Need Advice: Commute to DC options

[pcgamble]

New to area and have a few week off before I start my job in DC (near Union Station). Planning to commute via N.Dulles Bus; advice, insights, alternatives...!

[rich351854]

I drive to herndon park and ride, take the bus to west falls church then the metro....it sounds like a lot but you can do it in an hour..... The reason I do herndon is that the bus goes from herndon park and ride to west falls church metro every 10 minutes

[MikeK]

I drive to herndon park and ride, take the bus to west falls church then the metro....it sounds like a lot but you can do it in an hour..... The reason I do herndon is that the bus goes from herndon park and ride to west falls church metro every 10 minutes

That is good time, what time do you leave in the morning to make it an hour?

I used to go to the Wiehle Ave park and ride when I worked at the Pentagon.

Hopefully you also get to work from home a few days a week that really helps rather than going into DC 5 days a week.

The metro can't get here fast enough in my opinion.

Thanks

Mike

[simonds2k4]

I take the 6:30 AM bus from Dulles North and usually get to Union Station area at 7:35. It isn't too bad in the morning but the ride home can be long. I usually catch the 5:35PM bus and don't usually get back to DNTC until right at 7. Parking at DNTC isn't bad before 7:30 AM but after that I've heard it fills up fast. I get to DNTC about 15 minutes before the bus so I can get a seat - you won't have a problem at either of the stops by Union Station in the afternoon. The buses are almost always standing only by the time they leave DC though.

I prefer taking the bus to Metro - the buses are clean, have bathrooms, and are quiet. I find it relaxing. It is a long day though!

[pcgamble]

Interesting. What stop is closest to Union Station? For some reason, I thought the bus stopped short and I would have to Metro the rest of the way.

[simonds2k4]

There's one at Massachusetts/North Capital and another at H/North Capital. It's about a block or two to Union Station. Where will you be working?

[pcgamble]

Federal Protective Service. All of my paperwork is still in boxes, so I am not sure of the address at the moment.

[rich351854]

I leave at 730, but work from home most days....coming from nyc suburb while it isnt great it is really relatively smooth...i cant wait for the metro either

[pcgamble]

That is good time, what time do you leave in the morning to make it an hour?

I used to go to the Wiehle Ave park and ride when I worked at the Pentagon.

Hopefully you also get to work from home a few days a week that really helps rather than going into DC 5 days a week.

The metro can't get here fast enough in my opinion.

Thanks

Mike
Earlier the better, arriving at work between 6:30-7:00...

[mikec]

I recently started driving but before, i took the 7:15 bus and usually got in the office (2 blocks from Union Station) around 8:40ish. I usually get off the E & NJ Ave stop (1 stop before N Capitol & Mass Ave stop).

Going home, the best option is the 3:51 bus (from N Capitol & Mass AVe) and that gets you into Dulles North at around 4:45. This is the most direct route home sine it bypasses all of the DC West stops. This bus gets crowded but since you are getting on from one of the earlier stops, you'll always find a seat.

[mikec]

One more thing, if you are arriving to work at 6:30, driving is a good option too. You may spend a little more overall (gas + parking, etc) but you get into DC pretty quickly. I usually leave the house around 5:50 and stop into my office at 6:30 (to avoid HOV that starts at 6:30 on 66) and leave the office at 3:00 and get home around 3:40,

[sri_n]

If one were to leave from Broadlands around 7:45 to drive to DC (via 495, and GW Pkwy, assuming no carpool) - how long a drive should one plan for ?

[TeamDonzi]

Leave before 7AM or you're in for a looooonnnggg ride.

Where is Dulles North where people get the bus?

What bus picks up at Harris Teeter in Broadlands?

[tjfsh]

If one were to leave from Broadlands around 7:45 to drive to DC (via 495, and GW Pkwy, assuming no carpool) - how long a drive should one plan for ?

I would plan for an hour and a half commute on average depending on where in DC you go (for example longer if you have to get to Capitol Hill rather than downtown). Of course, this can be more or less depending on weather and accidents.

[pamD]

Dulles North on Moran Road near 606, by the post office.

The HT bus is the Tysons Express.