Leave by 10. You want to be crossing into Manhattan by 3.

NYC has certain "gridlock alert" days around the holidays and tomorrow is going to be one of them. I never understand exactly why but afternoon/PM traffic will be way worse than usual both in and out of NYC; I understand it on the way out because lots of people are leaving for the holidays but not sure why on the way in -- how many people can be headed in for the Christmas trees and shows? Anyway I would try to get into NYC before 3 pm

We left at 7PM once and made it there by 11:30 (Bethesda to Brooklyn). Leaving after noon is going to get you trapped in NJ and then Manhattan PM rush unless you leave much later and skip rush in DC as well. Otherwise, as a PP also said, I've had great luck leaving at 10. Skips DC AM rush, but you should beat PM rush in NY.

I generally like to leave around 10, as that gets you in around 3 and you avoid rush hour on both sides, making it a very smooth trip generally.

But if your only goal is to make it before midnight (and not necessarily to have a traffic free trip) you should be safe leaving any time before 5ish.

My mom and I (no kids) are driving up to visit my sister in NYC tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 20). We want to get in before midnight, and we would prefer to leave after noon but can be flexible with that if necessary. Whats the best time to go? Thanks!