Getting From Frederick, Md to Fredericksburg, VA

[earlymj1]

Heading to FL -- I want to avoid the Beltway - I-495 and traffic south by leaving through Frederick, MD and heading south via Rt 15 and then 17 and then pick up I-95 somewhere near Fredericksburg, VA. Anybody got directions, opinions, etc. to avoid the nasty 270/495 DC area traffic?

[Webmaster]

It's approximately 92 miles (1hour, 55 minutes) from Frederick, Maryland to Fredericksburg, VA going the traditional way (I-270, I-495, I-95). Using US Route 15 and US Route 17 as you suggested would be approximately 105 miles (2 hours, 25 minutes).

US 15 and 17 range from 4 lane divided to 2 lane highway. While there's only about a 15 mile difference, posted speeds are lower and there's a fair amount of stop and go traffic through towns along the way. It's definitely a lot more scenic and far less stressful. I've done it a few times when I wasn't in a hurry or traffic was particularly bad through DC.

[Arbond]

It all depends on WHEN you drive.

If I am hitting Frederick anytime after 7:00pm, I find the beltway is just fine usually.

I do NOT care to drive the route 17 option at night. In the day, it is beautiful, but at night, I would much rather hit the beltway.