Avoiding Washington and Baltimore

seadogjim wrote:
Hi,

Will be driving from Richmond, VA, to Philadelphia on Saturday in a class A w/towd and wondering which is the best route around DC and Baltimore? Haven't made this trip before so would appreciate advice from those familiar with the highways, traffic, etc.
Am thinking I-95 north and I-495 around Washington and I-695(west) around Baltimore. Many say I-81 is good but that just seems too far out of the way. I also know US-301 is an option but read it's not that good due to traffic and general congestion.
Would greatly appreciate any help anyone can offer.

Thanks, Jim

I wouldn't even worry about it on a Saturday. I-95, I-495 and I-695 W are your best routes. There's no rush hour on a Saturday, so just leave around 9 am and you should be fine. There might be accidents, but that can happen anywhere. Find alternate routes in case of traffic, but I think Interstate for your route is best.

We drive GA to NJ 6 to 8 times a year all I-95 (except I-295 around Richmond). For us, it is all about timing. There is no better route than I-95 as we live 2 miles from I-95 and our destination is about 10 miles from NJ Turnpike. The 301 route isn't bad if you don't mind stop lights and slow driving. It's not like it was 20 - 30 years ago. There is a lot more traffic along 301 than their used to be (lots of new housing developments close to 301). If there is traffic on I-95, most people are jumping off onto 301.

-Michael