I80 instead of 78 into PA from 287

I prefer to drive 287 to 80 vs 78. Its a nicer and more relaxing drive. However, if your looking at taking 287 to 80 to 81 to 15 it will take longer than the 78 route. Been there done that. And there was construction on 81S last year, check the PA DOT website to see if its active still.

While you could take 84 to 81 that will take even longer.

It really depends how much time you have to get where your going IMO.

Either way, if you need fuel get it in NJ. PA's taxes make it more $ there. At least in my experience. There is a truck stop not far before the DWG into PA. If you need a rest stop the PA welcome center immediately after crossing into PA is usually nice, not crowded and relatively easy on/off.

I travel 78 a lot and while there are a few stretches that are bad, for the most part it is pretty good.I've seen a lot worse.I-80 is ok but we be longer. I -81 south from 80 has construction that goes on for about 20 miles in the south bound lanes unless they finished it since I was on last year.

fulltimin wrote:
Using Warwick Ri - to just south of Harrisburg Pa, Google shows

95 - 78 = 368 miles = 5 hr 55 min

95 - 276 (Pa Turnpike) = 374 miles = 6 hr 6 min

95 - 80 - 81 = 397 miles 6 hr 22 min

95 - 9 - 91 - 84 - 81 = 413 miles = 6 hr 35 min (6 hr 15 min no traffic)

The one thing you will find on 84 to 81 is far less traffic and little to no tolls.

Thanks for the legwork...

As was posted 84 in waterbury is a nightmare but the ride is so much more scenic I think that I will take that route in April and see if I keep my fillings in

I-84 in CT west of Hartford ALWAYS seems to be a traffic nightmare for me. I have family that lives in that area and I STILL won't take I-84 past Hartford. Either rush hour traffic or construction, whatever time of day you try to go thru. ST

Using Warwick Ri - to just south of Harrisburg Pa, Google shows

95 - 78 = 368 miles = 5 hr 55 min

95 - 276 (Pa Turnpike) = 374 miles = 6 hr 6 min

95 - 80 - 81 = 397 miles 6 hr 22 min

95 - 9 - 91 - 84 - 81 = 413 miles = 6 hr 35 min (6 hr 15 min no traffic)

The one thing you will find on 84 to 81 is far less traffic and little to no tolls.

fulltimin wrote:
Anything wrong with 84 to 81 to 15?

Trip planner showed quite a bit of extra time for this route from RI when I originally planned it. It may be worth re-calculating to see how much it actually adds though

Thanks

turbojimmy wrote:
I don't know much about your route or how much extra driving the Rt. 80 route will cost you but....

I live in northern NJ and head out to the Poconos several times a week to snowboard. I take Rt. 80 the whole way. Rt. 80 is fine on both sides of the Gap. I get off in PA at 299 (Tannersville) but I assume it's okay beyond that. I take the Rt. 78 route out to Hershey and other camping trips and it's ugly no matter what time of year. It's always torn up for some reason or another.

Hope that helps....safe travels...

Thanks, it does. I just feel like we are 4 wheelin' on 78 due to road condition

From NH we've been using I-88 from Albany, NY to Binghamton, NY, then I-81 south to Harrisburg. Nice roads, no tolls, from there either continue on 81 south or I-80 west. I-78 is really bad (as of last year) from NJ/PA line west to Harrisburg.

Anything wrong with 84 to 81 to 15?

I don't know much about your route or how much extra driving the Rt. 80 route will cost you but....

I live in northern NJ and head out to the Poconos several times a week to snowboard. I take Rt. 80 the whole way. Rt. 80 is fine on both sides of the Gap. I get off in PA at 299 (Tannersville) but I assume it's okay beyond that. I take the Rt. 78 route out to Hershey and other camping trips and it's ugly no matter what time of year. It's always torn up for some reason or another.

Hope that helps....safe travels...