Looking for Travel Advice around Wash. DC

[CabralX5]

Driving from NH to Myrtle Beach in July in my truck w/travel trailer in tow and wondering what is the best/safest/easiest way around Washington DC from North to South without adding too many miles and hours to travel time....
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[tinlizzie23]

I used to live in Arlington, VA (suburb of DC) and work at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Northwest DC. Traffic was really bad back then, and it is 100 times worse now, so I know what you are asking.

I would avoid the whole DC area by coming down I-81, then take I-66 East at Strasburg, VA to 17 South near Marshall, VA. Then continue on 17 S through Warrenton, and all the way to I-95 at Fredericksburg, assuming that you want to continue on I-95 South. It would be some extra miles, but the roads are good, and you would avoid DC. IMHO, the extra miles and time would be well worth it.

[Threebutchers]

Originally Posted by tinlizzie23

I would avoid the whole DC area by coming down I-81, then take I-66 East at Strasburg, VA to 17 South near Marshall, VA. Then continue on 17 S through Warrenton, and all the way to I-95 at Fredericksburg, assuming that you want to continue on I-95 South. It would be some extra miles, but the roads are good, and you would avoid DC. IMHO, the extra miles and time would be well worth it.

X2 to the tenth power....

We live off I-81 - used to live in Richmond VA for many years - still travel there to visit friends

[3'senough]

I just returned from NC two weeks ago and did 2 routes. One was my usual DE 1, 113, 13, 17 to NC. On the return I rolled the dice and took 95, 295, 495, 695, NJ turnpike. It actually took me almost to the minute the same time to northern Jersey. Each way I hit no traffic, which is a miracle. On the southbound 95 route it was backed up for miles from Richmond all the way to Fredricksburg then in the capital region on a Monday. It's a mess and under major construction from Quantico to Richmond. If you want to cruise and go a few extra miles under highway speeds go with the suggestion above for sure.

The Delmarva route will increase time as beach traffic will increase in the warmer months. Also you will avoid the NJ/NY area if you pick up 84 and cross north of the mess around NYC and into PA.

[my toys]

MD511.org Will inform you of all the construction sites, traffic issues... The time of the day you are traveling is key. Stay away from the beltways during rush hours. Other than that, it is usually smooth sailing.

[campingva]

If takint Interstate 81 into Va get in Route 17 in Winchester. It will take you to I66 then only two exits to the exit for Warrenton. Also take I295 around Richmond back to I95. Then go over to Route 460 to bypass I64 in Va Beach.

[P25ct]

Going CT to Myrtle Beach next week. If we do decide to go 95 corridor (DW wants to I want to stay west) we will go west on 695 in BWI over the bridge instead of tunnels but for DC mid-day go east or west on the beltway around DC?

[gtsum2]

Doesn't matter...traffic is a nightmare up there all times of day in both directions. I recommend going around unless u r staying there or taking in the sights

[Nighthawk 96]

Having recently come to Columbia SC from Boston I would go with tinlizzie23 and stay away from I-95 with a trailer in tow. Maybe get across the Hudson at or slightly south of Albany onto I-87. Assuming that you eventually get onto I-95, a few miles after you cross the SC border take 501 into Myrtle Beach. There is a lot traffic in and out of MB on Saturday and Sunday in the summer. Is best to come and go on a weekday if possible.

[P25ct]

Thanks all. We are planned for 78 West to 81 to 66 to 17 to an overnight in Fredericksburg then on down 95 to Myrtle via 38 and 501. Should be a nice ride. Any suggested easy access food stops along 81?

[campingva]

Traffic on Route 17 around Fredericksburg is getting pretty bad due to construction there. That route is still better than going through DC. Make sure you are gassed up in order to get past Richmond from Warrenton. No need to take the hassle of going thru DC. Only other way is to go East down the Eastern Shore and that means money for the Bay Bridge tunnel.