Avoiding Washington and Baltimore

[seadogjim]

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

[jplante4]

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.

[NHIrish]

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!

[magicbus]

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