Best route driving from Germantown to Columbia?

[lizerdbits]

I'm going from Germantown to the Sheraton in Columbia (close to the mall) for a training/conference one day next week and am trying to avoid as much traffic in the morning as possible (should that be followed by laughter?). I'm NOT going down 270 then 495 and up 95 which is the first thing that pops up on Mapquest and Google (the only thing on Yahoo). Mapquest and Google did give me an alternative route of going through Laytonsville and Clarkesville. Looking at a map I could also take 27 through Damascus to 70 and then south on 29.

For those of you who live in that area or who travel on those roads and know where the worst traffic is in the morning (I have to be there at 8:00) what do you recommend? If there's public transit that goes that direction I'd be interested in that too but I didn't find anything. Any help would be appreciated! :)

[CTD]

1. I commute from Rockville to Columbia daily

Take Great Seneca Hwy to Rt 28. Just after Shady Grove Rd, pick up Gude Dr just after Shady Grove Rd. Take Gude until it ends on Rt 28 again (Gude bypasses downtown Rockville). Then follow Rt 28 for what seems like forever. At Md 650, Rt 28 becomes Rt 198 (don't turn). Rt 198 eventually takes you to Burtonsville where you should pick up Rt 29 north. Take Rt 29 up to Columbia. I'm guessing you'd take Broken Land Parkway to your final destination.

From Gude at Rt 28 to Columbia should take about an hour.

[LiberalEsto]

2. Get to Route 108 in Laytonsville

Follow Rt. 108 through Olney, Sandy Spring and Ashton, all the way to Clarksville.

When you reach Clarksville in Howard County, get on Route 32 East and it will take you to Rt. 29 to Columbia.

We use this route from our home in Derwood to get to I-95 North all the time.

[madinmaryland]

3. I would avoid coming in on I-70 in the morning.

The other posts are good routes. Both have less traffic and are actually very scenic routes.

BTW, I live and work in Columbia.

:hi:

[lizerdbits]

4. Thanks everyone!

Glad to know that 70 isn't great in the morning. Since I know from working near Medical Center Drive that Great Seneca stinks in the morning I'm leaning toward the route through Laytonsville. Your advice is greatly appreciated! :hi: