Hwy 13 from Newark, NJ to Chesapeake Bay, Va?

We traveled Rt 13 through the Delmarva Peninsula and it was great, mostly four lanes of limited access highway. I have not been further north, so I can't tell you about that part.

The only bad traffic we ran into was a wreck that had both north bound lanes closed and we followed some other traffic and went through a strip mall parking lot, on a back road and right back onto the highway.

I would not hesitate to take it again.

Hi--we use it every year on our way south. Be sure to take the 113 bypass when you get to it (in Lewes, DE I think). It will eliminate a lot of traffic and is a pretty drive. Have fun!

Are you saying Newark, NJ or Newark, DE. I don't believe you will find 13 in Newark, NJ.

OP must mean Newark, DE. US 13 heads into PA parallel to I-495 along the Delaware River north-east of Wilmington, then heads into Philly, passes the Zoo in Fairmount Park, and then heads up towards northeast Philly. It does cross into NJ but ends shortly thereafter.

SOOOO, Here's another vote for the US 13/113 route SOUTH from I-95 near WIlmington, and down across the CBBT. It's a flat, bucolic, peaceful drive for the most part, especially if you remember to slide over to US 113 South near Dover - that bypasses a lot of the Dover to Salisbury stuff. You rejoin US 13 down near Pokomoke City in Virgina, and then it's clear sailing all the way to the CBBT. Remember to turn off your propane tank before you hit the toll booths, they'll ask. There are numerous places to pull off and do so just before.

JimFromJersey wrote:
OP must mean Newark, DE. US 13 heads into PA parallel to I-495 along the Delaware River north-east of Wilmington, then heads into Philly, passes the Zoo in Fairmount Park, and then heads up towards northeast Philly. It does cross into NJ but ends shortly thereafter.

SOOOO, Here's another vote for the US 13/113 route SOUTH from I-95 near WIlmington, and down across the CBBT. It's a flat, bucolic, peaceful drive for the most part, especially if you remember to slide over to US 113 South near Dover - that bypasses a lot of the Dover to Salisbury stuff. You rejoin US 13 down near Pokomoke City in Virgina, and then it's clear sailing all the way to the CBBT. Remember to turn off your propane tank before you hit the toll booths, they'll ask. There are numerous places to pull off and do so just before.

You are correct 13 does not start at Newark, NJ I was wrong. Thank you for the advice. We will have to find our way to Newark, Delaware and hoping the NJ tolls aren't too expensive.

Sooner Schooner wrote:
You are correct 13 does not start at Newark, NJ I was wrong. Thank you for the advice. We will have to find our way to Newark, Delaware and hoping the NJ tolls aren't too expensive.

The only tolled roads in NJ are the NJ Turnpike and the GS Parkway. However, the TP is the most direct route. The alternative, heading west a bit and then using Interstate 81 to get south is possible, but a bit out of your way. The Northeast Extension of the PA turnpike, also an option, is also a toll road, of course, and is still (since, oh, about 1938..) under (re)construction. The NJTP is really probably the best bet, any tolls saved would be used in time or fuel instead. And the TP drops you right at the Delaware Memorial Bridge, then it's about 6 miles to where you'd take DE 1 / US 13 South. And oh, by the way, DE 1 is a toll road but is very nice, new and not that expensive. In fact, I think it's only a buck or two for the length from Newark, DE to Dover. South of Dover, look for US 113, take it, and then you can set the cruise control and almost take a nap. :)

I would take the Delaware turnpike to Dover and avoid some traffic and lights.
While 13 isn't a bad drive, there are quite a few stops so it isn't a route that can compare with an interstate highway. Ditto on taking the bypass around Salisbury.

JimFromJersey wrote:
The NJTP is really probably the best bet, any tolls saved would be used in time or fuel instead. And the TP drops you right at the Delaware Memorial Bridge...

You can avoid some of the turnpike tolls by switching over to I-295 at the I-195 exit (Exit 7 I think). I-295 parallels the turnpike and will also take you to the Delaware Memorial Bridge which has a toll leaving NJ. Following I-95 avoids some turnpike tolls and the bridge toll, but takes you through Philadelphia which can be a traffic nightmare at times especially in an RV.

Another possible route, but the most tolls, would be to take the Garden State Parkway South from I-95 to its end and take the Cape May Lewes Ferry to DE. Check the rates, it may be cheaper to disconnect the toad. The ferry ride is about 90 minutes. Food is available on the ferry and in the terminals. Cape Henlopen State Park near the ferry on the DE side has a campground. US-113 is pretty easy to get to from the ferry terminal.

Heartily agree w/TT above - The GSP and then the Ferry is a nice ride, if you can swing the ferry toll. It drops you in Lewes, then you take Route 9 west for a dozen or so miles, and hook up with US 113 S in Georgetown. The ferries are all fairly new, nicely appointed, and the ride is 70 minutes of relaxation. Done them a bunch of times, day and night. One time we were about 5 miles out in the bay and the Cap'n had to do a quick 360 to scrub off some momentum as there was an oil tanker parked where he shouldn't have been, evidently. Seen the occasional porpoise as well.

JimFromJersey wrote:
...take Route 9 west for a dozen or so miles, and hook up with US 113 S in Georgetown...

If you take US-9 West to DE-1 South to DE-24 West to US-113 at Millsboro it saves a few miles.