parkway

The George Washington Parkway is a beautiful drive that follows the banks of the Potomac River, offering stunning views of the city's landmarks. At approximately 8 miles long, this route is the shortest of the two, and it only takes about 15-20 minutes to reach downtown D.C. Provided you're not traveling during rush hour, you'll be able to enjoy the scenic views while heading into town. However, during peak traffic, this route can take up to 45 minutes, and around 9 a.m. in the morning and 4 p.m. in the evening, due to the influx of commuters.

The Slowest Route: I-395

The I-395 is a much longer route (around 9 miles) and can take up to 25 minutes to reach the city center without any congestion. As this is a major highway leading into D.C., you can expect quite a bit of traffic during peak hours. Rush hour in the mornings begins at around 6 a.m. and ends at 10 a.m., while it starts in the afternoons at around 3 p.m. and lasts until 7 p.m. respectively. In other words, these are the times when there's a good chance you'll end up stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Calculation of Driving Time

Here are the estimated driving times for both routes during peak and non-peak traffic hours:

George Washington Parkway

  • Non-peak traffic: 15-20 minutes
  • Peak traffic: 35-45 minutes

I-395

  • Non-peak traffic: 25 minutes
  • Peak traffic: 45-60 minutes

Conclusion

So, which route is better for you? That depends on several factors, such as the time of the day, the purpose of your trip, and your personal preferences. If you're not in a hurry and want to enjoy the picturesque scenery, take the George Washington Parkway. Alternatively, if your schedule is tight and you want to minimize the commuting time, take the I-395. Whichever route you choose, be sure to factor in the traffic and commuter patterns before hitting the road. Safe travels!