Driving route from NJ to NC (Charlotte, Huntersville: construction, live in, trailer)

[saralee]

Hey guys!

When we drove here from Jersey we took 95 down and it took forever. Of course, we had two kids and chose a bad time of day to travel.

Anyway, FIL I believe told us we should have travelled 78 (if I am not mistaken). Said mostly busses and trucks, claims he does it all the time and it's quicker! Have not been able to get in touch with him though.

A friend is coming down this weekend from the Trenton area to Charlotte. Just him and his wife. He asked me best route to travel.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Sara

[Proud Father]

We live in South Brunswick, NJ and are traveling to Charlotte tonight just after midnight, there's a lot less traffic and it's easier with a newborn baby to travel during the night. Instead of taking 95 which tends to be very congested, especially during holiday times, we're taking the PA Turnpike to 81 and take 81 all the way down to 77 to Charlotte. It should take about 10 hrs.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by Proud Father

We live in South Brunswick, NJ and are traveling to Charlotte tonight just after midnight, there's a lot less traffic and it's easier with a newborn baby to travel during the night. Instead of taking 95 which tends to be very congested, especially during holiday times, we're taking the PA Turnpike to 81 and take 81 all the way down to 77 to Charlotte. It should take about 10 hrs.

Saralee, this is indeed the best route. I avoid I95 like the plague. And I81 is so much prettier of a drive

[neoflex]

I am from NY so this route would work for you too, and it's sooooo much smoother than 95 plus the only tolls I pay are for the Verazzano and one 75cent toll in Jersey. I take 78 to 81, and than 81 to 77 which brings you right through Mooresville, Huntersville and then right through the center of Charlotte. On average from Long Island it will take me 10-12 hours depending on traffic in NY. Every now and again you will get jammed up on the way back in PA due to construction but it beats the 15 hours it took us when we took 95 one time with my brother/sister in-law. That trip seemed to drag on going that route. With kids it may take you a little longer but once I am on the road I only stop for gas and minimal bathroom breaks. Once I am in the car I just want to get there.

[berryjuice4life]

we go the way Proud father gave u..we did it in 10 hours also from Jackson NJ

[saralee]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

Sara

[berryjuice4life]

Your welcome enjoy your company and your 4th

[Njrover0216]

Good luck taking 81 to 77, very very very boring drive! I used to drive from northern NY to Charlotte all the way down 81 til I hit 77, you are only on 77 for an hour and you will hit Charlotte.

[Markh]

Originally Posted by Njrover0216

Good luck taking 81 to 77, very very very boring drive! I used to drive from northern NY to Charlotte all the way down 81 til I hit 77, you are only on 77 for an hour and you will hit Charlotte.

Yeah lots of tractor trailers on 81 and 77 but if you can avoid the death trap Jersey turnpike it's well worth it. Long and boring at night but some decent sites during the day.

[BrianH1970]

Originally Posted by Markh

Yeah lots of tractor trailers on 81 and 77 but if you can avoid the death trap Jersey turnpike it's well worth it. Long and boring at night but some decent sites during the day.

That's my only problem with the 81>77 way. You could be stuck in back of side by side tractors for a mile or two before you get to pass. During the day it's the only way to go. I've done the I-95 one and that's the only way to go but basically at night.