traffic question -- from Philly to down south (Allentown, Washington: to live in, suburbs)

[maestro]

I'm not sure if anyone here has done this particular drive before, but:

If one lived in the suburbs of Philly and wanted to drive down to Charlotte, would you suggest braving I-95 through DC and Baltimore, or try to avoid that area by going out to I-76 West and then down I-81? Any suggestions or insight is welcome. Thanks.

[Tone509]

I have visited family in Charlotte, and I can attest to the fact that I-95 to I-85 is the most direct route. Whether it's always the "fastest" route is a bit of a crapshoot. You'll help to maximize your chances if you can travel off-hours between Philly and Fredericksburg, VA. The latter city is more or less the southern edge of the DC metro so you'll want to avoid rush hour and the weekend warriors heading to and through there. The rest of it should be a relative breeze.

That said, your alternative route is some good outside-the-box thinking. It will probably be more scenic, at least.

[maestro]

Originally Posted by Tone509

I have visited family in Charlotte, and I can attest to the fact that I-95 to I-85 is the most direct route. Whether it's always the "fastest" route is a bit of a crapshoot. You'll help to maximize your chances if you can travel off-hours between Philly and Fredericksburg, VA. The latter city is more or less the southern edge of the DC metro so you'll want to avoid rush hour and the weekend warriors heading to and through there. The rest of it should be a relative breeze.

That said, your alternative route is some good outside-the-box thinking. It will probably be more scenic, at least.

how long did it take you doing the I-95 route?

[tarp]

You could always take I-95 south from Philly then take the Harbor Tunnel through Baltimore, I-97 towards Annapolis then US 301 south, picking up I-95 south of Fredericksburg, VA. This helps you avoid the traffic in the D.C. area.

[maestro]

Originally Posted by tarp

You could always take I-95 south from Philly then take the Harbor Tunnel through Baltimore, I-97 towards Annapolis then US 301 south, picking up I-95 south of Fredericksburg, VA. This helps you avoid the traffic in the D.C. area.

interesting. Have you ever done this route? Do you think it would save a lot of time?

[juniperbleu]

Best advice is to try to hit DC in the late morning-early afternoon (no later than 2:00). Otherwise, be late, as traffic down to Fredericksburg generally hangs around until at least 8:30 (especially on a Friday).

When I came down to Fredericksburg from Philly, I usually took 95 to the Harbor Tunnel, then 295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway), then hop onto the Beltway until I get to 301. Or to completely avoid Baltimore and Washington, you can get on 896 in Delaware and take it to 301/50 and just make sure to follow the exit for 301 South after the Bay Bridge.

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by juniperbleu

Or to completely avoid Baltimore and Washington, you can get on 896 in Delaware and take it to 301/50 and just make sure to follow the exit for 301 South after the Bay Bridge.

I completely forgot about the Delmarva route! <slaps head> That's a great idea!

[Tone509]

For the record, from Center City Philly, it took 10-11 hours.

Originally Posted by maestro

how long did it take you doing the I-95 route?

[Neups016]

I used to live in Allentown and now in Charlotte. I always take 81 back to PA. It's a beautiful and easy ride.

[maestro]

Originally Posted by Tone509

I completely forgot about the Delmarva route! <slaps head> That's a great idea!

so you're saying to take 301 over the Bay Bridge? How's that traffice going towards DC around mid-day on a Friday? Also, how's the traffic in Northern VA along 301?