Highway 29 vs I-95/85 to North Carolina (Lynchburg, Charlottesville: restaurants, stations, gas)

[davidnyc]

I have to leave in the midst of probably the heaviest traffic today to head south towards Charlotte (3pm with the other parents). I have already accepted the pain, but I am wondering which way is less painful? I will be traveling with kids so I do need some sort of potential emergency areas (i.e. "I gotta pee, throwup, whatever") like gas stations or restaurants (or maybe just bushes).

How is 29 south vs I95? I will be leaving from County Ctr area of Woodbridge so can get to both roads easily.

[Carolina Knight]

You may be better off using Interstate 95 and Interstate 85. United States Route 29 has the risk of running through municipalities with many traffic signals and speed traps.

[HokieFan]

29 South is a beautiful drive. There will certainly be less volume but it does have a number of traffic lights and you’ll have to drive through Charlottesville. And don’t go more than 5mph above the speed limit.

29 might not be quicker but I think it would be a more pleasant drive.

[e2ksj3]

I did 29 to Charlotte a few years ago from NoVa.

It is a little slower but the road is pretty open once you pass the Gainesville and it is I believe mostly 4-lanes. It is way less stressful than 95/85. I take it all the way down to Greensboro and then continue on 85 to Charlotte. You will pass a lot of decent size towns and small cities like Charlottesville and Lynchburg. 95 is too congested especially on a holiday weekend.

[davidnyc]

Thanks.