Anonymous wrote:Those times seem awfully short to me. I think 30-40 minutes sounds like the time for when there is no traffic at all. I would think the commute would be more like 1 - 1.5 hours each way. Are you thinking of taking Route 7 to the toll road to I495? I take that way, but go to I66 instead of I495, and I495 is always at a standstill when I pass by.

I66 should not be in his commute at all.

Take Georgetown Pike to 495.

DH just stopped a similar commute from near Chesterbrook Shopping center in McLean to near Marriot Headquarters in Bethedsa. Around 10 miles each wy. Morning was closer to the 25 minute commute you seek. He was out the door betwen 7amand 7:30. Evening was 35-45 minutes leaving between 5:15 and 6:00pm. One problem is that there is no real work around if the beltway is blocked at the bridge. On those nights it was hell, but over the 5 years it was once or twice a year. December is the worst. August is the best.

Those times seem awfully short to me. I think 30-40 minutes sounds like the time for when there is no traffic at all. I would think the commute would be more like 1 - 1.5 hours each way. Are you thinking of taking Route 7 to the toll road to I495? I take that way, but go to I66 instead of I495, and I495 is always at a standstill when I pass by.

Yes, thats about right. My daughter drives to Bullis daily. Takes her about 45 minutes. Living here is worth it for sure. People are nicer than most of the area. If you leave before 7 am you can cut the commute.

So we’re interested in a house in Great Falls near Leesburg Pike and Springvale Road. My office is in Bethesda near the Montgomery Mall. Right now we’re in the Wheaton area and it takes about 20 minutes to get to work and 35 to get home.
I don’t want to live in a great place…and then spend all of my time in my car. A few questions:

1. Navigation estimates show it takes around 30-40 minutes each way during rush hours—does that sound about right?
2. Are there any times where it would be closer to 25 minutes? My job can be flexible-ish.
3. If you commute from Great Falls/Reston to Bethesda, what advice do you have?
4. Is living in Great Falls (space, great schools, quiet) worth the drive and being pretty far out of town?

Thanks in advance!