Charlottesville to Philadelphia 2.0 (Leesburg, Staunton, Washington: college, beaches, rating)

[Rogarven]

I posted in the C-ville forum but no responses. Since I have traveled very little in the Eastern US, I am curious as to the best way from Charlottesville to Philly. Is it best to go back to I-81 to the turnpike or head for DC and the loop to I-95? Isn't the traffic much worse around DC and Baltimore into Philadelphia? Are there better alternatives ? Those with experience, I am curious. Thank you!

[HokieFan]

Originally Posted by Rogarven

I posted in the C-ville forum but no responses. Since I have traveled very little in the Eastern US, I am curious as to the best way from Charlottesville to Philly. Is it best to go back to I-81 to the turnpike or head for DC and the loop to I-95? Isn't the traffic much worse around DC and Baltimore into Philadelphia? Are there better alternatives ? Those with experience, I am curious. Thank you!

Depends on when you would be going through Washington DC. You'd want to avoid rush hour times and definitely Friday afternoons as that's when most are heading to the MD and DE beaches.

I checked Google maps and using the I-81 route appears to add 100 miles or close to 90 minutes to your trip. If it were me, I'd time the trip to avoid DC's rush hour and take that route.

P.S. Prepare to pay tolls.

[Rogarven]

Thanks, HF,
I have gone the I-81 before coming from Knoxville and we made good time( just stopping in Staunton for lunch and not going to C-V). . It is just that this time we taking the early tour of Monticello then hope to get on the road at noon. It will be a Thursday afternoon so not a weekend. Thanks again.

[gregir]

You can also take 29 north and then 15 north through gettysburg area and then over to Philly on 76. It ia a little longer and not interstate, but it is usually 4 lane and moves better than DC loop and the Baltimore area.

[Rogarven]

Originally Posted by gregir

You can also take 29 north and then 15 north through gettysburg area and then over to Philly on 76. It ia a little longer and not interstate, but it is usually 4 lane and moves better than DC loop and the Baltimore area.

Thanks, that is an idea. Daughter went to Messiah college for undergrad so we are familiar with route 15 and stayed in a B and B in Dillsburg, went to Gettysburg as well. Granted, not interstate, but might be more scenic.

[choff5]

Originally Posted by Rogarven

Thanks, that is an idea. Daughter went to Messiah college for undergrad so we are familiar with route 15 and stayed in a B and B in Dillsburg, went to Gettysburg as well. Granted, not interstate, but might be more scenic.

We have used this route to head up to Massachusetts to avoid NJ turnpike. It is scenic, and with it all four lane, exception being Leesburg to Md, it is not a bad drive at all.

[michgc]

I-81 avoids most of the traffic and is a prettier route. Even though it's longer from the start, you will not hit the traffic you will on 95 in the afternoon. It's not just DC traffic, there's Baltimore and Wilmington/Philly traffic, too. And leaving in the afternoon, you are bound to hit at least some of it. So the I-81 route might end up not being much longer.

[novanwbie]

I concur with michgc; I95 is just such a mess now, and you'll hit DC and Balto at bad times if you leave in the afternoon. That area is so frustrating to drive in! We used to take 81 to get to Philly at it was more relaxed and enjoyable, although 81 can be a bit crazy up to the VA border. Plus you get to drive through WV that way, too. Always exciting!

[Rogarven]

Well, I came up yesterday and really was pretty good drive using 29 and 15. It was messy around Leesburg but overall , it was rather, pleasant up to Philly. Of course, getting off the turnpike at Valley Forge was troublesome ( honestly, going from 4 -2 lanes in such a short period is insane). Thanks to all for your suggestions.

[novanwbie]

Glad to hear it!