Looking for best route from Va to Ct

[Cryn]

Hi all, we're going to be going to Ct from the Northern Va area in early Sep and was looking for recommendations for a route that avoids the NYC area. Will be in an Alante and really don't want to deal with the traffic in that area. Appreciate any recommendations anyone has. Thanks!

[3'senough]

81 to 84? What part of CT? More specifics will get you a better response in an accurate route for those of us familiar with the area.

Avoid 95 as much as you can.

[Kim Gass]

Where in CT?

We always come from Maine to FL via 81 and 84 that goes through CT

81 to Scranton.. 84 to Hartford and points east

If needed to cut down south in CT we use 691 and Rt 9 to go to Old Saybrook.

We do not play with 95. We hate the tolls. We have not dragged through NYC and will not in the future not because of traffic ( DC is worse) but the road potholes and junk in the road.

[Cryn]

Sorry, we're headed to Mystic, Ct. Would have helped if I said that in the first place. It's the KOA campground at North Stonington. Thanks all!!!

[DownTheHighway]

Come up 81 North through PA, then head towards Scranton, and hop on 84 east (one toll crossing this way. NY to PA), then take 84 to Rt 8 South, to 95 North. I live in CT and take this way to MD and VA Beach, etc. to avoid NYC and a ton of tolls

[Kim Gass]

Mystic is easy.. We often tow from Maine to Old Saybrook and then down to VA and FL.

No do not do route 8!( thats fine for those who live there but Mystic is an hour east).. It lands you in the middle of Bridgeport and worse the construction STILL going on in West Haven plus a tricky 1-91 and 95 separation in New Haven that still has us old timers confused( they changed the lane directions for each road)

Go 81 and 84. You could go over 691 through Meriden but in Middletown its a local street( rt 66) and some turns downtown.. They are trying to redo access to Rt 9. It needs better access points

So stay on 84 to CT Rt 72 East.. Then a short distance to Rt 9 South. These are both expressways no lights

Stay on 9 South to Old Saybrook. Then merge onto 95 East to Mystic.. Stay right in Niantic less you get onto 395 accidentally ( it goes north)

[3'senough]

Here is what I will add.

Depending on the time of day and day of the week 78 to 287 could be an option that is 50 so miles shorter than running all the way north then south again. It's one that you could lose on as well once you hit CT and 95. From Yonkers to New Haven is a roll of the dice. There is construction all through that region and until 91N will have volume that could be stop and go.

What's your starting point?

I would avoid GWB 95 north at all costs. 84E has a steep climb in Fishkill, NY and the road can be a little congested right after 87N heading out of Newburg.

81N to 84E prior to that is a nice ride. Harrisburg can have some congestion as well, but nothing like NYC.

I agree with Kim that 9 is a better run. I take that route a lot in the winter and always stop by Ted's for burgers with the kids. Few lights at the north end then a highway to 95.

Highway 2 to 395 S is another good option that you would run 84 to Hartford then pick up from there. Do not take the fork right at 11 S to New London as that dead ends and you are on a surface road until 95 for 8 miles.

Also NO PARKWAYS!!!ILLEGAL HERE IN THE NORTH EAST. Height issues as well. Only passenger vehicles. Palisades and Merritt are 2 options you could encounter to avoid. Garden State is the exception in several areas, but not worth the hassle IMHO.

Run a Google maps and play around with some route options.

Another thing you should know is that 84E has very limited fuel stops. Almost all require an exit of the highway and into tight pumps, so make sure you have fueled prior to picking up 84.

Same with 95 from New London to Mystic. 95 between 287 and 91 has fuel stops every 20 miles or so. Assume you will have a Toad, so just trying to provide insight.

[Cryn]

Our starting point is Manassas Va, I can run 66W and catch 81N and avoid 95 completely. Appreciate everyone's help and knowledge. Thanks!!