Driving from Atlanta to DC on a Friday (Washington: home, safe)

[sacile]

Hi everyone!

I'm planning on driving from Atlanta to Washington DC on a Friday and would like to make the trip with few stops. Since it's a Friday, would you recommend taking the regular I-85 to I-95 route? Or would it be better to take I-85 to US-29 through Danville and Charlottesville to avoid any traffic? Or would I not be gaining any time in this way? Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

[FlightAttendant]

Just a thought, you will actually be going against DC traffic coming North on a Friday. You might run into some near Richmond, but I never find that too bad. Also, I do not do the Richmond by-pass, I think its easier..and shorter..to go right through the city. What time of the day do you anticipate getting into the Richmond/DC corridor?

ANother thought, if you come 85 to 95, the speed limit is 70 for a lot of the way. 29 is slower.

Have a great trip.

[sacile]

Yeah, the traffic in Richmond is mainly what I am worried about. If I leave Atlanta around 8 am, do you think I'd be ok with the Richmond traffic? I haven't done this drive before, so I'm not quite sure what time I'd get to Richmond, probably close to 4 pm though right? I'm definitely leaning towards going the regular 85 to 95 route because of the reasons you gave. Thanks so much for your help!

[atlboi]

Actually my family goes up there twice a year to see family and we go 85 but when we get to charlotte we take 77 to 81 in virginia through the mountains and use 66 to go into dc. 81 is the prettier was and less traffic that is what I recommend

[terrence81]

I'm going to second atlboi's advice. I'm from Columbus GA and whenever I've had to drive home I'd take 66 to 81 to 77 changing to 85 in Charlotte. There is definitely less traffic. Yeah skip the 95 mess. Either way safe travels!!