All You Need to Know About Driving from Arlington to Springfield

Have you found yourself wondering how long it takes to drive from Arlington to Springfield in Virginia? If so, look no further! We’ve done the research for you and have all the information you need to make the trip right here.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The quickest route from Arlington to Springfield is via I-395 and VA-644W. This route covers a distance of 9.9 miles and takes about 17 minutes to drive in low traffic conditions. However, during peak traffic hours, the drive time can increase to almost half an hour.

If you’d like to avoid highways and take a slower scenic route, then the best option is to go via Arlington Ridge Road and Franconia Road. This route covers a distance of 7.4 miles and takes about 25 minutes to drive with no traffic. However, during rush hour, the drive time can go up to an hour or more.

Traffic Patterns

Traffic in Northern Virginia can be unpredictable, so it’s important to know the best time to drive. Rush hour traffic can add significant time to your commute, especially if you're driving during the morning and afternoon peak periods.

In the morning, the worst traffic occurs from around 7:30 am to 9:30 am. Evening traffic rush hour usually occurs from around 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Saturdays and Sundays typically have less traffic than weekdays.

Route Options

If you're looking to avoid traffic altogether, then it's best to drive outside of peak hours. Early morning or late evening is the best time to drive if you want to avoid traffic congestion. If you can avoid the rush hour, then the I-395 and VA-644W route is the quickest.

However, if you want to enjoy a more scenic drive, then taking the Arlington Ridge Road and Franconia Road route is a great option. You might have to contend with a slightly longer drive time, but it can be worth it if you have the time and want to see the sights along the way.

In summary, the distance between Arlington and Springfield is just under 10 miles, and driving times can vary from 17 minutes to an hour or more, depending on traffic patterns. If you need to travel during peak traffic hours, it's best to take the faster I-395 and VA-644W route, whereas taking the Arlington Ridge Road and Franconia Road route may be a better option during off-peak times. Regardless of which route you choose, planning your journey can help you avoid peak traffic and reach your destination more efficiently.