Forum Discussion

Brent_and_Gina's avatar
Jun 12, 2013

I95 Places to Avoid

For the east coasters who've traveled it extensively. I'm in Savannah, Ga. Beautiful by-the-way. I'm heading to Maine and beyond. I'd love to hear how to avoid serious traffic, congestion, and other poor areas along Interstate 95. The bigger cities--DC, Philly, NYC, etc--make me wonder.

19 Replies

  • Jamboree89 wrote:
    The route to use to avoid the congestion is I-95 to I-26 to I-77 to I-81. I-26 runs into I-95 in South Carolina about 30 miles north of Charleston, SC. From I-81 north in Pennsylvania the best way depends on where you are going, I-78 or I-84?


    We used this route a couple of years ago - much, MUCH, better than going I-95 all the way up

    - R
  • What to avoid - I95! Hey, as far as RV's go, I'm a little guy and I avoid it! Agree fully with the suggestion for I-81. We use 81 to 78 in PA to 287 in NJ. Usually then 87/287 to 684 in NY to 84 in CT to 90 and 495 in MA. However... since you are headed to ME, you might consider going further north on 87 in NY, then taking a route across VT, NH, and in to ME. More scenic if you have the time! ST
  • Jamboree89 wrote:
    The route to use to avoid the congestion is I-95 to I-26 to I-77 to I-81. I-26 runs into I-95 in South Carolina about 30 miles north of Charleston, SC. From I-81 north in Pennsylvania the best way depends on where you are going, I-78 or I-84?


    An emphatic +2!
  • The route to use to avoid the congestion is I-95 to I-26 to I-77 to I-81. I-26 runs into I-95 in South Carolina about 30 miles north of Charleston, SC. From I-81 north in Pennsylvania the best way depends on where you are going, I-78 or I-84?
  • We have traveled North and South many times. I have tried all the "easier" routes, 81,301,CBBT,84-87. What we have found out is that timing makes all the difference in the world. If you play your cards right 95 is the fastest way. South of DC the traffic is mild compared to North of it and we have had good luck at any time of the day there. North of DC I have 2 rules. If going North, we plan to hit the area on Sunday. We overnight in the Fredricksburg area and then are on the road by 6am. Traffic is usually tame and we hit the GW around lunch time. If you aren't there by 1-2pm...you will be stuck in traffic. After that traffic is pretty mild the rest of the way North. When heading South...it is just the opposite and night travel works the best. We usually time it to hit NYC just before midnight and then don't stop till we get to Fredricksburg...usually just before sunrise.
    This seems to work the best for us as we are not yet retired and our vacation time is valuable.
  • Best way to avoid problems. Travel at night. Or at least off peak hours during week days, for Washington, Baltimore. Weekends are not good for that stretch.

    NJP, New York City best on Sunday morning. Weekdays are bad for NYC. You might consider Garden State Pkwy, Tappanzee. But it adds quite a bit of miles. GSP, 287, 684, 84, 91, 86, 90, 290, 495, 95,
  • avoid hudson river near NYC,and make sure you stay on i-695 around baltimore. to avoid a fine in the tunnel. I-81 is my choice.
    I run around Baltimore and DC but all it takes is one bumper crack-up and the traffic is mess for 2 hours. Can you run I-95 ? yes the question to me is WHY ?
  • There is only one section of I-95 that I don't like driving on, it's the section between Miami, Florida and Boston, Mass.
    Actually, I travel extensively on I-95 in North & South Carolina. There are a few miles of bumps, but overall, not too bad.
  • Everyone will have a different route, but from that far south I bet they all have I81 in them.