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I drive routinely between Charleston and NYC every few weeks for the past 5 months. Easily can fly between the 2 cities, which is cheaper than the gas and wear and tear to my car, but enjoy the drive. The only part of the drive I do not look forward to coming and going, is through the D.C. area. Worst is always going to NYC. Yes one listens to the traffic report whether to take the 495 loop East or West. You can time the rush hours as well. It all can help. But then is the always unexpected accident pops up. Last trip a few days ago... an accident caused a bumper to bumper back up for miles on 495. Easily added 1+ hrs to the trip. I thought about the 'alternative' routes as was pointed out above.. but would still rather stick to driving through D.C. and try guessing whether taking the Western or Eastern loop. The parts that are clear you can zoom through faster than the alternative routes.
Just my opinion.
You can experiment with alternative routes. I would on a shorter trip. But my trip is already 800 miles in one day and not looking for it to take longer. I have, come to think of it, taken some other ways, but found out sticking to the major road and the shortest distance is a straight line of course, works for me. 800 miles and about 13 to 15 hours depending, I suck it up and enjoy the trip. Try different routes and experiment or stick to the same route.... it is all part of a road trip
Yes you did suggest it Mr. Tom -- and I was too short in my post -- but what I meant is -- given the advice here plus the advice from others -- sounds like that is the route for us. Actually considering 77 to 81 - according to all the map sites -- not much longer......
I've drive from Toronto area to Florida/Atlanta area for over 20 years now. Flights to Canada are always so expensive. For our family trip this week end it would cost us well into $4,000 for a four day week end......YIKES!!!!! -- We have the money but can't seem to part with it for that. ....so we load up the car and off we go. I drove to Toronto from Charleston in June -- by myself -- took me 15 hours (about 950 miles). This trip we are heading to Ottawa......a little further east.....and not quite as easy to get to.
I agree -- usually the best way is the shortest, direct method...but there are some areas worth avoiding and from everything we have heard -- 495 is one of them. The actual addition in mileage is listed about 40 miles if we use 495 -- that's nothing in an 17 hour car ride.......
I always went I95 North of Richmond, to Rte 207 to Rte 301, toward Fort AP Hill, cross the Potomoc at the old bridge, up Rte 301 thru Waldorf, MD then on to Rte 3 and follow signs to Baltimore and pickup I95 again in Baltimore.
I also use what I call the Northern route to New England which is I26 to I77 to I81 to I84 to I90. It is longer (not sure how much) then right up I95 but a much easier ride and less traffic.
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