Avoiding Washington and Baltimore

Oh, one more thing. If you DO use GoogleMaps, be aware that it will steer you to the E-Z Pass Express lanes around DC. It wont' TELL you that it's doing that, it will just tell you to get in the left lane. Then it will send you into the EZ-Pass Express lanes. At least that's what I've found to be its default. Personally, I don't want the toll lanes normally, because I'm too much of a tightwad to spend the bucks.

-Speak

Whatever route you choose, the biggest variable is the traffic. When it's bad, it's VERY bad. I once had about a 4-hour delay between Richmond and DC on I95. Pretty much unpredictable.

Lately I've been using GoogleMaps on my iPhone. It seems to do a great job of monitoring traffic conditions along your route and recommending alternatives when it sees a traffic problem up ahead.

-Speak

Been a few years since I made those trips but since you are going on a Saturday, I would say the beltway routes 495 and 695. 301 and the secondary route can be better than the interstates on weekdays, but on weekends the shoppers are heavier than the diminished number of commuters left on the interstates.
JMHO

I use the 301 route, get off 95 at exit #104 and follow the signs to get to 301, it does have sections with some lights and yes it might slow down but I prefer this way and there is some construction at some places but then where is there not construction.
The 95 route as has been said is 495 around DC then the shortest way around Baltimore is 695 East across the Scot Key Bridge, you can take 695 west for free but is a bit longer. Good luck on your choice and safe travels

US301/US50/US301/US 40 and pick up I-95 in Wilimington. Misses everything. 301 is the old Florida route (pre I-95, my grandfather used to drive to Florida that way). Typical old US route. Stretches of 65 mph broken up by towns and shopping centers.

I've driven this and the only part I didn't like was the bridge over the Potomac.

I make this trip quite a bit, and will be just a day ahead of you. Lately, I think that 81 is no better than 95 and can often place you in winter weather this time of year due to elevation etc.

Rte. 95 has gotten much better. Not sure how far you are going, or which direction, but also avoid the George Washington bridge in NYC. It is horrible, as is the Cross Bronx expressway that you will find yourself on. Use the Tappen Zee bridge north of the city.

So, the only issue is traveling with propane through Baltimore...you can't use the tunnel. The route to take is 695, over the John Phillip Sousa bridge.

I have always used 95 from Baltimore to DC. There is a 295 from Baltimore to Washington...but I don't know anything about it.

Around DC is not an issue, take the outer loop...just follow the 495 signs. As a general statement, it is best to avoid rush hour in either of these places.

Safe travels!

We are doing the same trip next week heading home. Having done all of the I95 derivatives through that area over many years of driving down the east coast, we opted for the scenic route. We are heading over to Virginia Beach and catching the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to Rt 13 and then on up to Wilmington. No super highway but something completely different and without the craziness.

BTW 81 is great but it is too far out of the way for us too. We take that south now but will be on the Georgia coast visiting friends on the way north so we will stick to 95 this trip.

Dave