I find that planning to get there before the gates open is the surest way to avoid that traffic. It seems to get especially heavy near noon...later afternoon forget about it. I remember leaving around 2pm, last time I went and the line was miles long- from the gate all the way to where Old Annapolis rd (450) is bisected by Rt 3. My second time ever attending, I got caught going TO...I wanted to go so bad though so I stuck it through! My first weekend I went in mundane clothes and was mad at myself because I had a new butted hauberk w/a black cross that I was afraid to wear because I didn't want to be the only one there wearing armor...mind you, I did not know what to expect as I didn't even know these things existed, my then-gf (now wife, thanks Babe! lol) took me! Then I met you guys and the rest as they say is history.