I lived in the four corners area of silver spring (where the beltway and 29 meet). I had a flexible schedule, so I’d drive in early in the morning and leave before rush hour. It was about a 45-minute drive and quite easy (via 29 to I-70). I’m not sure downtown will be quite as easy, just because it’s a more congested drive. Getting out of silver spring in the morning was usually a breeze, though, since it’s a reverse commute.