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I am taking a vacation in two weeks and we will be staying in West Orange. We'll be there a week and plan to hit the city, the beach, all that good stuff. I also plan on taking us down to DC for the day and my question is, how bad can the traffic get? We plan to hit the highway (I95) around 8am. We plan on heading back to Jersey at around 6pm. Are these terrible times to make this trip?
My Dad suggested taking the train but I am just not too sure about that, I really don't see how much fast it could really be. I took Amtrak from Newark to Virginia when I was a kid and I remember it taking about 4 hours. My uncle had to drive me home and that took about 4 hours. I guess I just assume have my own ride if it is going to take the same amount of time.
Traffic is going to be bad but since you are going against the traffic during the most peak time you should be okay.
Leaving from DC at 6pm will definitely be a problem but nothing too bad.
BTW, personally I think DC deserves more than 6 or so hours that you plan to spend there.
Traffic is going to be bad but since you are going against the traffic during the most peak time you should be okay.
Leaving from DC at 6pm will definitely be a problem but nothing too bad.
BTW, personally I think DC deserves more than 6 or so hours that you plan to spend there.
I agree that 6 hours is not enough for DC but I guess it really depends on what one's itenary is during a trip to DC. If it's just to drive around and say I was there, 6 hours is plenty.
As for driving, the biggest traffic congestion is probably going to be right around Baltimore to DC. You are going to get heavy traffic either way on that stretch of the drive both ways.
Some of it depends on whether you are driving weekday or weekend. It's still an interesting trip, I usually make it in about 4 to 5 hours or so. Weekends in the summer you get "everybody and their uncle" driving to vacation spots, Nooh Yukkers, etc. I jump off I-95 onto other roads often.
Also there are various ways to drive through NJ as the nj turnpike is not the "real" I-95 down south but does connect to it.
Also lots of info avail on another website, I don't think moderators like posting other websites on here so I'll just say look up I-95 exit guide on any search page and check the forums.
Good info guys thanks. So maybe we can spend 8 hours there and head back at 8. I could probably get us back by 12 which wouldn't be too bad since the next day is a lazy day at the beach. I spent a week in DC when I was 16 and I agree, 6-8hours isn't enough time but the real part of our trip is in NJ/NY. Just thought we could walk the mall, check out the Smithsonian and if there is time Mr. Washington's plantation.
So maybe I should listen to my dad? Is it inconvenient in anyway to get to all the typical places from the station? I think I would hate to be stuck walking or risk "missing the train".
Amtrak now takes 2-3hrs....and in the near future 1hr to DC...
Yes, 2 hours 45 minutes if you take the Acela. I used to do that trip for work every week. Keep in mind though, the Acela is VERY expensive. It's about $200 each way per person. Totally not worth it if you're just going to DC for the day, which I think is crazy in and of itself.
Expect the drive to DC to take 4-5 hours each way, depending on traffic. So just going for the day means that by the time you get there it will be almost time to leave again. I would highly suggest at least spending the night down there.
For a day trip from West Orange, you might want to consider Philadelphia.
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