Driving from Fredericksburg, VA to Durham (Raleigh, Cary: house, food, stations)

[MTBer]

My parents are traveling from Fredericksburg, Virginia to Durham, North Carolina.

Dad is getting older and doesn't do great with mountain driving (steep grades or high roads with guard rails).

He's comfortable on I-95 as that is what he takes to Florida.

The quickest route according to Google is I-95 South to Petersburg then I-85 to Durham.

The longer route is I-95 South to Route 64 through Raleigh.

Travel would be on Saturday and it will be raining for part if not all the route.

Opinions and suggestions appreciated.

[MikeJaquish]

1. I sure hope we get some rain in Cary.

2. I would definitely take I-85 from Petersburg to Durham.
There are no mountains at all, and it is much shorter.

[twingles]

Agree with Mike, as the force field bubble over my house has prevented even a drop of rain at my house while the rest of the Triangle is apparently flooding, but there are no mountains along that route and he will be fine. Just tell him to go potty before he gets on 85 because there aren't a lot of options to stop and tell him to watch his speed because VA cops love to patrol the border and catch speeders.

[poppydog]

I-85 is fine, much better than I-95. Less traffic, more trees.

[K4GPB]

Relax, and arrive fully rested via Amtrak?

Amtrak's Carolinian, just under 6 hours.

Once a day train.

[RaleighSentinel]

That route is a walk in the park. He needs wits about him at the I-85 junction in Petersburg, but after that it is smooth sailing to Durham. As others have mentioned, the stretch is very rural and undeveloped. There are rest areas near the state line and in Granville county, but the most built up areas with amenities like food and gas stations are around South Hill VA and Henderson NC. A full tank and reasonable bladder can get you point to point nonstop.

[Sal_M]

Originally Posted by MikeJaquish

1. I sure hope we get some rain in Cary.

2. I would definitely take I-85 from Petersburg to Durham.
There are no mountains at all, and it is much shorter.

100% this^^^

[MTBer]

Many thanks to all for the suggestions. It was very much appreciated.

[MTBer]

Wanted to come back here to thank everyone for the advice.

He said I -85 was a breeze.

[MikeJaquish]

Cool beans.