Best route from NJ to Columbia (North: home, neighborhood, high school)

[BarbaraNJ]

We will be driving our daughter down to school next Friday, leaving around 6:00 AM. I was thinking the best route from northern NJ to Columbia was 95 the whole way, but my sister mentioned 13. Any thoughts from someone who has made the drive before? Thanks in advance.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by BarbaraNJ

We will be driving our daughter down to school next Friday, leaving around 6:00 AM. I was thinking the best route from northern NJ to Columbia was 95 the whole way, but my sister mentioned 13. Any thoughts from someone who has made the drive before? Thanks in advance.

Barbara, it is slightly longer (like 15 miles), but I like to take 95 to 85 to 77 to Columbia because the I-95 stretch in North Carolina is very boring to me. I try to time it so that I miss rush hour in all of the larger cities, though. I've driven to New Jersey and back many times. Taking U.S. 13 and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is an option, but I wouldn't recommend it. While it is fewer miles, much of it is on 2 lane roads.

[BarbaraNJ]

Thanks Matt I was thinking the same about 13. We just took that home from the Outer Banks a few weeks ago and it was too much stop and go for me. I will check a map to see where to pick up 85. I guess I'm really wishing a 12 hour drive could magically become at least 10. Thanks again.

[mettler]

I would skip 95 south of DC entirely.. I would get on the 495 beltway, exit on 66 toward 81 to 77.. That will take you thru the mtns and it is a beautiful drive...much better than 95. I have done it numerous times with no problems and nice scenery the whole way. I think it is 50 miles longer, but much MUCH less traffic.

[Palmetto Heel]

I'm curious, why do so many high schoolers from the northeast choose the University of South Carolina? It doesn't seem like a particularly good value for out of staters.

[mettler]

I think this one is headed to Columbia College...I have no idea what she is going to study, but I know they have a very strong Speech Therapy program.

[Palmetto Heel]

Aha, thanks for the clarification. I'm still curious about why so many students come from NY, NJ, and CT to SC if anyone cares to answer.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by BarbaraNJ

Thanks Matt I was thinking the same about 13. We just took that home from the Outer Banks a few weeks ago and it was too much stop and go for me. I will check a map to see where to pick up 85. I guess I'm really wishing a 12 hour drive could magically become at least 10. Thanks again.

You would pickup 85 in Petersburg, Va., about a half hour south of Richmond.

I'm afraid it's going to be in the neighborhood of 12 hours no matter which way you drive.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by Palmetto Heel

Aha, thanks for the clarification. I'm still curious about why so many students come from NY, NJ, and CT to SC if anyone cares to answer.

Even with out of state tuition, it is still less expensive to attend USC than Rutgers, UCONN, UMASS, etc.

[mettler]

plus the weather is better..

Going my route from DC, I can make it to Columbia right at 8 hours.