Driving from Hartford to Raleigh (best route/best laid plans!)
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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If its 4/6 we can't leave until 11am. We can leave as early as 5am on 4/6.
Huh?
Quote:
Originally Posted by dj07551
We are thinking of leaving 4/6 (a saturday) at 5am
Ok, that's better.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dj07551
... we would like to focus more on expediency vs scenic/enjoyment ... pit-stops every two-hours while stopping at some pt for an overnight ...
Then I'd stick with Saturday, 4/6, I95, aiming to get well into Virginia (at least Woodbridge) before looking for a overnight - beware that Google maps has a +- two hour time prediction for the I91/I95 zoo. Leisurely get on the road Sunday morning, because the last leg of the drive to Raleigh will be easy.
I echo those that say I-81, even though it carries more truck traffic than I-95. Just be very mindful of your speed when driving through Virginia. Speed enforcement is generally very heavy here and even if the speed limit is 70, you’re looking at a Reckless Driving charge if you get popped exceeding 80mph, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If you have a radar detector, make sure it’s unplugged and well hidden. VA can still confiscate them even if they’re unplugged.
We took 81 when we drove down - it was a nice relaxing drive (we had two young ones and a dog so we did it over 3 days). Everyone always says there's so many trucks, but I find trucks to be the most considerate drivers on the road.
I echo those that say I-81, even though it carries more truck traffic than I-95. Just be very mindful of your speed when driving through Virginia. Speed enforcement is generally very heavy here and even if the speed limit is 70, you’re looking at a Reckless Driving charge if you get popped exceeding 80mph, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If you have a radar detector, make sure it’s unplugged and well hidden.
And, plenty of options for overnight stays.
Winchester. Staunton. Harrisonburg.
I would probably do the Saturday departure from Hartford, and finish on Sunday into Raleigh.
We took 81 when we drove down - it was a nice relaxing drive (we had two young ones and a dog so we did it over 3 days). Everyone always says there's so many trucks, but I find trucks to be the most considerate drivers on the road.
Because they are.
I mention the abundance of semis simply because their size bothers some people.
I’d rather drive with only semis than other cars 10/10 times
On #5 (Western Bypass) below, 5. should be Opal, VA not Opal, MD.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GVoR
A couple of ideas, not sure any will work for you. I have two kids (4 and just about 3) and we drive from Raleigh to SW MA at least twice a year.
I do the overnight straight through (leave Raleigh/MA at 8-9PM, arrive next morning at 7-8 AM), letting the kids/wife sleep. I have done it in as little as 10 hours and as much as 19; drove back alone from MA to NC the Sunday after Thanksgiving last year.....got to NYC no problem and 99% of NJ was fine too. The last toll booth in NJ was all jacked up as they were working on the Delaware bridge. Basically from the end of the Jersey Turnpike through DC was one giant traffic jam. Realizing that isn't doable for you.
1. Take 287 over the TappenZee (or whatever the name of the new bridge is). You can stay on 287 around NYC and jump on the Jersey Turnpike around Edison NJ which allows you to skip NYC proper and the GW Bridge Toll (15-20 bucks last time I went over).
2. Time your travel around rush hour in DC. From Hartford DC is about 6.5 hours. Either hit DC around 2-3PM or wait long enough to hit it around 7-8PM.
3. If you can, I would rest after you get past DC. DC is a little more than halfway (I think B'More is technically halfway). But the traffic south of DC (more specifically Fredricksburg) is way less than North of it.
4. I would not recommend driving I-85 between Petersburg and Raleigh at night. Between the lack of lights, the poor sight lines with the trees along the highway, the remoteness and the construction/single lane travel from the VA-NC border to Raleigh, it really isn't all that fun.
5. If you are willing, there is a "Western Pass" that completely eliminates the NYC - DC stretch.
From Hartford you would go:
1. 91 to 95 to 287 (cross over TappenZee)
2. Get on I-78 W and stay on 78 til Harrisburg
3. Take state Route 15 south around Gettysburg
4. Stay on 15 through Frederick MD and remain on 15 until Opal MD (GPS would probably have you jump off 15 at I-270 in Frederick, but doing so puts you back on 495/395/95 NW of DC))
5. Jump on 17 in Opal MD.
6. 17 Dumps you on 95 S in Fredericksburg, which has added 100 Miles to your trip, but you missed Entirely NYC, NJ, B'More and DC and time wise, is basically identical (assuming normal traffic on 95 S).
The things to keep in mind with the Western Pass.
1. NE PA is pretty sketchy - gas stations with porn shops and trucker bars.
2. More Semi-Trucks on this route but way less traffic.
3. Snow is more an issue going this way, so check the weather.
EDIT TO ADD - The Western Pass I use. You can also do the I-81 version; but I chose not to simply because it puts you that much further West. https://goo.gl/maps/UeKwygcCqDS2
Google maps. Take it from there. If it puts you on some side road in Virginia - trust it. Try to get past DC on Day 1 (should be easy enough no matter which time you leave of course earlier is better). DC area also has a VERY $$$$ EZpass option that probably saved us 2-3 hours on the road last time we came back from NY. Probably cost us close to $50, didn't care. We usually try to get to Fredericksburg on the way down. After that it is smooth sailing, makes for a nice "day 2".
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