Travel-route opinions on driving to Luray, Va.? (Alexandria, Annandale: map, driver)

[persnicketygal]

Coming from Annandale, I-66 west to 340 south looks like the most direct route.

But: Have any of you gotten off at Gainesville and taken 211 through Warrenton and on to Luray?
It looks like it might save a little bit of time, but maybe the Google map is misleading, and I also don't know what that road looks like, either the volume of traffic and the speed limit (since it's a route instead of interstate, I'd think there would be quite a lot of stoplights?).

The driver is not familiar with driving in N.Va. or elsewhere in Va., so I don't want to make it too complicated (I-66 traffic on a weekend day will make things complicated enough), and the driver will need to get back to Alexandria by a certain time to catch a flight. The driver will have a GPS device.

Would you just stick to I-66/340 south?

[Bigfoot424]

Rt 211 from Warrenton is a gorgeous ride once a little west of Warrenton. Beautiful countryside and mountains. There are several miles of twisty roads getting through the mts on 211 so if this driver doesn't like this then don't take it. It's my favorite route though. But Rt 29 from Gainesville has a lot of lights getting to Warrenton and can get heavy at times. If they want to do this scenic route then take 66 west to exit 28 (Rt 17) to it's end in Warrenton. Turn right and follow GPS from there.

I 66 to 340 is likely your quickest route. Not much scenery but more direct. They will have to drive through Front Royal and its lights but unless there is an accident it won't take long.

[persnicketygal]

Thanks for your advice, Bigfoot!