We are planning to arrive at DCA at 2:30pm on a Tuesday in late April. We will be renting a car and driving to see Monticello the next day. Leaving at that time of day (we will have carry-on luggage) what would our best route be? Also, where would you stay - Charlottesville, or somewhere along the way? We are not opposed to taking secondary roads and stopping short of Charlottesville for the night if a better option exists. Thanks!
Washington Reagan to Monticello
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Directions from DC: http://www.monticello.org/site/visit/directions
How about Culpepper?
Your issue is not the distance from DCA to Monticello but the fact that you're arriving at the start of weekday rush hour and your primary route, Interstate 95, is a potential traffic nightmare which can easily add 1-2 hours onto a trip that is typically 2 hours and change. Back roads for that part of the trip will be just as congested.
Couple of suggestions:
Stay overnight in Old Town Alexandria a couple of stops away from DCA on the metro. Lots of good restaurants, shops and a generally charming place to wander around. It has its own claim to early American history. You could metro back to the airport the next morning, get your car and head off to Monticello going largely against the grain of morning rush. Or:
Fly into Dulles instead of Reagan National. That puts you farther west of the city and mostly ahead of afternoon traffic. You'll travel south on Route 29/15.
It's a pretty time of year to be in Virginia.
obxgirl - Thanks, for the redirect. I think what we will do is stay that first night in Alexandria at one of the many hotels that offer an airport shuttle. The next day we can rent a car near the hotel at a huge savings over the airport rental and simply return the car to Alexandria later in the week before metroing into DC for the last few days of our vacation.
tomfuller - Thanks to you too. I did see those directions while perusing the Monticello website but I do appreciate you taking the time to reply.