Now that the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) school year is underway, you may have noticed more vehicles on the roads around The Boro during your morning and afternoon commute. Even if you don’t have kids in school, school arrival and dismissal traffic can affect your regular routes.
The good news? A few small changes to when, where, or how you travel can help you spend less time in traffic and more time getting where you need to go.
Tip #1: Leave a Little Earlier or Later
FCPS middle schools generally start around 7:30 a.m., high schools around 8:10 a.m., and elementary schools between 8:30 and 9:20 a.m. Afternoon dismissal times vary by school, but generally fall between 2 and 4 p.m.
Shift your departure time by 15 – 30 minutes to make your drive time more predictable and skip the traffic before the busiest drop-off and pick up times.
A small change to your schedule means fewer stops, less time behind the wheel, and a calmer start to your day.
Tip #2: Take a Different Route Around Schools
Check your regular commute for nearby schools. If your route passes a school during morning arrival or afternoon dismissal, plan an alternate route. A route that adds a few minutes on paper could actually save you time once traffic picks up.
Tip #3: Take the Metro or Bus
Tysons has several transit options, including the Metro and local bus service, to help you get to work while avoiding school-year traffic. The Boro is conveniently located near the Greensboro Metro Station, on the Silver line.
And there’s another advantage: your commute doesn’t have to be wasted time. Use your trip to catch up on emails, listen to a podcast, read, or simply relax instead of focusing on the road.
Skip the traffic and turn your commute into time you can actually use!
Tip #4: Share the Ride
If driving is your best option, consider carpooling with coworkers, friends, or neighbors who have a similar commute. Sharing a ride means fewer vehicles on the road, and sharing the cost of gas can help your wallet, too.
There’s an added perk if your route takes you through the 495 Express Lanes or on I-66. Carpools with three or more people can use the lanes toll-free when using an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode.
Tip #5: Combine Your Errands
With school drop-offs and pickups adding traffic to the afternoon commute, combining errands can help you avoid making multiple trips during busy times.
For example, stop at the grocery store before heading home instead of making a separate trip later. If you have an appointment or another stop to make, plan it along the same route. Many navigation apps, like Google Maps, let you add multiple stops along a route.
Tip #6: Try a Different Way to Get Around
Driving isn’t always the easiest option, especially for shorter trips. Depending on where you’re going, walking, biking, or taking transit may be just as convenient and can help you avoid the busiest roads entirely.
You don’t have to change your entire routine. Replace just one or two driving trips each week with another option and see how it fits into your schedule. To see all your nearby walking, biking, and transit options, look at our Access Guide.
Find a Commute that Works for You
School-year traffic is here, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend more time behind the wheel. Use the Commute Plan tool to explore personalized travel options based on your commute, schedule, and preferences.