From Lancaster County to Mystic, CT (Scranton, Washington: how much, wedding, construction)

[lititzman2003]

Has anyone ever traveled from Lancaster to Mystic? We're attending a wedding in Mystic and plan on leaving on the 26th and returning on the 28th. Mapquest says to take Interstates 222, 78, 287 and 95 while Yahoo! and Google say take the PA & NJ Turnpikes and then I-95, which is 20 minutes quicker. Which is the best, as far as traffic and construction is concerned? How much are the tolls? We'd like to get an idea of how much this is going to cost us. How about rest stops? We're only planning on one food break. Any tips for the commute would be greatly appreciated.

[fopt65]

95 via NYC involves the George Washington Bridge and the infamous always backed up Cross Bronx Expressway. As a NYer, I can tell you it is rarely an easy trip.

287 to 95 might be less stressful, even if it involves more mileage.

84 to Ct route 8 to 95 might also be even less stressful, but even more mileage.

[lititzman2003]

Originally Posted by fopt65

95 via NYC involves the George Washington Bridge and the infamous always backed up Cross Bronx Expressway. As a NYer, I can tell you it is rarely an easy trip.

287 to 95 might be less stressful, even if it involves more mileage.

84 to Ct route 8 to 95 might also be even less stressful, but even more mileage.

Thanks, fopt. I asked the same question on the Connecticut forum and someone advised me to avoid the NJ Turnpike and use I-287.

[ScranBarre]

When we go to Mystic from Scranton we take I-84 East into CT and then take Route 34 southeast through some beautiful scenery, the town of Derby, and then past Yale's campus in New Haven onto I-95. It's not a bad drive.

[FightinPhils]

Don't forget to stop for some:

[mdb06]

I'd take the "less stressful" route. The "shortest" route may not only be more stressful, but if you run into congestion, may actually take LONGER. My son and I took alternate routes to Boston 2 years ago, he took the more direct route, I the longer but less stressful scenic route. I got there, relaxed, in an hour less time than he did. And he was NOT relaxed when he got there! Plus, you don't save any on gas when you're sitting in traffic. Life's too short to always be looking for the quickest way to go or do something. Go the path less travelled and smell the roses along the way! And take your camera!
BTW, ScranBarre, I've travelled I-84 to Rt. 34 to I-95 many times. LOVE it! Also really enjoy I-81 from I-80 to 84. For me, routes with scenery and less congestion make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

[mdb06]

Another thought, Lititzman. You might want to invest in a GPS for your car. The one I have has a traffic alert which notifies you of traffic congestion, construction and accidents along your programmed route (the alert system does require a subscription since it is satellite based) and will re-route you around the problem area. It also will find you rest stops, restaurants, gas stations, etc. along the way, which is great especially if you are traveling with tiny-bladdered children. I'm finding that I use mine for much more than just directions when I travel.
Enjoy the wedding!

[lititzman2003]

Thank you very much for your help! Since it's closer I'll probably take Route 222 to I-78 and follow that route.