Driving to VA Beach/Norfolk from Rhode Island (Kingston: live in, costs)

[turfin'USA]

Hi! I'm new and I hope someone can help! We need to get to Norfolk Naval Base, leaving from Southern RI. We have a triptik from AAA, takes us over to NJ Tpke, avoids much of I-95 then down 13 through to the Bridge Tunnel.

Is 3-4 AM a good time to leave RI, mid-week? Or earlier better? I figured we would get there just after noon. We have no idea of traffic in that area, except what I've read and that is the traffic is a nightmare. Also, is NIA fairly easy to get to from the Naval Base.

Thanks in advance! (Posted this in VA forum also).

[wavehunter007]

Turfin' USA:

That’s a ride I’m really familiar with. I drive from coastal eastern CT down the coast a few times each winter to places like the Outer Banks or Myrtle Beach and go fishing or when there’s a warm spell…to the beach. There are a couple of things to keep in mind. These are just my experiences. Since you’re in South County your not too far from me.

I would leave RI around 3:45 am. By 5:30 Am (or so) you should be down near the GWB going over to NJ. There WILL BE some traffic going over the GW…but nothing too bad. By the time it gets near real rush on the NJ Tpk in northern NJ 6:00 or so… you’ll be mostly out of the congested area. Then it’s clear sailing all the way down to the Delaware Memorial Bridge. As a point of reference, the trip from southern CT (near New Haven, CT) to the Delaware Memorial Bridge takes about 3 hours (210 miles exactly). So for you in South County add about 75 –miles or so (say Charleston, South Kingston…etc). If you leave south County around 3:45 am figure you’ll be going over the Delaware Memorial Bridge by 8:00AM (give or take).

Route 13 then takes you through Delaware, Maryland, and down the neck of the Virginia Capes. It is a nice ride. It is a very coastal looking area with marshes, ramshackle fishing cottages, and boat yards..etc. Once you get below the Maryland State line there is little traffic. If you have never been over the Chesapeake Bay –Bridge Tunnel you’re in for an amazing ride. You are up on an elevated causeway looking out over the open Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes you even see waves (lol). It almost like your driving out to sea. The only experience I have ever had that is similar is the trip over the Overseas Highway going down the Keys (another awesome ride).

When you emerge out of the tunnel you’ll be right in Virginia Beach. Don’t speed /tailgate/drive aggressively down 13. Remember that route 13 is NOT a true HIGHWAY…so there are traffic lights (although fewer and fewer the further south you get). Police are everywhere (unmarked too) and you WILL get a ticket and they ARE expensive. Your not going to be able to go 65 -70 -mph all the way down 13, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.

I would say from South County, RI to Virginia Beach, VA (with no tie-up accidents, rain) should take you about 8 hours. It’s about 500 miles or so.

[turfin'USA]

Thank you Wave Hunter 007! This is just the information we needed. I appreciate your help and directions.

[pbehson]

Get a map, it'll help. You need to take Rte 1 south of PA/NJ to 113 (runs parallel to 13). You can catch Rte 1 from 295/95 at while crossing the Deleware River from NJ. For 50 miles (to Dover AF Base) it is 65 mph and runs right into 113.

Trust me, I drive it all the time, you will save a lot of time. 113 connects to 13 in Pocomoke City, Md. Follow to VB over Ches Bay Bridge Tunnel.

[wavehunter007]

Originally Posted by pbehson

Get a map, it'll help. You need to take Rte 1 south of PA/NJ to 113 (runs parallel to 13). You can catch Rte 1 from 295/95 at while crossing the Deleware River from NJ. For 50 miles (to Dover AF Base) it is 65 mph and runs right into 113.

Trust me, I drive it all the time, you will save a lot of time. 113 connects to 13 in Pocomoke City, Md. Follow to VB over Ches Bay Bridge Tunnel.

That's right. You can pick up the new highway now (route 1) right off the DMB. It will save time going down that area of 13.

However, the new section ends just south of Dover. As far as taking 113 south of Dover as opposed to 13...it never seemed to make much of a difference time wise. In summer, it seems everyone from points north (Philly, Wilmington) use 113 to get to Ocean City and beat the traffic on route 1 along the coast. Also once you get below route 50...that last leg of 113 is a little empity. I like 13 between Salisbury and Pocomoke City, at least you can get something to eat at bigger places and there is more around. But your're right...113 might be faster, esp in winter. I suppose it depends on the season.

[twilight61108]

Originally Posted by wavehunter007

Turfin' USA:

That’s a ride I’m really familiar with. I drive from coastal eastern CT down the coast a few times each winter to places like the Outer Banks or Myrtle Beach and go fishing or when there’s a warm spell…to the beach. There are a couple of things to keep in mind. These are just my experiences. Since you’re in South County your not too far from me.

I would leave RI around 3:45 am. By 5:30 Am (or so) you should be down near the GWB going over to NJ. There WILL BE some traffic going over the GW…but nothing too bad. By the time it gets near real rush on the NJ Tpk in northern NJ 6:00 or so… you’ll be mostly out of the congested area. Then it’s clear sailing all the way down to the Delaware Memorial Bridge. As a point of reference, the trip from southern CT (near New Haven, CT) to the Delaware Memorial Bridge takes about 3 hours (210 miles exactly). So for you in South County add about 75 –miles or so (say Charleston, South Kingston…etc). If you leave south County around 3:45 am figure you’ll be going over the Delaware Memorial Bridge by 8:00AM (give or take).

Route 13 then takes you through Delaware, Maryland, and down the neck of the Virginia Capes. It is a nice ride. It is a very coastal looking area with marshes, ramshackle fishing cottages, and boat yards..etc. Once you get below the Maryland State line there is little traffic. If you have never been over the Chesapeake Bay –Bridge Tunnel you’re in for an amazing ride. You are up on an elevated causeway looking out over the open Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes you even see waves (lol). It almost like your driving out to sea. The only experience I have ever had that is similar is the trip over the Overseas Highway going down the Keys (another awesome ride).

When you emerge out of the tunnel you’ll be right in Virginia Beach. Don’t speed /tailgate/drive aggressively down 13. Remember that route 13 is NOT a true HIGHWAY…so there are traffic lights (although fewer and fewer the further south you get). Police are everywhere (unmarked too) and you WILL get a ticket and they ARE expensive. Your not going to be able to go 65 -70 -mph all the way down 13, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.

I would say from South County, RI to Virginia Beach, VA (with no tie-up accidents, rain) should take you about 8 hours. It’s about 500 miles or so.

I second using the Chesapeake bay bridge tunnel route. Not only is it beautiful but it usually saves a bit more time. At least it always have for the husband and I. We are from r.i but currently live in Norfolk, So vising family we have made this trip quite a few times . The bay bridge tunnel costs $12 bt is well worth the money. There is even a little gift shop on the bridge which is interesting. Another tip when using the nj turnpike i would suggest to not get off of it because we have had the problem of not finding a way back on it!!!

[ProvGuy]

My only advice is get through NYC before 6am, meaning leave RI by 3-3:30am. Either that or wait to leave til 8 or 9am.

[mr2448]

Originally Posted by twilight61108

I second using the Chesapeake bay bridge tunnel route. Not only is it beautiful but it usually saves a bit more time. At least it always have for the husband and I. We are from r.i but currently live in Norfolk, So vising family we have made this trip quite a few times . The bay bridge tunnel costs $12 bt is well worth the money. There is even a little gift shop on the bridge which is interesting. Another tip when using the nj turnpike i would suggest to not get off of it because we have had the problem of not finding a way back on it!!!

Does the C.B.B. have EZPass yet?

[twilight61108]

sorry it took so long to respond i just got my internet back on. I wasnt sure if it did have easy pass so i figured i would wait till i moved to see if it did. Annnnd it does indeed take it!