The Ultimate Guide to Driving from Annapolis to Arlington

Are you planning a road trip from Annapolis, Maryland to Arlington, Virginia? Before you hit the road, you should know that the distance between these two cities is approximately 40 miles. Depending on the route you take, the driving time can vary significantly. In this blog post, we'll cover the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of each, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Annapolis to Arlington is via US-50 W and I-66 W. This route covers around 38 miles and usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour in light traffic. However, during rush hour, this time can double or even triple, making the journey slightly longer.

The Scenic Route

If you're not in a rush and want to take in some scenic views, you can take MD-450 W and George Washington Memorial Pkwy. This route covers a distance of around 47 miles and will usually take around 1 hour 20 minutes without traffic. Keep in mind that this route may take longer during peak travel times.

The Slowest Route

The slowest but most direct route is via MD-2 S and I-495 S. This route covers approximately 42 miles and will typically take around 1.5-2 hours during peak travel times. Despite being the slowest, this route does have some great views, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Traffic Patterns

Traffic can vary significantly depending on the time of day. If you're traveling during morning or evening rush hour, expect heavy traffic. On weekdays, the morning rush hour is from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, and the evening rush hour is from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. On weekends, traffic is usually lighter.

If you're heading to Arlington for an event or a specific time, we recommend planning ahead and using traffic updates from sources like Google Maps or Waze. This can help you avoid traffic and ensure you arrive on time.

Overall, there are several route options available when it comes to driving from Annapolis to Arlington. Depending on your preferences, you can either take a fast but boring route, or a slower but scenic one. Remember to check traffic patterns and plan accordingly to make the most out of your road trip!