Route 28

Rt 28 is a main alternative to the 66. It's probably equal to the 29 in terms of the drive time, and while perhaps not as scenic, it does have more commercial options (and bail out routes) as you reach the outskirts of Manassas (Park) and as you pass through Old Town Manassas.


Take Braddock Rd south to the 28
Turn left on 28
Stay on the 28 (aka Centreville Rd in Fairfax, Nokesville Rd in PW County)
Pass through old town Manassas and cross train tracks
Turn right on Godwin
Turn first left on Univ. Dr.


Variation on the route:

You can avoid the back up at the intersection of Braddock/28 by taking some back roads. I tried it once but not sure what the time savings really is. I think I timed the light at Compton and 28 at 4-5 minutes.

Go Left on Union Mill Rd
Go Right on Compton
Go Left at the lite onto 28

RT 29 Shortcut

If you opt to avoid the 66 by taking Rt29, you might save some time by taking Groveton Road a little further west on the 29 instead of turning off at Business 234 and picking up Balls Ford or continuing through the commercial area. I haven't tried this myself yet, but should be better.

Groveton dead ends at Balls Ford Rd very close to the first intersection of the 234 ByPass after leaving 66 (click south arrows on the linked map).

29 south
turn left on Groveton Rd
turn right on Balls Ford Rd
turn left on 234 ByPass

you know the rest of the way...

The Scenic Route

Here is a scenic route someone gave me that cuts through the wilderness. Should be a good alternative when the foilage changes. I tried it last Friday and it took me less than 40 minutes to get from GMU to PWC. I've tried it a few times around 5-6pm under heavy traffic conditions and it can take closer to an hour. You may not like all the windy roads but it beats sitting on 66.

From Fairfax:

Take Ox Road South past 7100

Right on Clifton Road and keep going.

At stop sign (gas station at left), go straight and stay on Clifton.

Left at Henderson Rd. (comes up suddenly on small rise in the road) (afterMaples Ranch)

Stay on Henderson, it will eventually turn into Yates Old Ford Rd. (after hairpin turn)

When it ends it will run you into Prince William County Pkwy -- turn Right.

Go 3-4 miles, then turn Left on Prince William County West

The PW Parkway seems to end but you are transitioning 3-4 miles West to pick it back up as aka RT 234 North (Bypass).

Right on PWC Parkway = 234N.
Go past the Manassas exits.
Turn right on Univeristy Drive