If you go around the Beltway thru S. Spring the distance is 4 miles shorter than going around the southern half. Personally, I would go the "southern route" so you can avoid the splits with I-95, I-270, and the American Legion bridge over the Potomac. BUT those chock points aren't that bad if you are doing this in non-rush hour time.

Yes, you could "go through town" and there are a couple of routes you can use but I live here so I'm not even gonna attempt that.

Is this going to be during the week or on a weekend and at what time of day keeping the weekday rush hours in mind.

Meant to say "those choke points

My recommendation would depend a lot on the day of the week and time of day that you are traveling. On a weekend or at a time of day that is well outside of rush hour, I would recommend the route suggested by Google Maps (the one that takes you through D.C.) They have recently opened I-695 which easily routes you to I-395 through D.C. (I took this a couple times last week and it was a BIG improvement over the previous routing into D.C.)

If you prefer to go around D.C., the southern route on the I-495 Beltway and the northern route on I-495 are almost identical in distance and driving time. It's a toss-up.

Avoid driving anywhere around D.C. (whether it be in D.C. itself or on the Beltway) at morning or evening rush hour(s).

I stand by my original rec; have a nice trip.

Thank you, both!

We will leave for VA on a Friday, return Monday. There is no set time we have to be anywhere so we plan to work around rush hour. A SIL who works in DC told me the Woodrow Wilson Bridge is under permanent construction and should be avoided but I don't know that she actually uses the bridge.

I go to Front Royal often from Maryland and I would not drive through the city ... that's my preference and experience. The Wilson Bridge itself is complete but there is considerable construction just across the bridge in Virginia. I drive the Beltway every day and I agree with the other posters -- either way is usually good. From Route 50, I'd probably opt for the Silver Spring route, especially if it's not rush hour. If you listen to traffic reports on the radio, sometimes that will tip you off on which way is best.

Thank you, edjim!

Try to plan to hit the beltway, I495, well before 3 pm.

It is our experience that barring accidents, the Beltway is fine from 9:30 until 2:30 or 3. I am intrigued by longhorn's information on 695, which is new to me.