NYC to Washington DC route?

We made the drive today and took schleps route, 84 to 81 etc. I think it was the right choice. Traffic was fairly light most of the way, a little busier through Harrisburg and Baltimore, but not too bad. I think it being a Sunday helped too. There is still a fair bit of construction along the way, long stretches down to a single lane, but other than a speed reduction to 55mph there were no delays. Trip took 5 1/2hours including 40 minute stop for gas and lunch.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

From what I read, this project is due to complete April 2016 and is a rather large project.
Late July we were by there and it was in full swing so what phase they are in now I don't know.

Schlep's route definately looks like a better idea. I don't mind a slightly longer route to avoid traffic, tolls etc. Don't mind the hills either. I've been to the Scranton area several times. It's a nice drive in the hills.

Anybody know if the bridge construction mentioned is still ongoing?

x2 on schlep's route except that I'd take I287 to I78 to I81 to I83 etc. No hills on 78. I like CloudDancer's way also but the toll on the NJ Turnpike alone was $34 from I78 to the Delaware Mem Bridge. Then there is the bridge toll, the Delaware TP, the Tydings Bridge in MD and the Key Bridge in Balto. We came back this way from Liberty Harbor the last time for a change. Our usual route is I78 to I81. There is a small toll on 78 at the NJ/PA line. You'd have to stop to pay. Go around the west side of Balto to avoid the Key Bridge toll but then you'd miss the view. Sorry, got to rambling. Enjoy your trip.

Agree with schlep1967 on the route.

HOWEVER

there is bridge construction on I-84 both directions shortly after you cross from NY in to PA. We drove from here to Newburgh early last month and westbound traffic on 84 was backed up big-time. Allow a bit of extra time and yes, avoid rush hour around Harrisburg and Baltimore if possible.

I live about 1 hour north of Newburgh and have made the trip to family in DC area as well as to Florida in winter.

If you want an enjoyable ride (but it will have lots of trucks which seemed to be pretty well behaved and it is a bit more hilly than flat 95) do the 84/81, etc. AVOID rush hours anywhere and especially DC/BALT area (or any time remotely close to it). FYI, there will always be traffic in NJ, BALT/WASH (sometimes even later than you would think at night) because of sheer volume.

You want an easy breezy ride? Leave at 7 or 8 pm and take a sleep when you arrive or rest area/welcome center nearby.

Can you tell I hate traffic. I am amazed at the number of people who have no qualms about jumping in front of us as they enter the highway...thinking we can stop on a dime or "just make room for them". This happens often in florida and where there is lots of congestion (which we now avoid)...not just one or two cars entering but double lanes of people intending to squish in front of us...not fun.

I would do 84 to 81 to 83 to 695 to 95.
Google Map

It is 50 miles longer but you will miss the traffic and what you save in tolls will cover the extra fuel.

Here's my suggestion. Others will probably chime in with other routes.

NY Turnpike south to I287 to join with NJ Turnpike (I95) in Edison. Stay on I95 all the way except that you MUST take I695 around Baltimore. Propane is forbidden in the I95 tunnel in Baltimore.

No toll on I287. You get a toll ticket on entering the NJ Turnpike and pay when you exit. There is a bridge toll when you cross the Delaware River into Delaware and a bridge toll if you take the east side of I695 at Baltimore. Not sure whether there are any other tolls.